Top NYC Restaurants for Jewish Delicacies

New York City, with its historically impressive Jewish community, is world famous for Jewish-style delicacies. From mile-high pastrami sandwiches to matzo ball soup, here are the best options from “Here".

When you think of New York food, you probably think of pastrami on rye bread. They are followed by pizza for a dollar a slice and scrambled eggs with bacon and cheese from the wine cellar. At one point, there were over 1500 Jewish eateries throughout the city that made these sandwiches. These establishments provided New Yorkers with a quick bite to eat. They also served as meeting places for the surrounding Jewish communities. Today, only a small part of the Jewish delicacies have survived, but their cultural influence is still a huge part of the city's history.

Katz's Deli

Ask a New Yorker what Jewish establishment they recommend. Many will answer you Katz`s Deli. Made famous in the movie When Harry Met Sally, this place is the perfect place for corned beef, thick-sliced ​​fries and pastrami by the pound. On weekends, there are long queues all over the block, but it's worth it.

Sarge's Deli

A few steps from the Midtown Tunnel is Sarge's Restaurant. Since 1964, they have been serving dried pastrami of their own production, soup with steamed matzah balls and homemade pancakes. Looks stylish next to stained glass Tiffany lamps and burgundy eateries.

If you're new to Sarge's, Andrew Wengrover, third-generation owner, recommends Combo Sandwich Number 3: Corned Beef Pastrami Sandwich with Coleslaw and Russian Dressing. To try something unusual, order Blockbuster. This is a square knysh stuffed with meat and cheese of your choice, with mustard or Russian dressing and sauerkraut.

Frankel's Delicatessen

Visiting Frenkel is like going back in time. Although it opened in 2016, the space is reminiscent of a bygone era with vintage photographs and colorful signage from Coney Island artist Sam Moses. The menu includes classic dishes, from potato latkes to hot rubens with pastrami. As well as specialty sandwiches such as netty, cooked with oriental smoked salmon, dill cream cheese, beetroot with horseradish and red onion.

Barney greengrass

A visit to Barney Greengrass, nicknamed the "King of Sturgeon", means tasting smoked fish. Be sure to try the lightly smoked sturgeon. Don't be surprised if the interior looks familiar. After all, the restaurant has appeared in a number of films and TV shows, including Law & Order, Seinfeld, and You've Got Mail.

Carnegie Deli

Known for its sandwiches, creamy cheesecakes and soft potato patties, Carnegie Deli is as famous as its celebrity patrons. The historic deli has been operating since 1937. And today it is run by third-generation owner Carrie Harper and her mother Marian. “My grandfather Milton Parker turned Carnegie Deli into an icon for many of the city's most famous artists,” Harper shares. A host of celebrities from Stevie Wonder to Steven Spielberg frequented Carnegie.

On the subject: Take a gastronomic journey around the world without leaving New York

Two of the most popular dishes at their Madison Square Garden establishment are corned beef sandwiches and pastrami. According to Harper, Rangers fans love their hot pastrami sandwiches. And we can't argue with the Broadway Blueshirts!

Russ & Daughters

Russ & Daughters is a fourth-generation appetizing store on the Lower East Side. “Appetizing shop” is a term for the dairy counterparts of Jewish delicacies. Due to kosher food laws, these shops sold fish and dairy products, while delis sold meat. Founded in 1914 by Joel Russ, Russ & Daughters became the first business in the country to have "& Daughters" in its name after Russ made his three daughters partners. Here bagels are prepared in the traditional New York way: first boiled and then baked. Try the famous smoked salmon and marinated herring here.

Mile End Deli

Inspired by a deli in Montreal's Mile End, Mile End Deli brings a bit of Canada to the States. Here, traditional Jewish homemade food is combined with classic Canadian dishes. For example, pies with smoked meats. The deli uses fresh ingredients and recipes inspired by the founder's grandmother to create its nostalgic dishes.

Pastrami Queen

At Pastrami Queen, steaming, melt-in-your-mouth pastrami is placed on Orwasher's rye bread and washed down with Dr. Soda. Brown's. Anthony Bourdain once shared that Pastrami Queen was his favorite place for pastrami sandwiches in New York.

2nd Ave deli

Both deli shops on 2nd Avenue offer typical Jewish cuisine such as sausages, knish and chicken schnitzel. As well as delicacies that are harder to find, such as ptcha or jellied veal legs. Their downtown location also has a cocktail bar called 2nd Floor, right above the store.

Ben's Kosher Deli

Since 1972, Ben's Kosher Deli has been serving hash browns, roast beef hot open sandwiches and rougelets. Try Ben's Fresh Turkey Roll, which is made with cranberry sauce and tastes like Thanksgiving dinner. The deli also recently introduced a plant-based menu that includes plant-based corned beef rubim and a meat-free burger.