Places like Langer’s, Canter’s, and Brent’s Deli are the epitome of Jewish food experiences for LA natives and visitors alike. Jewish delis have been a critical part of LA’s dining scene since the 19th century, and if you haven’t tried their pastrami and corned beef sandwiches yet, you’re missing out on some of the best food ever.
While New York is the place that gave Jewish delis the recognition they deserve, Los Angeles has been housing some of the best establishments that will make you want to revisit just for the food. Here are the top Jewish delis in Los Angeles you should visit.
Best Jewish Delis in Los Angeles
13. Mort & Betty’s
Located in Downtown LA, Mort & Betty’s is the vegan option for those who miss their pastrami, lox, and corned beef sandwiches once in a while. The kitchen at Mort & Betty’s strictly follows the vegan rules and regulations to spin the recipes around and make delicious foods for vegans.
The restaurant is a bit on the expensive side, but it’s worth a try for the Black and White Cookie, house-made dill pickles, and cashew Russian dressing.
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12. Belle’s Bagels
Belle’s Bagels was established in 2012 to offer bagels of different varieties. They do everything from hand-rolled to boiled and baked golden.
As one of the famous Highland Park eateries, Belle’s Bagels has earned its spot fair and square.
You can check out limited-edition Matzo Brei with parsley, a Jewish delight, and other equally mouthwatering foods like Loxsmith that has lox, radishes, crispy salmon skin, pickled fennel, beet cream cheese, and dill. Other favorites on the menu are class bagels with smear and bacon.
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11. Famous Labels Delicatessen
Regardless of its decade-long hiatus, Famous Labels Deli returned with the same taste and menu that most people loved. It’s one of those ’70s places that you’d visit every once in a while to try their sandwiches with double-baked rye, sourdough, egg, or wheat bread.
Famous Labels has a pretty versatile menu. You can find matzo brei, omelets, homemade blintzes, etc., among other regular Jewish deli items. Everything at Famous Labels is affordable, which makes it a favorite place.
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10. Factor’s Famous Deli
Since 1948, Factor’s Famous Deli has occupied the same spot in West LA—it’s nothing short of a landmark! Located on Pico Blvd, this deli has been owned and operated by a few people, but in 1969, the Markowitz family changed the fate of Factor’s Famous Deli.
Thanks to their hard work and enormous menu, the deli is now among the top Jewish delis in Los Angeles.
Their menu has everything from chicken fajitas to daily sausages and goulash. Whatever you want to eat from a Jewish deli, you’ll find it here.
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9. Art’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
The establishment was first introduced to the people of Los Angeles in 1957, but it took a while for Art’s Delicatessen & Restaurant to get its footing.
When Jerry’s Deli closed, it gave Art’s a chance to become the best place for huge pastrami sandwiches and noodle kugel in the East Valley.
There’s no right or wrong time to visit this deli—they serve breakfast practically the entire day. So, you can go there whenever you want and have your fill of pastrami, corned beef, lox, natural smoked whitefish, or cod with the sides.
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8. Wexler’s Deli
Wexler’s has one branch in Downtown LA where you’ll find Micah Wexler’s ode to Langer’s #19. Not just that, Micah has been interested in food for a long time, and creating unique and delicious recipes is just one of the things he’s good at.
Another thing that he’s great at is managing more than one deli location and serving mouthwatering foods in both of them.
Some of the best offerings at Wexler’s Deli are roasted heirloom carrots, braised holiday brisket served with potato latkes, chocolate babka, Dana’s matzo ball soup, and of course, the classic sandwiches.
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7. Wise Sons Jewish Delicatessen
The Los Angeles location of Wise Sons is one of the best establishments in the county for Jewish deli food. It’s a new location, yet it has managed to make people crave fresh house-made bagels and brined corned beef sandwiches.
They serve from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and from 7 am to 8 pm on weekends. So now you have the choice of going there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
No matter what you choose, you’ll definitely get some of the best food in LA at Wise Sons.
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6. Charlie’s Kosher Delicatessen
Another Pico Blvd location with appetizing Jewish deli food. The entire menu is kosher (as the name suggests), and you can order whatever you want without having to ask for all the ingredients.
The deli has classic staples, such as chicken schnitzel and chopped liver. It also features house-cut lox which is to die for.
While the staples are definitely worth trying, don’t forget to have a serving of one of their soups. Classic matzo ball with minestrone, borscht, and mushroom barley would be a good choice.
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5. Brent’s Deli
Brent’s has been a family business since the 1960s, serving a delectable and extensive menu with some classics, like stuffed kishka and cheese blintzes.
The establishment has two locations, one in Northridge and the other in Westlake Village. Brent’s Deli serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with specials that are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
They also have daily specials where you can order half an Italian sub and breakfast pork chops for reasonable rates.
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4. Nate ‘n Al’s Delicatessen
The Beverly Hills delicatessen started serving old-school deli food when it wasn’t called old-school. With the first shop that opened in 1945, Nate ‘n Al’s has been a family-run business for a long time. Before he passed away, Larry King used to eat breakfast here every morning!
During the pandemic, the place suffered a little, but thanks to Irving and Shelli Azoff, the place was saved from closing down for good. Nate ‘n Al’s serves mouthwatering kosher dogs and knishes. The cream cheese bagels and lox are also delicious.
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3. Daughter’s Deli
It’s a new place that only started operating in 2018, but Daughter’s Deli serves some of the best Jewish deli foods in LA. It’s not surprising, given the fact that Trisha Langer is the owner.
Yes, the daughter of the Norm Langer (another top Jewish deli in Los Angeles), runs this pl. Daughter’s Deli serves sweet and spicy chicken schnitzel sandwiches, sweet noodle kugel, egg salad, house-made tuna, and many more items that you can only find in a fine establishment like this one!
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2. Canter’s Delicatessen
Canter’s is one of the oldest delis in Los Angeles. It started business in 1931 and was once popular for being the hangout spot for the famous band Guns N’ Roses before it gained popularity.
Aside from being the place where celebrities like to hang out, Canter’s is famous for its outstanding corned beef and pastrami sandwiches.
The Matzo Ball soup of Canter’s is the perfect hangover soup after drinking all night at a local dive bar.
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Be sure to read my Canter’s Deli Review and see a lot more pictures of the restaurant.
1. Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant
Langer’s is another old establishment in LA, and its location is one of the reasons the deli is so famous. It’s situated next to MacArthur Park, so there’s never a shortage of people who want to visit the deli and try some of their best sandwiches, especially the #19.
Langer’s #19 is one of the best deli sandwiches in the United States, with delicious pastrami and coleslaw all piled high.
Personally I believe it is the best Pastrami sandwich in the world!
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Be sure to read our Langers Deli Review.
Summary
When you are looking for a vibrant food scene, Los Angeles is the best place to find a variety of cuisines. Jewish delis in Los Angeles have been planting their roots since the last century, and it’s no wonder they have delicious meals to offer.
If you want to enjoy a pastrami sandwich prepared right in front of you and served hot, visit one of these top places in Los Angeles. You will love the flavor and atmosphere of these delis!
Jewish Delis in Los Angeles – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Is Canter’s Deli Famous?
Canter’s Deli is located in Los Angeles and is one of the most popular delis in the city. It serves all its sandwiches on rye unless asked otherwise. The deli is famous for its pastrami and corned beef sandwiches.
Who Owns Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles?
The 24-hour deli in Los Angeles is owned by Terri Bloomgarden. Canter’s Deli welcomes people at all hours of the day with fresh and delicious sandwiches.
Why Did Jerry’s Deli Close?
Jerry’s Deli was a famous deli in Costa Mesa, California, but it closed down in 2012 after the owner failed to renew the lease.
Which Is the Oldest Jewish Deli in Los Angeles?
The oldest Jewish deli in Los Angeles is none other than Canter’s. It opened in 1931 and continues to be among the top 3 delis in the city.
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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.
