Eat · Iconic and old New York · 2026
The best delis in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 8 places.
The best delis in NYC, from Katz’s pastrami to the bodega chopped cheese. The ones that have been here forever, and what to actually order at each.
New York delis are a different thing than what you’re thinking of. Forget the suburban deli counter with the numbered tickets and the turkey wraps. A real New York deli is a loud, slightly chaotic institution where someone is hand-slicing pastrami that’s been curing for 30 days, the matzo ball soup has been simmering since before you were born, and the sandwiches are so tall they’re structurally questionable.
- 2nd Ave DeliRestaurant · Upper East SideThe matzo ball soup ($10 cup / $16 bowl) is the best in the city.
- Barney GreengrassRestaurant · Upper West SideThe scrambled eggs with Nova ($24) are legendary.
- Katz's DelicatessenRestaurant · Lower East SideAnd yes, the pastrami sandwich ($28) is worth the hype.
- Liebman'sRestaurant · Riverdale, the BronxThe pastrami ($22) is hand-carved and legitimately excellent.
- Mile End DeliRestaurant · Boerum Hill, BrooklynThe smoked meat sandwich ($19) on rye with mustard is excellent and a little less overwhelming than the New York deli portions.
- Russ and DaughtersMarket · Lower East SideEither way, you’re eating some of the best smoked fish in the world.
- Sarge's DeliRestaurant · Murray HillBut at 3 AM when you need a pastrami sandwich, Sarge’s is there for you, and that counts for something.
- The Bodega Deli CounterOther · CitywideIs a chopped cheese fine dining? No. Is it a cultural institution as important as anything on this list? Absolutely.
2nd Ave Deli
Restaurant · Upper East Side · 1442 First Avenue (at 75th Street)
The matzo ball soup ($10 cup / $16 bowl) is the best in the city.
Barney Greengrass
Restaurant · Upper West Side · 541 Amsterdam Avenue (at 86th Street)
The scrambled eggs with Nova ($24) are legendary.
Katz's Delicatessen
Restaurant · Lower East Side · 205 East Houston Street
And yes, the pastrami sandwich ($28) is worth the hype.
Liebman's
Restaurant · Riverdale, the Bronx · 552 West 235th Street
The pastrami ($22) is hand-carved and legitimately excellent.
Mile End Deli
Restaurant · Boerum Hill, Brooklyn · 97A Hoyt Street
The smoked meat sandwich ($19) on rye with mustard is excellent and a little less overwhelming than the New York deli portions.
Russ and Daughters
Market · Lower East Side · 179 East Houston Street
Either way, you’re eating some of the best smoked fish in the world.
Sarge's Deli
Restaurant · Murray Hill · 548 Third Avenue (between 36th and 37th)
But at 3 AM when you need a pastrami sandwich, Sarge’s is there for you, and that counts for something.
The Bodega Deli Counter
Other · Citywide
Is a chopped cheese fine dining? No. Is it a cultural institution as important as anything on this list? Absolutely.
Best delis in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: Best Delis in NYC, From Old School Counters to the New Wave.