Brooklyn, the vibrant and diverse borough of New York City, is renowned for its food scene. Among its many culinary gems, the streets are lined with some of the best Jewish delis in the world. A walk through the streets of Brooklyn is a feast for the senses as the fragrant smells of pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and pickles waft through the air.
But this is not your typical foodie tour. We have uncovered a world of Jewish delis, serving up innovative twists on the classics, daring new flavor combinations, and fresh takes on old favorites. From the latest trendsetters to the timeless classics, our list will take you on a culinary journey through the best of Brooklyn’s Jewish deli scene.
Here Are the Best Jewish Delis in Brooklyn
9. Gottlieb’s Restaurant
This family-friendly eatery is dedicated to serving the freshest, most delicious kosher meals at affordable prices. And with over 50 years of experience, they know something about making a killer sandwich. From savory soups to crispy latkes, every dish on the menu is made from scratch and bursting with flavor. And with Joseph Gottlieb at the helm, you can always count on friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere.
One satisfied customer raved about their experience, saying Joseph went above and beyond to ensure their order was delivered to Manhattan. And with succulent pastrami and tender whitefish, it is no wonder people keep returning for more.
8. Frankel’s Delicatessen
Frankel’s Delicatessen is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic deli experience. Their meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and their bread is fresh and soft, making every bite a delicious adventure. Despite being a small deli with limited bench seating, their popularity speaks for itself as people flock to taste their substantial and flavorful pastrami and lox. However, be prepared to wait as it can get quite busy.
Their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich stand out, with the perfect ratio of bacon, egg, cheese, and bagel. Even if you do not eat it immediately, it is still hot and comforting, making it the perfect breakfast for a hearty appetite. And let’s not forget about the heirloom tomato, which looked and smelled amazing. The service at Frankel’s is friendly and efficient, and you will always leave satisfied. Plus, their everything bagel is one of the best in town, with top-notch quality and flavor in every bite.
If you enjoy bagels but prefer a crispier texture over softness, consider trying Bagel Chips – Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know.
7. David’s Brisket House and Deli
David’s Brisket House and Deli is a smaller, cozy place in Brooklyn that packs a big punch with its menu. Although they offer breakfast, burgers, and other goodies, their true stars are the pastrami, brisket, and corned beef. And why choose just one when you can have it all?
The pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are worth a try. The corned beef sandwiches are thinly sliced and generously portioned. And with pastrami, juices are served on the side so you can unleash them on your sandwich and indulge in the meaty goodness.
If you are a fan of savory goodness, adding cheese to your sandwich will take it to the next level. And while the Brisket is worth a try, why not sample it before you decide? The friendly staff is happy to provide tastings to help you find your perfect match. So head on over to David’s Brisket House and Deli. Who knows? It might just become your new favorite.
6. Essen NY Deli
Essen NY Deli is the answer to every pastrami-lover’s dreams. Their sandwiches are jam-packed with mouth-watering meat, leaving you wanting more after each bite. But Essen is more than just a one-trick pony. Their lunch deal offers a half sandwich, soup or fries, and a soda, making it the perfect opportunity to try their other delectable dishes.
Their matzo ball soup is so good, with noodles that make it a meal. And who said Jewish delis could not do Asian cuisine? Their sesame chicken is as flavorful as their deli classics and is the perfect side dish for any Essen meal. They have ultimate comfort food, mashed potatoes with brisket and gravy. So next time you crave some Jewish deli goodness, head over to Essen NY Deli.
5. Shelsky’s of Brooklyn Appetizing & Delicatessen
If you’re looking for a kosher-style delicatessen worth the splurge, Shelsky’s of Brooklyn Appetizing & Delicatessen should be on your list. The prices may be exorbitant, but it is a deli that truly delivers on taste and quality.
Their Shelsky’s Reuben is especially worth every penny. The meat is so tender that it melts in your mouth, and they do not skimp out on the filling. The two pickles they give you on the side are the perfect complement to cut through the fatty taste and give you a refreshing aftertaste.
While the spicy tuna and lobster roll may not have been spicy or flavorful enough for some, the corned beef tongue sandwich is a clear winner. But let’s be real, after trying the Peter Shelsky sandwich, everything else pales in comparison. It is a sandwich so good!
4. Edith’s Eatery & Grocery
This charming place has a menu that is a perfect combination of traditional and modern dishes. One dish that you cannot miss is chicken schnitzel. This dish has an innovative twist with harissa honey and relishes, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. The malawach with soft-boiled eggs and pickled grilled cheese are other favorites you will love to try.
The interior has an old-school charm that takes you to a different time and place. The service is warm and friendly as well. If you have a sweet tooth, try the parfait, which is rich and indulgent without being overly sweet. The pancakes are also very tasty, and the schnitzel is perfectly cooked. Edith’s Eatery & Grocery is a place that everyone should add to their food bucket list. It is a place where you can experience Jewish cuisine’s rich history and tradition in a modern and vibrant setting.
If you are enamored with this Jewish deli’s atmosphere, consider reading The Best Jewish Deli Books To Explore the Culture Behind Your Favorite Foods and delve deeper into the culture surrounding these beloved dishes.
3. Mile End Delicatessen
Mile End Delicatessen is a Jewish-Canadian deli in Brooklyn that offers a unique dining experience. The owners’ vision was to bring the flavors of Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood to Brooklyn by combining traditional Jewish delicatessen and Canadian-style cuisine. They use their grandmothers’ time-honored recipes as the foundation for their menu and focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with from-scratch cooking techniques.
The menu at Mile End Delicatessen offers a variety of classic dishes that will satisfy any craving. Their menu is packed with delicious options, from their famous smoked meats and sandwiches to their homemade hotdogs with tangy kraut. They also offer matzo ball soup and house-made wood-fired bagels, among other traditional dishes.
Don’t be surprised if you struggle to finish your meal at Mile End Delicatessen. While the food is undeniably delicious, it is also pretty heavy. But that just means you are getting your money’s worth, right?
2. S&P
S&P Deli is the go-to place for those looking for a Jewish deli experience. Known for its mouth-watering pastrami sandwiches, this deli takes pride in serving lean slices of pastrami. And the best part? You would not find any pesky bits of fat stuck in your teeth afterward.
If you are in the mood for something other than pastrami, don’t worry, S&P has many options. Their tuna melt is crisp and cheesy, while the turkey club will make you believe in this classic sandwich. And their pickles? One of their fans called it an A+.
The latkes and matzo ball soup are solid choices for those looking to start their meal with something special. And make sure to save room for dessert because the carrot cake is an absolute must you would not want to share. If you are lucky enough to snag a table at S&P, look around, and you will see plenty of regulars. And with all hits and no misses, it is easy to see why.
1. Katz’s Delicatessen
If you want an authentic New York-style deli experience in Brooklyn, Katz’s Delicatessen is THE place to be. Despite the long lines, the customer service is exceptional. You will feel like you are being taken care of by your family.
The pastrami sandwich is a must-try, even for those not usually fans. It is juicy, not overly salty, and comes with classic toppings of pickles and onions. The chicken noodle soup pairs perfectly with the sandwich and will hit the spot on a chilly day.
But this deli is pricey, so it is not an everyday spot. However, the quality of the food and atmosphere is worth the splurge. Plus, the chefs are friendly and love to crack jokes while they prepare your order. Just make sure you are getting in the right line. There are different ones for the butchers and additional items like egg creams and fries. Don’t miss out on the legendary experience at Katz’s Delicatessen.
How Katz’s Became The Most Legendary Deli In NYC | Legendary Eats
Katz’s Delicatessen has been a New York institution since 1888. Producer Spencer Alben visits to taste the legendary pastrami on rye and sits down with Jake Dell — the owner currently in charge of all major operations — to learn how Katz’s survived the ages and became one of the most famous delis in the world.
Summary
After indulging in the best Jewish deli Brooklyn offers, you will understand why this cuisine is a favorite worldwide. Each deli has its unique spin on classic dishes, from S&P’s savory pastrami sandwiches to Essen NY Deli’s matzo ball soup and everything in between.
The friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and flavorful food will take you to a time and place where family, tradition, and community are at the heart of Jewish life. If you love delis and you live in Brooklyn, or are just visiting, be sure to check out some of the places on our list.As you venture out to discover Jewish Delis in Brooklyn, remember to browse the best Jewish Deli gifts to surprise loved ones as they can help strengthen your bond with those you care about.
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.