New York's Best Delis

Katz's Delicatessen is a longtime New York institution known for its authentic deli experience and storied past. Open since 1888, it welcomes visitors with a lively atmosphere and a genuine taste of local history. Its classic charm and role in the city’s cultural fabric make it a memorable stop for both locals and travelers.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast

Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best.For over a century, this iconic restaurant has been serving up New York City’s quintessential Jewish comfort food. Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best. Tourist trap or not, this is a pretty damn good sandwich. Other items on the menu include the corned beef sandwich, a rich matzo ball soup, and crunchy pickles.

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Russ & Daughters has been part of New York’s Lower East Side for over a century. With a deli for takeout and a café just around the corner, it offers a friendly, nostalgic vibe that many find inviting. Its long history and down-to-earth feel continue to draw both locals and visitors who enjoy its timeless character.

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Will Guidara

Restaurateur

For lox and bagels my go-to is Russ & Daughters' deli. I think it's obvious. It's not just because of the food. I think Russ & Daughters’ lox is as good as any lox you can get anywhere and some might argue that you might be able to get a better bagel somewhere else. But it's marginal. We have a lot more senses than just what we taste and it's the vibe that you feel when you're in these places that contribute so much to everything about the experience as a whole. There’s an impossible to describe feeling that you get when you walk back in time at a place like Russ & Daughters. There's a reason why they've been around this long, and there's a reason why they will be around for a very, very long time. The deli is take away only, the Russ & Daughters Cafe is around the corner on Orchard Street.

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Frankel’s Delicatessen & Appetizing in Williamsburg, New York, blends old-school tradition with a modern deli vibe. It sits right across from McCarren Park, making it a convenient spot for a laid-back bite. Guests often appreciate its friendly atmosphere and reliable menu options.

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Daniel Modlin

Food & Wine Editor

If you want a good bagel in Williamsburg, go here. Old school new school jewish deli right across from McCarren Park. The pumpernickel bagel is out of this world, and if you go in the sunmer, make sure to grab an open faced tomato bagel.

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Pastrami Queen has been around since 1956 and offers a relaxed, homey atmosphere that makes it feel like a neighborhood mainstay. They pride themselves on preparing everything from scratch daily and using quality ingredients. With a loyal following from locals and visitors alike, this spot brings a classic deli vibe to New York without feeling crowded or touristy.

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Hani AlMalki

Writer @BedouinFoodie

My Favorite Pastrami SandwichI love Pastrami Queen and it is not a touristy place. Hard core pastrami lovers will agree that it is excellent. They are located uptown.

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Gertie is a modern “Jew-ish” diner in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offering a relaxed spot for breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Its bright, welcoming space gives off a friendly neighborhood vibe, making it an inviting place to enjoy a casual meal.

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Wylie Dufresne

Chef

Jewish Deli serving great bagels, deli sandwiches etc in Williamsburg.Some of the best bagels in New York are served at Gertie in Williamsburg. This colorful deli/diner serves deli sandwiches, bagels, bialys and salads for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

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Russ & Daughters Brooklyn is a century-old spot known for making some of the freshest bagels in New York. Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, you can see them being made right on site. It’s a straightforward, down-to-earth experience that keeps people coming back.

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Joshua David Stein

Writer

The freshest and best bagels in New York from a century old institution.The original Russ & Daughters is on the Lower East Side but their bakery is situated in the Brooklyn Navy Yard where you actually watch your bagels made. They come out, fresh as day, perfectly small with a shiny crust and chewy interior. Paired with silken slices of lox, cream cheese, capers, tomatoes and onion, it's the closest thing to heaven on Earth.

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