LA’s Jewish Delis
Jewish delis are one of the highlights of Los Angeles’s dining scene. Institutions like Canter’s, Brent’s, and Langer’s deliver timeless appetizing experiences, serving pastrami, corned beef, and breakfast classics like cheese-stuffed blintzes from morning until late night.
In addition to affordable stalwarts dotted across the Southland, a wave of contemporary Jewish delis in Los Angeles offers modern riffs while staying true to classic flavors. Places like Wexler’s spin traditional Jewish cookery, while Mort & Betty’s vegan fare steps into a whole new realm. From age-old institutions to new-school innovators, here are five of our best Los Angeles Jewish delicatessens.
*Daughters Deli
Daughter’s Deli hails from Jewish deli royalty. Its founder, Trisha Langer, is the daughter of Norm Langer and granddaughter of Al and Jean Langer, all of Langer’s Deli fame. While Daughter’s Deli boasts many overlapping menu items like Langer’s, the offerings have Trisha’s distinct touch with breakfast bagel sandwiches and hot pastrami sandwiches. In the morning, make sure to order the sweet and satisfying challah French toast, which is best enjoyed with a drizzle of maple syrup.
*Langers
Perennially considered the best pastrami sandwich in the country, Langer’s produces some of the finest deli meats anywhere. Open since 1947, the legendary #19 sandwich is a crowd-pleasing favorite, with hand-sliced pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and coleslaw served between two plush slices of rye bread. It’s a big sandwich that can easily be shared between two people. Don’t sleep on the corned beef or any of the other classic deli plates either because they’re all excellent
*Canter’s
Canter’s Deli is the stuff of Los Angeles legend. Beyond its staple pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, soul-warming soups, and kosher-style deli classics like potato pancakes and knish, the ambience is hard to beat, especially in the middle of the night when the city dies down. That colorful, weird ceiling has been feeding LA night owls for generations, and Canter’s continues to be one of the most fun places to hang out late on a Saturday night.
*Nate and Als
Over the last few years, this classic Beverly Hills deli has weathered a series of setbacks with potential new locations, new owners, and temporary closures. Still, the longtime favorite is cranking out corned beef and pastrami to fans in the Golden Triangle. The meats are a step behind some of Los Angeles’s better delis, but the fantastic daytime vibes feel plucked right out of Mad Men.
*Factors
This classic West LA deli has served families in the Los Angeles area since 1948. Its spacious dining room can host larger lunch and dinner groups, but many Angelenos come for the stellar grab-and-go counter, which features mammoth mounds of macaroni and potato salad, fat sour pickles, and piles of cured fish. Slink into one of the booths, order a thick-cut pastrami sandwich and some sides, and treat yourself to one of the most trustworthy deli experiences in Los Angeles.
Destination: California
