Whether you’re looking for a classic or a creative twist, you’ll find plenty of delicious Jewish delis in Los Angeles. Known for its diverse culture, its culinary scene is no exception.
Jewish delicatessens have been a staple in Los Angeles since the early 20th century, offering classic Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine such as pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup.
One such deli is Wexler’s, founded by Micah Wexler, who has been interested in food since childhood. Wexler’s is known for its house-smoked fish plates and inventive takes on deli classics, such as the MacArthur Park sandwich.
Another iconic Jewish deli in Los Angeles is Canter’s Deli, which has been around nearly as long as its octogenarian servers. This Jewish deli was originally established in 1931 by Ben Canter and his brothers in Boyle Heights, the center of Jewish life in Los Angeles at that time.
In addition to its famous pastrami, Canter’s is also known for being the hangout spot for Guns N’ Roses back in the day. If you’re looking for a dive bar experience, the attached Kibitz Room is worth checking out.
For vegetarians, Mort & Betty’s is a great option. This Israeli restaurant offers a meat-free menu that is full of flavorful vegetable dishes like Moroccan carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts, and charred broccoli.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the legendary founders and their tasty concoctions along with some other top Jewish delis in Los Angeles.
Wexler’s Deli – Top Jewish Deli in Los Angeles
616 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
For those looking for something more modern, Wexler’s Deli offers contemporary takes on classic Jewish cuisine. Its applewood-smoked fish and meats are a particular highlight, as are the barrel-fermented pickles made in a salt brine.
Introduction to Wexler’s Deli
Founded by Micah Wexler, this deli has quickly become a favorite of food lovers all over Los Angeles. Wexler’s Deli has been serving up delicious Jewish cuisine since 2013, with locations in Santa Monica and Grand Central Market in Downtown LA.
The deli specializes in modern interpretations of traditional Jewish dishes, with house-made pastrami that some say rivals even the famous Langer’s. In addition to their pastrami, Wexler’s also offers proprietary bagels, smoked fish, and other classic deli fares.
Both locations have a relaxed atmosphere, with a modern twist on the traditional Jewish deli. The décor includes hanging salamis, vintage posters, and a mosaic of colorful tiles on the walls.
The menu at Wexler’s Deli is extensive and features classic Jewish dishes such as pastrami, corned beef, lox, and bagels. They are known for their hand-sliced pastrami, which is smoked over applewood for 12 hours, giving it a unique flavor. The corned beef is also slow-cooked, making it tender and flavorful.
In addition to its sandwiches, Wexler’s Deli also serves salads, soups, and sides. Their matzo ball soup is a customer favorite, made with homemade chicken broth and fluffy matzo balls. The latkes, or potato pancakes, are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect side dish.
Wexler’s Deli also offers catering services for events and special occasions, with a variety of platters and trays to choose from. They even have a DIY bagel and lox kit, which includes everything you need to create your own delicious bagel sandwich.
At this top Jewish deli in Los Angeles, Micah is all about keeping things traditional. He slices his pastrami thick and smears his bagels with cream cheese and house-smoked sturgeon. He also offers classic deli menu items like corned beef, roast turkey, egg salad, tuna salad, and even chocolate egg creams.
But don’t let the traditional menu fool you – everything at Wexler’s Deli is made with the highest quality ingredients and a lot of thought and care goes into each dish.
Canter’s Deli – A Legendary Institution on Fairfax Avenue Since 1953
419 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
If you’re craving Jewish cooking at one of the top-notch Jewish delis in Los Angeles, look no further than Canter’s Deli, a legendary institution that has been serving up classic and creative cuisine since 1953.
Founded by Ben Canter and his two brothers in 1931, Canter’s Deli has become one of the oldest Jewish delis in Los Angeles (and California) and is still family-owned and operated today.
Located in the Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles, Canter’s Deli is a third-generation family-run business that takes great pride in its deli and hands-on work ethic.
Its strong sense of identity is bolstered by the fact that the restaurant appears almost exactly as it did when it moved to its current location on Fairfax Avenue in 1953.
Walking into Canter’s Deli is like stepping into another dimension where time stands still, with its glass bakery displays, vinyl booths, and trademark “autumn leaves” ceiling remaining unchanged.
Over the years, Canter’s Deli has attracted a wide range of celebrities, from Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley to Mel Brooks, Taylor Swift (link), and Seth Rogen. Even the “Mayor of the Sunset Strip,” Rodney Bingenheimer, is a regular at Canter’s and has a booth named after him.
When Canter’s Deli first opened its doors on Fairfax Avenue, it quickly outgrew its modest storefront location and moved to a building at North Fairfax Avenue, where it remains today.
This building had been constructed as a market and was later converted into a neighborhood theater called the Esquire, which screened Yiddish-language films. Very serendipity, we’d say.
Canter’s continues to serve generous portions of the authentic comfort food that earned it such widespread acclaim and reigns as one of the top Jewish delis in Los Angeles.
Another thing to note, when it opened, the new Canter’s Fairfax also became one of the first 24-hour restaurants in the city. It has since remained open every day of the year except for the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Mort & Betty’s – Go Vegan or Go Home
672 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Mort & Betty’s Deli, located in the heart of Los Angeles, is a unique vegan Jewish deli in Los Angeles. Serving up an incredible array of plant-based dishes, the deli offers a great way to eat plant-based without sacrificing taste.
With everything from sandwiches, salads, and sides to smoothies and shakes, you’ll never run out of vegan choices! You’ll be taking a scrumptious journey through a magical world at is sure to make your taste buds dance!
So, Who Are Mort & Betty?
Mort & Betty’s Deli was founded by Chef Megan Tucker, who has a passion for creating vegan versions of quintessential Jewish deli items, such as corned beets, white carrot whitefish salad, and mushroom pastrami. The name “Mort & Betty” pays homage to Chef Megan’s grandparents, who were both instrumental in her love of food and cooking.
What’s on the Menu at This Top Vegan Jewish Deli in Los Angeles?
The menu at Mort & Betty’s Deli is full of unique and delicious offerings that celebrate the flavors of Jewish cuisine while incorporating vegan ingredients. Some popular items include:
- Corned Beet Reuben Tacos: These tacos feature thinly sliced corned beets, sauerkraut, and vegan thousand island dressing wrapped in a soft tortilla.
- Matzoh Ramen: This dish features matzoh noodles in a miso-turmeric broth with veggies, tofu, and a soft-boiled egg (optional).
- Carrot Lox Bagel: A vegan version of classic lox, this dish features thinly sliced carrots marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, served on a bagel with cream cheese, capers, and red onion.
All the ingredients used at Mort & Betty’s are locally sourced from farms and producers who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Plus, 5% of every purchase goes towards creating a farm animal sanctuary.
Perfect Potato Latkes – A Vegan Stand-out at Mort & Betty’s
We’re not about to bail on Mort & Betty’s without a shoutout to their vegan potato latkes. Instead of using eggs to bind the ingredients together, Chef Megan uses a mixture of ground flaxseed and water, which creates a similar texture and holds the latkes together while frying. The result is a sizzling, crispy, golden-brown latke that’s perfect for dipping in vegan sour cream or applesauce. Delish!
Brent’s Delicatessen& Restaurant – Northridge
19565 Parthenia Street Northridge, CA 91324
Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant in Northridge offers a wide range of options to satisfy your deli cravings. From classic sandwiches to hot entrees, there is something for everyone on the menu.
Brent’s Deli has been highly rated by food critics and is known for producing most of its own food in-house. They have been described as “unheralded but authentic,” and famous for their mouthwatering Reuben sandwich, hand-sliced lox, and rich desserts.
On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Marc Summers says the best corned beef sandwich was at Brent’s. So there’s no doubt Brent’s was going to show up on the radar as one of our top Jewish delis in Los Angeles.
Club Sandwiches Galore
Sandwich lovers can enjoy the Brent’s Special Club, which includes turkey, avocado, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, Russian dressing, and mayonnaise on toasted egg bread. The Avocado Club is another great option, which includes avocado and bacon, served with lettuce, tomato, Russian dressing, and mayonnaise.
For those who prefer hot sandwiches, the Ortega Brisket Melt and Patty Melt are popular choices. The Ortega Brisket Melt includes tender slices of brisket, grilled onions, mild green Ortega chilis, and jack cheese on grilled sourdough bread. The Patty Melt is a ½ lb. burger patty with melted cheddar cheese and grilled onions on grilled marble rye bread.
Off the Beaten Path Menu Items at Brent’s Delicatessen& Restaurant
No deli experience is complete without trying some of Brent’s Deli’s sides. The Chili Cheese Fries, made with steak fries topped with chili and melted cheddar cheese, is a fan favorite.
Another great option is the Fresh Taco Salad, which includes crisp lettuce tossed with tortilla strips, diced tomato, avocado, sliced mushrooms, and shredded cheddar cheese, served with your choice of grilled chicken breast or seasoned ground beef and tossed with its own spicy taco dressing.
Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant – No. 19 Pastrami Sandwich Sets the Bar
704 South Alvarado, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Located in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant is a quintessential American success story. Founded in 1947 by Albert J. Langer, the deli began as a small business catering to new Jewish immigrants arriving in Los Angeles.
Over the years, it has evolved into a legendary restaurant known for its delicious pastrami sandwiches. The No. 19 pastrami on rye sandwich is the star of the show at Langer’s Deli. Dubbed “the Marilyn Monroe of pastrami sandwiches” by the Los Angeles Times.
This mouthwatering creation features hot pastrami, cole slaw, Russian dressing, and a slice of Swiss cheese on baked rye bread. It’s no wonder that Langer’s has earned accolades from the James Beard Foundation and Hollywood director Nora Ephron, among others. And now Jetsetty, as one of our top Jewish delis in Los Angeles.
Despite its growth and popularity, Langer’s Deli remains true to its roots. Norm, who owns and manages the restaurant with his wife Jeannette, continues to uphold the traditions established by Al Langer over 70 years ago.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, Langer’s Deli offers a taste of authentic old-fashioned deli food that is not to be missed.
The quality of the pastrami itself is worth the visit in this crowded part of town where parking can be a challenge. It’s soft, tender, juicy, not dry, and not overly salty. You can taste the authenticity in every bite.
Also, you’ll find the usual list of authentic Jewish cuisine here including corned beef, brisket, and potato pancakes. These mainstays are just as good as our top Jewish delis in Chicago.
The famed No. 19 pastrami on rye raises the bar, and even reading a review tilting the scale away from overall positivity, the reviewer quipped; “the pastrami sandwich is a one-trick pony. It’s a great trick, though.” Nuff said.
Nate ‘n Al’s – Celebrity Spotting
414 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills 90210
Nate ‘n Al’s is a landmark top Jewish deli located in Beverly Hills, known for its celebrity clientele and rich history. The deli was established in 1945 by friends Al Mendelson and Nate Rimer who met in the deli biz 20 years prior in Detroit. Initially, the deli had a capacity of only thirty patrons.
Over the years, Nate ‘n Al’s has become an iconic eatery in Beverly Hills, serving classic deli favorites such as corned beef, stuffed cabbage, and breakfasts. The menu has remained largely unchanged over the decades, with a focus on quality ingredients and service with heart.
The deli’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its convenient location within walking distance of the famous Rodeo Drive, its status as one of the only kosher-style delis in Beverly Hills, and its surprisingly good food.
Nate ‘n Al’s is particularly famous for its chicken noodle soup, lox, bagels, great potato pancakes, and 70 different giant sandwiches – all served with the best rye bread in town.
Landmark Deli for Celebrity Spotting
One of the things that make Nate ‘n Al’s special is its celebrity following. In fact, this place rivals even the top Jewish delis in New York for catching a glimpse of an A-lister.
Looking back over the years, stars such as Nancy Sinatra, Barry Manilow, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, James Garner, Larry King, Mike Myers, Michael Chiklis, David Crosby, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Neil Diamond, and Suzanne Pleshette have all been spotted at the deli.
Daughter’s Deli
8555 Sunset BlvdWest Hollywood, CA 90069
Lastly, we’d be remiss not to pay homage to Daughter’s Deli, another one of our top delis in Los Angeles from founder Trisha Langer. She’s the daughter of Norm Langer and the granddaughter of Al and Jean Langer. If there’s one thing we know about the Jewish culture, sharing recipes of this soulful cuisine is a family tradition.
When your family is royalty in the Jewish deli arena, the natural order is to be crowned as one of the best as well, but we’d have to say Trisha Langer earned it, as she stays in the family lane using many of the same ingredients.
But don’t take our word for it, the editors at Food and Wine also chimed in calling Daughter’s Deli one of the best Jewish delis in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Los Angeles boasts a thriving Jewish food scene, with a wide range of delis offering everything from classic to creative cuisine. Whether you’re a lifelong Angeleno or just visiting, be sure to check out some of the city’s best Jewish delis for a taste of history and tradition.
while the traditional Jewish deli may be facing challenges in today’s world, there is still hope for its future. Many delis are adapting to changing tastes and preferences by offering vegetarian and vegan options, as well as innovative fusion dishes.
While the schlep to find a good Jewish deli sandwich may be longer in Los Angeles as the town is so spread out, the comfort and tradition that these establishments provide are irreplaceable.
As Jewish traditions continue to evolve, so too will these top Los Angeles delicatessens that have become an integral part of Jewish culture and cuisine.
