New Orleans is a city known the world over for excellent
food, but most of the dishes that people talk about are Creole and Cajun foods
like gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee. New Orleans and the surrounding areas are
populated with people who came from different parts of the world, and our restaurants
reflect the melting pot of cultures.
Our deli restaurants may not be famous, but they are
world-class and a part of New Orleans culture. They offer excellent meats piled high on fresh bread that locals
just can't get enough of. These delis are amazing for lunch, and you'll make at
least one of them a regular stop.
The Best Delis You Can Find in New Orleans
1. Stein's Market & Deli
2207 Magazine St., (504) 527-0771
steinsdeli.com
Even before owner Dan Stein was featured on season 7 of Netflix's Queer Eye, Stein's Deli has been a New Orleans staple for a good reason. This hole-in-the-wall deli has a little something for everyone. Even beer lovers can find a unique and extensive selection of beers up front in the coolers and in the back beer room.
As for food, you can't go wrong with any of their sandwiches made with high-quality meats and cheeses. Can't pick for yourself? Try one of their daily specials like N.Y. Corned Beef and Pastrami or Chicago Italian Beef. If you're not in a sandwich mood, pick up an order of Stein's Matzah Ball Soup or one of their delicious sides like chicken salad (which pairs perfectly with the bagel chips sold at Stein's). Early, or not so early, risers can get one of their breakfast sandwiches, served all day on New York bagels. Next time you're in the area, stop by Stein's to get a sandwich, a drink, and maybe a new T-shirt to show off your love for this local joint.
2. Martin Wine and Spirits
Multiple Locations
martinwine.com
While a wine store may not be on your radar when looking for a deli, Martin's takes pride in being more than just a place to buy wine. Both their Metairie and New Orleans locations have a deli and bistro with seating available for those who want to sit and enjoy their sandwich or salad.
Along with the many sandwiches to choose from, patrons can build their own sandwich and pick from the variety of meats, cheeses, and breads that Martin's serves. If you're more of a salad fan, you're in luck. Martin's makes large salads with house-made dressings that can be purchased by the bottle. Brunch is served every weekend and Martin's often hosts tasting events featuring their food and wines. Stop into Martin's Wine and Spirits for a satisfying bite to eat and a bottle or two.
3. Kosher Cajun New York Deli & Grocery
3519 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 888-2010
koshercajun.com
Head over to Metairie for Kosher sandwiches, appetizers, sides, and goods shipped from Israel. One of the few fully Kosher restaurants in the New Orleans area, this deli has become a favorite for those who still want to experience New Orleans cuisine. Kosher Cajun offers a Kosher shrimp po-boy, jambalaya, and red beans and rice, so everyone can get a taste of their home state.
Their menu features New York deli classics like the Reuben and their own specials like the J&N Special, hot corned beef and pastrami on rye with mustard, horseradish, and coleslaw. The meat served at Kosher Cajun can be bought by the pound, allowing you to enjoy their food from home.
4. Empire State Delicatessen
447 St. Charles Ave., (504) 412-8326
empirestatedeli.com
If you want a taste of New York in the center of New Orleans, Empire State Delicatessen promises authentic New York flavors for great prices. The signature sandwiches really stand out. The Yankee Clipper is hot seasoned roast beef and melted Swiss cheese on a toasted hero roll that you can dip into the provided brown gravy.
If you're in the mood for something lighter, Empire State offers great salads, wraps, and a daily soup. You can also take matters into your own hands and build a deli sandwich of your own. Choose your own bread, cold cuts, cheese, and dressings!
5. Francolini's
3987 Tchoupitoulas St.
francolinis.com
Francolini's is a deli that believes in fresh ingredients every day so get there early before their sandwiches sell out. They serve New Jersey style sandwiches both hot and cold with multiple gluten-free and even vegetarian options. Keep in mind that this deli is focused on sandwiches so don't expect an extensive salad menu when ordering at Francolini's.
Fan favorite sandwiches include the Gandolfini, hot soppressata with fresh mozzarella, spicy olive salad, and Calabrian chili vinaigrette, and the Italian, prosciutto cotto with mortadella, hot capicola, genoa salami, provolone, pepperoncini, red onions, shredded lettuce, and a house vinaigrette. Francolini's uses a deli-ticket style for orders allowing you to watch your sandwich be made. This deli is a must-try for fans of loaded sandwiches served in a friendly atmosphere.
6. Verti Marte
1201 Royal St., (504) 525-4767
vertimartenola.com
This little corner deli and grocery is very popular with locals due in part to the free delivery to the French Quarter, Marigny, and CBD neighborhoods. The menu consists of simple breakfast items, New Orleans-style sandwiches, and mouth-watering deli sandwiches. The popular Royal Feast Sandwich consists of roast beef, turkey, and ham with hot pepper cheese, black olives, grilled onions, and wow sauce.
If none of that sounds appetizing, you can
grab some of the grocery items and deli cuts to make your favorite deli
sandwich at home or at the office. Verti Marte is open 24 hours.
7. Quartermaster Deli
1100 Bourbon St., (504) 529-1416
This corner shop is also open 24 hours a day to feed all of the citizens and tourists in need of late night/early morning sustenance and more. You can get a three-egg omelet, a breakfast sandwich, or a breakfast plate during the morning. For lunch and dinner, the menu becomes more sandwich and grill-heavy with New Orleans regulars like muffulettas and fried fish.
The locals also love the deli items like
the Quartermaster Club Sandwich and Italian Sub. Or you can peruse the Overstuffed
Sandwich section with 16 different meat selections. Roast beef, ham, meatloaf,
salami, and tuna salad are just some of the options.
8. St. James Cheese Company
Multiple Locations
stjamescheese.com
St. James Cheese Co. was so popular as a lunch destination that they had to make a second location. You can stop in at the Uptown location (5004 Prytania St.) or the Warehouse District location (641 Tchoupitoulas St.) for a filling lunch that will probably consist of meats, cheeses, and fresh bread.
These gourmet sandwiches are anything but
basic. Try the Hook's Cheddar Sandwich with house-smoked turkey, Hook's Creamery Two-Year Aged Cheddar, avocado, tomato, and fresh basil. Or maybe go for the Il Mostro
Sandwich with provolone cheese, cappicola, salamirosa, and Italian ham. You
really can't make a wrong decision here.
9. Cibo
1114 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 592-7797
cibonola.com
Located in the Riverbend neighborhood, Cibo is as Italian as it gets in New Orleans. Cibo has lunch and dinner hours Tuesday through Saturday, but you may want to stop in from 3 to 5 p.m. for happy hour when you get $1 off all beer and house wine. The sandwiches on the lunch menu are more focused on traditional Italian flavors rather than deli cuts, but they're no less delicious.
The Imports Combo Sandwich includes Prosciutto Di Parma, sopressata, capocolla, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, romaine lettuce, and balsamic vinegar on Italian bread. The Broadway Sandwich with Breaded chicken cutlet, prosciutto di parma, melted fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, romaine lettuce, balsamic, and extra virgin olive oil is just about the best lunch you can get on Carrollton.
10. Adams Street Grocery and Deli
1309 Adams St., (504) 861-1120
facebook.com/adamsstreetgrocery
This unassuming mini-mart serves affordable and delicious po-boys on bread from Dong Phuong bakery. While their menu is limited to po-boys, sides, and plates, they have a good selection of po-boys and unique sides like egg rolls and potstickers.
A tried and true option is their fried shrimp po-boy. Their shrimp is perfectly fried and served with the classic lettuce, mayo, and tomato dressing on fresh bread. While there, get an order of their french fries or onion rings for the perfect po-boy side.
Tastiest Delis in the Greater New Orleans Area
I know that your stomach is growling now! These culturally significant delis make tasty bagels, satisfying soups, and great sandwiches that are stacked high with the best cuts of meat. Add in some
side items and you've got a meal that will last all day long. Most of these
delis don't stay open late, so you'll have to stop by during the daylight
hours.
Did we miss listing your favorite deli? Let us know what we should add next time.