Jewish delis have been a staple of American cuisine for more than a century. These iconic eateries have served up traditional Jewish fare, such as pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and bagels with lox, to generations of hungry customers.
In Tampa, Florida, there are several Jewish delis that have become beloved institutions in the local community. These delis not only offer delicious food, but also serve as gathering places for members of the Jewish community and beyond. In this article, we will explore some of the best Jewish delis in Tampa and what makes them so special.
Here Are the Best Jewish Delis in Tampa
8. Cass Street Deli
Inspired by the OG New York-inspired delis that made kosher trendy, Cass Street Deli is known for its mouthwatering food and grocery staples. Since the deli cures, bakes, smokes, and pickles, you can grab lunch and groceries at the same time!
The menu in this Jewish deli Tampa is filled with all kosher classics, such as smoked black cod open-faced sandwiches and thick pastrami with the ever-popular pickle. Other menu items include slow-roasted brisket with an accompanying horseradish cream sauce, and chicken and matzo ball soup (homemade), among other delicious items that are changed regularly. Expect traditional meals such as potato kugel, honey-glazed carrots, and Israeli-style quinoas for Passover.
The staff is known for being incredibly warm and welcoming to anyone who visits the deli. Enjoy a range of kosher choices that will make you return for more! The deli is open from 10 am to 3 pm, Sunday to Saturday.
7. Jo-el’s Kosher Deli
Jo-el’s Kosher Deli is a deli/kosher butcher shop that is super popular with anyone who visits or relocates from New York City and misses the food from their hometown. Try the perfectly cooked hot pastrami with homemade rye, bagels, and hot corned beef sandwiches that are a hit during Passover and Shabat.
The deli is ideal for people on the go who have little time to dine in. Grab what you need from the counter or order takeout. For a light meal, choose their light yet delicious appetizers such as Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage, poppy seed rugelach, Chicken Schnitzel, and more!
If you prefer to make your own kosher meals, you can get all the ingredients you need from Jo-el’s. These include canned soups, baking boxes, and baklava, among others. The friendly staff will be more than happy to help you select specific dishes. Plus, if you have a special kosher request, they will do their best to make it for you.
6. Dina’s Kitchen
If you are in the mood for fresh kosher meals for dinner, lunch, and Shabbat, head to Dina’s Kitchen. One of the best jewish deli Tampa, this establishment is super strict in ensuring all meals are 100% kosher, so you don’t have to worry. Their deli is known for its sushi, wraps, sandwiches, and Shabbat essentials, and they also offer delivery!
Jewish Deli Tampa, Dina’s Kitchen is best known for its Lox and Cream Cheese Sandwich, which patrons often order with Chicken Soup and Matzoh Balls, the perfect combination for any day. During Shabbat, expect Challah, chicken, fish dishes, and specifically Gefilte fish. Head on over for lunch or dinner between 9 am and 7 pm.
The chef is a passionate cook and also has her own cookbook. As a dedicated chef, Dina regularly comes up with new recipes that her diners appreciate, such as this Fatayer bi har.
5. Datz
Datz is a kosher deli in Tampa, FL, that specializes in comfort food, breakfast and brunch, and traditional American meals. The Jewish Deli Tampa was featured in several channels, including Good Morning America, the Food Network, USA Today, MTV, Southern Living, and more. It just goes to show how beloved it is by the community.
The draft and bottle list pairs well with the ever-changing menu. Try their seasonal Cold Snap, a white ale brewed with fresh spring spices, fruits, and coriander. Their wheat beers are brewed to embody the spirit of the Sunshine State or their Mango Cart, a light wheat ale that offers the juicy goodness of mango, which is crisp and refreshing.
The daily menu is nothing to sneeze at, either. Order the ‘berry’ best for breakfast with their signature Strawberry Pancakes or a healthy avocado on toast, which is a fan favorite. Diners are spoiled for choice for lunch and dinner as well. You can go for classic burgers that include scrumptious grass-fed patties, a light salad or soup to whet the appetite, for a healthy meal or share Shareables such as Fusion Fries, Mac Bites, and Avocado Wedges.
4. Kosher Pizza Tampa Milk N’ Honey
This uniquely named Jewish deli is a pizza shop that offers kosher-friendly options to locals. Owned by Rabbi Elbaz, the deli is a favorite with tourists and constantly gets 5-star reviews. Choose from the house-favorite White Pesto Creamy Pizza or a Stuffed BBQ Veggie Pizza. Both have gotten rave reviews, as have other meals on the menu.
Other items on the menu that their patrons return for include sautéed wild mushrooms in wine-poached penne with a creamy herb sauce, vegan pizza with fresh herbs and Mediterranean-style olives, homemade croissants, and more!
3. Grill Express
Fast, fresh, and delicious – the Grill Express lives up to its tagline with delicious kosher meals and a constantly updated menu with new treats. It is also one of the few rare Jewish delis in Tampa, with a certificate proving that it uses kosher ingredients.
The team is dedicated in preparing authentic and fresh Kosher food which pays homage to the Middle East. This includes Israeli salad made from diced cucumbers, onions, and parsley, falafel balls with chickpea goodness, a range of hummus, schnitzel, and more!
Besides its kosher offerings, Grill Express is renowned for its crisp and healthy salad bowls. Make your own mix with your choice of protein and toppings. These include chicken thighs, schnitzel, falafel, kebab, rice, beans, and other add-ons that can take your veggie salad to the next level.
2. David’s Deli
David’s Deli is a kosher kitchen and deli that is part of the Synagogue the Chabad House building in Central Florida. They aim to seriously provide delicious Jewish meals to anyone in Tampa who is searching for an authentic and healthy glatt kosher experience.
The deli is open 24/7, which is great news for anyone who doesn’t have time to sit down for a meal, but they also take reservations. But David’s Deli is particularly famous for its authentic falafels, which one reviewer said were hands down the best outside of Israel and Miami.
Made from fresh and soft pita and filled with creamy hummus, you will have difficulty eating just one. The deli is just 15 minutes from the airport, so if you have a layover and are craving for genuine kosher food, the people at David’s Deli will welcome you with open arms and ensure you leave with a full belly. The deli also delivers to families sitting shiva in Tampa and surrounding areas.
1. Nosh Pit
The owner of the Nosh Pit restaurant, Rachel Finn, brings the flavors of her childhood in New York to her new home in Tampa. The NY-style Jewish deli offers a modern twist to kosher meals, including traditional matzo ball soup and potato pancakes, to diet-restrictive and vegan options that cater to the health-conscious.
But the deli gets a line out the door for its famous, quintessential pastrami and corned beef. All of their meat is sent directly from the finest butchers in New York, so you know every bite will be mouthwatering. The meat is steamed before it is seared on the flat top so it doesn’t get greasy.
Tasting the City visits Datz Delicatessen in Tampa
Tasting the City visits Datz Delicatessen in Tampa. Another terrific place that uses the best ingredients to create some delicious food!
Summary
These were just some of the best Jewish delis serving mouthwatering kosher food in Tampa, FL, that you must try out the next time you are searching for a restaurant. The delis we’ve listed in our guide serve a range of meals catering to vegans, people with food allergies and dietary restrictions, and foodies searching for their next culinary stop.
If you love Jewish delis in the US, check out this list. Find out which Jewish food accounts you should add to your bucket list, from The Kosher Guru to Busy in Brooklyn.
And if you want to find other delis in Florida, be sure to check out the best Jewish delis in Miami and best Jewish Delis in Ft. Lauderdale, and best Jewish delis in Boca Raton
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.