The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (2023)

New York may be the Jewish deli capital of the world, but Los Angeles is no slouch when it comes to making a good meal. As a Jew raised in New York who rarely saw the inside of a temple as a child (which I now deeply regret seeing how half my friends live on bat mitzvah money), I have no special attachment to mine Faith, It's a Moving Bond My stay in Los Angeles awakened in me a craving for the Jewish cuisine I took for granted in Brooklyn. Luckily, I soon discovered that life in Los Angeles was thrivingjewish food scene, especially when it comes to old-school delicacies.

With Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur just around the corner, there's no better time to delve into the best of Los Angeles' Jewish delicacies. Think how proud your bubbe will be when you can correctly tell the difference between halva and rugelach. Even if you're not a member of the tribe, you may one day need to impress your Jewish partner's family at brunch, a situation where knowing how to properly prepare a bagel can only work in your favor. Tip for the wise: don't leave no corner or niche unsmeared and don't skimp on the capers.

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (1)


Gallop (photo byTerry OlsenthroughSelected LAist photosflickr pool)
CANTER'S DELI

Support for LAist comes from

(Video) These Are Hands Down The Best 15 Delis In The U.S.

Canter's is an old but fine restaurant and has been a beacon of fine dining since it opened in 1931. Decorated in a distinctive hue of creamsicle orange, Canter's is open 24 hours a day, a real treat as you stroll the deserted streets of the Fairfax District at 3:47 a.m. and look forward to a steaming cup of matzoh ball soup . (If you've never found yourself in this situation, you haven't lived in LA long enough.) Canter's Deli has a certain dark glamour; the Pfefferman familyTransparent, Ö "most Jewish show on TV", has a standing order there. And in her 2009 essay "Ten Notes on Oscar Season," author Zadie Smith describes the solution at Canter's -- a "sprawling Jewish eatery where you can get good chicken soup at 2 a.m. -- with a handful of celebrities after the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Canter's is also home to The Kibitz Room, a wonderfully sordid bar that has hosted Guns N' Roses, Joni Mitchell and other legendary musicians.

Canter's Delicatessen is located at 419 N Fairfax Ave, Fairfax. (323) 651-2030

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (2)


Pastrami and Sweet Potato Fries from Nate 'n Al. (Photo ofCelestina A.vonJaul.)
NATE 'N AL

New York, you can have your Katz's and your Barney Greengrass; For us Angelenos, there's nothing like a relaxed Sunday afternoon feast of matzo brei and cinnamon French toast at Nate 'n Al. After digesting your brunch and perusing the Arts and Entertainment section, order half a grapefruit and take a leisurely stroll to the Beverly Hills Athletic Club for an invigorating game of tennis. Then, relax into a sweat while loudly complaining about your lower back pain. Congratulations, you've just hit the peak of prosperous L.A. Jewish grandfather.

Nate 'n Al befindet sich in 414 N Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 274-0101

(Video) Keeping it Kosher in LA's Kosher Corridor: Soul Food

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (3)


Langer's Delicatessen on Alvarado Street. (Photo ofJasmine N.vonJaul.)
LANGER'S DELICATESSEN

We have already written about the legendaryPastrami-Sandwich, who is no less a food expert than Nora Ephronknown to be consideredthe best of the world. The 70-year-old Westlake deli isn't a hit wonder; Norm Langer, who inherited the business from his father Al, can often be seen at the restaurant, where he serves corned beef and cheese blints with a dash of borscht-belt humor. Unfortunately Langer's closes at 4pm. daily - if you're in a hurry, use the "curbside service" and order a take-out order. But be warned: The famous #19 Hot Pastrami Sandwich is best enjoyed at one of Langer's signature brown stands.

Langer's is located at 704 S Alvarado Street, Westlake. (213) 483-8050

Support for LAist comes from

(Video) What Are the Top 8 Jewish Foods?

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (4)


"The Big Poppa" at Wexler's. (Photo by Vanessa Stump, courtesy of Wexler)
WEXLER'S

While some Jewish delis refuse to deviate from tradition (insert).violinist on the roofReferenceHere) Wexler's isn't afraid to try new things. The downtown Los Angeles deli opened in Grand Central Market just three years ago, but its hearty apple-tree-smoked fish and meat landed it on our latest list of Los Angeles' best breakfasts. When it comes to a Jewish deli, a lot hinges on a pickle; While some eateries, who remain anonymous, are content to serve sad, soggy specimens with their appetizers, Chef Micah Wexler provides the icing on the cake with brine-made, cask-fermented pickles. If you're dining at Wexler's Santa Monica on the way to the beach, grab a "Big Poppa" (pastrami, egg, and cheddar cheese on a bagel) to go and don't sleep on the chocolate babka.

Wexler's is located at 616 Santa Monica Blvd in Santa Monica, (424) 744-8671. And at 317 S. Broadway in downtown L.A. (213) 620-0633

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (5)


The smoked salmon dish at the New York Famous Deli. (photo viaFamous New York delicatessen)
FAMOUS NEW YORK DELI

In a city full of top-notch "restaurants," there's something wonderfully simple about the New York Famous Deli. Nestled between a cheese shop and a hair salon on Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock, the restaurant offers a stunning Northeast LA counterpart to Langer's famous pastrami sandwich, as well as a few New York-inspired offerings. The eggplant parmigiana really stands out, and you haven't lived until you've tried Rachel's Belly Fries, which are stuffed with cheese, grilled peppers, onions, and roast beef. (It's not exactly what they ate in the old country, but hey, it's okay to revamp it a bit at lunchtime.) By New York standards, NYFD is less of a Katz's deli and more of a random spot next to your U -Train Station”: You arrive unexpectedly and don't regret stopping there. Plus, you really don't want to wait in the endless weekend queue for itBagels da Belle, Of?

The New York Famous Deli is located at 2108 Colorado Blvd, Eagle Rock. (323) 255-3354

(Video) The Jewish Deli | The Migrant Kitchen | Season 3, Episode 1 | KCET

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (6)


Chicken Noodle Soup at Brent's. (Photo ofAlan B. vonJaul)
BRENT'S DELICATESSEN AND RESTAURANTS

Next time you're craving a Jewish deli in the San Fernando Valley, head straight to Brent's. Even if it were in the Fairfax borough, this Northridge location would hold its own in the matzo balls department, and the kreplach — meat or potato dumplings in soup — are the perfect comfort food. (We would have included a photo of Brent's kreplach above, but the gruesome fact is that all kreplach looks gross in photos. We don't know why, that's just the way it is.) The portions at Brent's are incredibly huge, so come with an appetite or be ready to go with a dog bag. That said, Brent's is a great place to take your Jewish grandmother to lunch if you want to give her a built-in theme to complain about, "Why do the portions have to be so big?" Back then…” and so on, and so on, and so on.

Brent's is located at 19565 Parthenia Street, Northridge. (818) 886-5679

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (7)


Fleishik-Schild am Beverly Boulevard. (Photo viaFleishiks.)
FLEISHIK'S

While many of the delis on this list are as old as Moses, Fleishik's only opened in March. Nevertheless, the delicatessen with its location near the Grove is already enjoying great popularity. Fleishik's is modeled after modernized New YorkCafe Russ & Daughtersand offers bold, modern interpretations of old-school classics. As for the sandwich, you can't go wrong with "bubbe" (brisket, raw red onions and horseradish on a challah bun) or "zayde" (grilled salami, pickles and caramelized onions). A New York deli classic, Fleishik's offers an 'almond milk egg custard' and a selection of liqueurs to accompany your meal. The menu may be funny, but Fleishik's doesn't matter when it comes to Jewish dietary laws — the restaurant is kosher, an on-site rabbi oversees food preparation, and observes Shabbat on Saturdays.

Fleishik's is located at 7563 Beverly Blvd, Fairfax. (323)-746-5750

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles (8)
(Video) 10 FAMOUS Must-Try JEWISH Foods in NEW YORK


Complimentary pickles, not from Factor. (Photo ofWinnie L.vonJaul)
FACTOR'S FAMOUS DELI

There are restaurants that pull off wild culinary feats to get your attention, and then there are restaurants like Factor's. Factor's has occupied the same spot on Pico Boulevard since 1948 and shines at its best when it comes to the simple things - smoked fish, matzo brei, corned beef. While Canter's might attract more star power, Factor's operates a fast, no-frills shop fifteen minutes away and serves food that's best described as "delightfully predictable." For clarification: This description does not include a shadow; The best Jewish delis excel at predictability, serving the same menu items — salmon, whitefish, matzo dumpling soup — in a way that makes you feel at home no matter where in the world you eat.

Factor's is located at 9420 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles. (310) 278-9175

FAQs

The 8 Best Jewish Delicatessen in Los Angeles? ›

Katz's Delicatessen Katz's Delicatessen - NYC's oldest deli.

What is the oldest Jewish deli in America? ›

Katz's Delicatessen Katz's Delicatessen - NYC's oldest deli.

What beef cold cut is popular in Jewish delicatessens? ›

Originating from Romania, pastrami is a type of cured beef or turkey that's considered the quintessential Jewish deli meat brought to the U.S. by European immigrants.

Why are so many delis Jewish? ›

Untapped Cities says Jewish delis came about during the mass migration in the 19th century. Many Jewish German immigrants opened these culinary shops called Delikatessens which translates as delicacies, and that's exactly what the stores provided.

What famous Jewish deli in New York closed? ›

At midnight on December 31, 2016, Carnegie Deli on Seventh Avenue closed after almost eighty years of service.

What is the oldest deli in the world? ›

Katz's Delicatessen
Established1888
Food typeJewish kosher style delicatessen
Dress codeCasual
Street address205 East Houston Street
9 more rows

Where was the first deli delicious? ›

Deli Delicious started in Fresno, CA. in the early 90's. A quick service restaurant offering premium sandwiches made from the freshest ingredients. The founders spent several years developing proprietary recipes and Deli Delicious quickly became a local favorite.

What is the most consumed deli meat? ›

What are the most popular deli meats in the United States?
  • Popularity results: 34.6% Ham. Getty.
  • Popularity: 30.9% Beef. USAT photo.
  • Popularity: 11.7% Chicken. USAT photo.
  • Popularity: 7.8% Salami. USAT photo.
  • Popularity: 5.7% Bologna. USAT photo.
  • Popularity: 3.6% Other. USAT photo. Popularity: 5.7%
May 14, 2023

What is the Amish brand of deli meat? ›

Troyer Cheese Home. Located in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, we offer a full line of premium Troyer deli and retail cheese and meats and distribute to stores in 48 states.

What are the top 5 deli meats? ›

It features 12 varieties with hints for use and storage information for each one.
  • 1 – Chorizo. Chorizo is a cured Spanish sausage made from pork, garlic, black pepper and smoked paprika, which gives it a red colour. ...
  • 2 – Pancetta. ...
  • 3 – Prosciutto. ...
  • 4 – Ham off the bone. ...
  • 5 – Pepperoni. ...
  • 6 – Mortadella. ...
  • 7 – Chicken roll. ...
  • 8 – Salami.

What US state has the most delis? ›

The state with the most number of American Deli locations in the US is Georgia, with 112 stores, which is about 56% of all American Deli stores in the US.

Where does pastrami come from? ›

» Type of Cuts

While beef is the common meat source for corned beef and pastrami, they have different types of cuts. Usually, brisket is used for corned beef. It is the lower area of a cow's chest. Meanwhile, brisket for pastrami comes from the beef plate, shoulder, or cow's naval area.

What famous people go to Katz deli? ›

Katz's Delicatessen

With over 750 photographs, Katz's exceeds every other establishment on the list in terms of its dizzying range of famous faces featured: members of the Wu-Tang Clan, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, famed porn actor Ron Jeremy—the list goes on.

What famous deli in Times Square is closing? ›

Jung Min Kim, 71, and his family are closing the doors to their deli after 39 years in the theatre community. As one of his longtime customers said, it's a “go-to” destination for lunch. But it was more than lunch; it was like visiting an old friend.

What made Katz deli famous? ›

It was during World War II that the restaurant coined its famous slogan, “Send Salami to Your Boy in the Army,” as a result of Katz's owners sending food from the deli to their two sons serving oversees.

Why do Jews eat pastrami? ›

Pastrami was introduced to the United States in a wave of Jewish immigration from Bessarabia and Romania in the second half of the 19th century. The modified "pastrami" spelling was probably introduced in imitation of the American English salami. Romanian Jews emigrated to New York as early as 1872.

Why is Katz so expensive? ›

The high price is likely due to the cost of making pastrami and is less related to the restaurant's fame, as I initially thought. To make pastrami, the meat is first brined in a manner similar to how corned beef is made, then seasoned, dried, and smoked.

What is the longest lasting deli meat? ›

Obviously, it all depends on the type of meat and how you store it. Ones with less moisture, such as pepperoni or salami, tend to last longer than ham or chicken. What is this? When it comes to meat sliced at the deli counter, it usually lasts between 2 to 5 days.

Where was the first sandwich eaten? ›

According to history, the sandwich we know and love today was created in 1762 in England. Most food historians agree that the sandwich is the product of John Montagu, “the 4th Earl of sandwich.” Montagu was known for being a problematic gambler, spending hours upon hours at the card table.

What is the iconic deli New York City? ›

Katz's Delicatessen

No list of delis in NYC or beyond would be complete without Katz's, the absolute most iconic deli in NYC, perhaps even in the world.

How many Deli Delicious are in California? ›

Currently, there are 100+ Deli Delicious™ restaurants on the books with 50 already open and operating in California.

What is the #1 meat eaten worldwide? ›

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world (36%) followed by poultry (33%), beef (24%), and goats/sheep (5%).

What states have bad deli meat? ›

Illnesses have been reported in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Illinois, and California. In a statement, the CDC said, “The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.

What is the least processed deli meat? ›

What deli meats are not processed? Buy meat sliced fresh from a cooked cut of beef or ham, or slices of turkey meat from the deli . This is the best way to avoid processed meats.

Can Amish eat pizza? ›

The Amish Have No Dietary Restrictions

Having no dietary restrictions means they can eat whatever their heart desires. While many Amish stick to a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch diet, we've seen Amish dine at Olive Garden and take their buggies through the Burger King drive thru line.

Why not to buy deli meat? ›

Deli meat can contribute to an increased risk of disease

"The processing methods used in deli meats can result in the formation of harmful compounds like nitrosamines, which are associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including colorectal cancer," says Best.

What deli turkey is the best? ›

You don't get a vehicle that looks like a hot dog by being bad at making processed meat products, so it's no surprise that Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Oven Roasted Turkey is one of the best sliced turkeys on the market. Speaking of packaging, these deli slices are extremely efficiently stored.

Which deli meat is better? ›

The healthiest deli meats are preservative free and would be those derived from poultry; turkey, and chicken breast instead of beef or pork because the saturated fat content and calories per serving are much lower.

What is the best deli meat thickness? ›

Numbers 3-4 are perfect for sandwiches; and allow you to really taste the flavors of your deli meat. Numbers 5 -7 are for salads and when a recipe calls for diced meat. Numbers 8-10 provide the thickest slices and are great for soups and cubing.

What is the sandwich capital of the world? ›

Downtown Las Vegas is the Sandwich Capital of the World.

What is the sandwich capital of the United States? ›

Orlando is the sandwich capital of the U.S., according to Google data.

What is the greatest sandwich shop in America? ›

These Shops Make the Absolute Best Sandwiches in the U.S.
  • Philippe the Original.
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen. ...
  • Killer PoBoys. ...
  • Saigon Deli. ...
  • Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop. ...
  • Chacarero. Location: Boston, Massachusetts. ...
  • Katz's Delicatessen. Location: New York, New York. ...
  • Pat's King of Steaks. Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ...
May 23, 2023

What animal is corned beef made from? ›

In the U.S., corned beef is made from beef brisket. You might have seen it at Jewish delis, and that's because the brisket is a traditionally kosher cut of meat that's cured to tenderize it.

Is a Reuben sandwich made with corned beef or pastrami? ›

A Reuben sandwich is typically made with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing and served on marble or regular rye bread. It would taste great with pastrami too, but then it just wouldn't be a classic reuben! Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either of these flavor-packed meats.

What kind of meat is corned beef? ›

Corned beef typically is made by salt-curing beef. Usually, brisket is used, as it is a tough cut of meat that's made tender by a long, salt-filled cooking process. The brine used to cook the brisket down into corned beef is not unlike a pickling liquid.

What famous movie was filmed in Katz deli? ›

Katz's Delicatessen, When Harry Met Sally

A New York City institution, this place was iconic even before that memorable scene in the award-winning 1989 rom-com. It's been around since 1888, and is known for the delectable pastrami sandwiches.

Do you tip at Katz deli? ›

While waiting in line, have visible cash in your hand as a tip. A few singles, maybe a $5 if you're ordering for more than one person. Make sure to tip your cutter. When it's your turn, walk up to the cutter and make sure they see you put the cash in their cup.

What did Sally order at Katz deli? ›

In great contrast with her over-the-top orgasmic theatrics that follow, Sally ordered a simple turkey sandwich on white bread. The ordering itself is never shown in the movie, however, so how did she dress it?

What is Carnegie Deli famous for? ›

About Carnegie Deli

We are known for our gargantuan sandwiches, smoked and cured meats, potato knishes, and our creamy cheesecake. Carnegie Deli brings an authentic New York deli experience to deli lovers all over the world.

What deli was in the movie Manhattan? ›

Review of Zabar's. It is said that "New York is Zabar's... Zabar's is New York." This was one of the stops we made on the TCM Classic Movie Tour.

Why did Short Hills deli close? ›

The Short Hills Restaurant & Delicatessen in Cherry Hill permanently closed in November 2021 because of the pandemic's financial impact.

What is the most popular sandwich at Katz deli? ›

We've peeked behind the scenes at many a celebrated foodstuff over the years, but none have quite the gravitas of what may be New York's most iconic dish: the pastrami sandwich at 125-year-old Katz's Deli.

What deli was in When Harry Met Sally? ›

Katz's Delicatessen, the hundred-plus-year old Lower East Side deli in which the duo filmed an iconic scene back in 1989 is honoring the film's legacy with an entire month of When Harry Met Sally festivities.

What type of meat does Katz deli use? ›

First, we only use beef navels for our pastrami. Other folks may use beef brisket, but the navel is a traditional cut that produces a consistently juicy & complex flavor that we love. We begin by curing the meat in a salt water brine for three weeks.

Where was the first East Bay deli? ›

With favorites like “The Carolina” and “The Club Calhoun,” East Bay Deli has become a household name in South Carolina since opening its first store Sept. 11, 2001 at 334 East Bay St. Now with 11 shops in the Charleston and Columbia markets, founders Daniel Jaicks, Charles Lee Jr.

What is the oldest deli in Minneapolis? ›

Cecil's Delicatessen & Restaurant, in St. Paul Minnesota's Highland Park neighborhood, has thrived for over seven decades as a family run business. As the oldest Deli in Minnesota, with 4 generations of family working side by side, we can only get stronger!

When was Carnegie Deli opened? ›

About Carnegie Deli

Founded in 1937 and located just offstage from Manhattan's theater district, Carnegie became THE iconic spot for entertainers, celebrities, and comics to eat sandwiches the size of their heads.

Where was the first yellow deli located? ›

So, the Yellow Deli was our heavenly Father's gift to us when it first opened in May of 1973 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Who owns East Bay Deli? ›

When lunch time arises, East Bay Deli is packed, providing some of the most quality sandwiches to the Lowcountry. Opening its first doors downtown in 2001, owners Dan Jaicks and Chuck Lee now have multiple locations around the state.

What was the first sandwich ever made? ›

The earliest recognizable form of a sandwich may be the Korech or “Hillel sandwich” that is eaten during Jewish Passover. Hillel the Elder, a Jewish leader and rabbi who lived in Jerusalem during the time of King Herod (circa 110 BC), first suggested eating bitter herbs inside unleavened matzo bread.

Who made Katz deli? ›

Katz's Deli was first established in 1888 as Iceland Brothers, a small kosher deli on Ludlow Street owned by two brothers with the last name Iceland. In 1903, they took on an additional partner, Willy Katz, and changed the name to Iceland & Katz.

What is the oldest restaurant in the world? ›

Casa Botín, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records and a benchmark of Madrid's best traditional cuisine.

What is the oldest McDonald's in Minnesota? ›

When Did McDonald's First Open in Minnesota? Two years after the fast-food restaurant began expanding across the country, Minnesota got a taste. The St, Louis Park Historical Society explains, our first McDonald's location opened on September 7th, 1957 at 2075 North Snelling Ave. in Roseville.

Who owns Saul's deli? ›

Peter Levitt & Karen Adelman

Executive Chef and Co-Owner Peter Levitt has been reconnecting the Jewish eatery with traditional culinary practices for almost two decades. He started at a time when re-authenticating Jewish Deli was a lonely project.

Will Carnegie Deli ever reopen? ›

Less than two years after serving its last hot pastrami sandwich, the Times Square Chronicles reports that the Carnegie Deli will reopen: This time as a retro pop-up selling sandwiches for what they would have cost back in the 1950s.

Why is Kornblatt's closing? ›

After 32 years in business, the owner of Kornblatt's Delicatessen cited rising food and labor costs as a reason for his decision to call it quits. PORTLAND, Ore.

What religion owns Yellow Deli? ›

While it may seem like a typical, if off-beat, restaurant, the Yellow Deli is actually part of an alternative religious community that spans the globe. The community, called the Twelve Tribes, was founded in the 70s during the Jesus movement and after the end of the hippie movement.

What is the Yellow Deli known for? ›

The Yellow Deli is essentially the Twelve Tribes' purse. The cult has branches and communities across the world, each running shops and cafes to earn money. The delis are only staffed by unpaid Twelve Tribes members and appear to be their primary source of income.

Why is it called the Yellow Deli? ›

The Yellow Deli got its name from a passage in the Bible, Genesis 1:3. This passage explains how God created light in the darkness. The Twelve Tribes believe yellow was the first color appearing on earth and thus the Yellow Deli was named.

Videos

1. Langer's Deli Los Angeles Celebrates 75 Years!
(PhotowalksTV with Jefferson Graham)
2. Freedman's: A Fresh Take on L.A.'s Jewish Deli Experience
(Elex Michaelson)
3. The Best PASTRAMI SANDWICH in Los Angeles
(Zoe Claire)
4. Which NYC Jewish Deli is Best? Katz's vs 2nd Ave Deli | Jeremy Jacobowitz
(Jeremy Jacobowitz)
5. New Jewish deli exhibit opens at Skirball Cultural Center (8 a.m.)
(KTLA 5)
6. Jeff & Jude's brings modern Jewish deli to Chicago's NW Side
(ABC 7 Chicago)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated: 06/29/2023

Views: 5638

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.