We usually go to Canter's since it's closest to the South Bay but when I worked in Long Beach, I often hit up Katella Deli, which also has a fantastic bakery. Maybe that doesn't count as an LA deli? Meanwhile...who has the best tuna melts??? My favorite, but it's one of those dishes that can be awful at the wrong restaurant.
Any place with a good bakery is okay by me! I'll have to check out Katella Deli. You're right about tuna melts. Can't remember the last good one I had.
Loved the deli article Ruth, but gained a few pounds just reading it. 😂 I think the best deli I ever had was at my Aunt Pola and Uncle Sam's house. About once a month we would drive from Forest Hills in Queens to Teaneck, New Jersey to visit my father's younger brother and his family. Dinner was always a decadent display of deli food. The presentation and quality was amazing and the variety of choices was show stopping. Who knew or cared about cholesterol?
Great article Ruth, but It seems reasonable and fair that you should include the only good and authentically kosher Jewish delicatessen in the city. Pico Kosher Deli, known as PKD, offers very good deli sandwiches (even tongue), and other delicacies, and it’s worth checking out. Granted, you can’t include a dairy egg cream or other dairy treats with your meal at this location, but those indulgences are available within steps of PKD’s Pico west of Robertson location.
Stuffed cabbage, knishes, kugel, etc abound and they also make a nice deli platter to go.
Another kosher style deli that has served generations of ‘almost kosher’ locals for generations is Label’s Table, a matzah ball throw east of Factors. Label’s and PKD have that amazing crisp shell rye bread; allegedly custom baked for them by Old Country.
I’ve all but given up, after living in the South Bay for 42 years, of there ever being a good, even not strictly kosher deli in our neighborhood of Manhattan Beach and environs. There’s been an attempt or two, but no cigar, no pickle.
Thanks for adding your voice to this discussion, Rabbi Mark! I haven't tried PKD yet or Label's, but obviously these are important additions to this list and I hope to visit them soon; it would be worth it just to sample that rye bread! It is a pity that there isn't a kosher or even good not strictly kosher deli in our neighborhood. I wish there were a special deli messiah to make that happen!
We usually go to Canter's since it's closest to the South Bay but when I worked in Long Beach, I often hit up Katella Deli, which also has a fantastic bakery. Maybe that doesn't count as an LA deli? Meanwhile...who has the best tuna melts??? My favorite, but it's one of those dishes that can be awful at the wrong restaurant.
Any place with a good bakery is okay by me! I'll have to check out Katella Deli. You're right about tuna melts. Can't remember the last good one I had.
Loved the deli article Ruth, but gained a few pounds just reading it. 😂 I think the best deli I ever had was at my Aunt Pola and Uncle Sam's house. About once a month we would drive from Forest Hills in Queens to Teaneck, New Jersey to visit my father's younger brother and his family. Dinner was always a decadent display of deli food. The presentation and quality was amazing and the variety of choices was show stopping. Who knew or cared about cholesterol?
Thanks, Vivian! What a great memory to share--makes me wish I could have been there! Sounds scrumptious!
Great article Ruth, but It seems reasonable and fair that you should include the only good and authentically kosher Jewish delicatessen in the city. Pico Kosher Deli, known as PKD, offers very good deli sandwiches (even tongue), and other delicacies, and it’s worth checking out. Granted, you can’t include a dairy egg cream or other dairy treats with your meal at this location, but those indulgences are available within steps of PKD’s Pico west of Robertson location.
Stuffed cabbage, knishes, kugel, etc abound and they also make a nice deli platter to go.
Another kosher style deli that has served generations of ‘almost kosher’ locals for generations is Label’s Table, a matzah ball throw east of Factors. Label’s and PKD have that amazing crisp shell rye bread; allegedly custom baked for them by Old Country.
I’ve all but given up, after living in the South Bay for 42 years, of there ever being a good, even not strictly kosher deli in our neighborhood of Manhattan Beach and environs. There’s been an attempt or two, but no cigar, no pickle.
Maybe when the messiah comes!
Update: Label’s closed on Dec 31!
May he test in Peace!
And then there were 9.
Oh no! So sorry to hear that! Wish I'd been able to try it.
Thanks for adding your voice to this discussion, Rabbi Mark! I haven't tried PKD yet or Label's, but obviously these are important additions to this list and I hope to visit them soon; it would be worth it just to sample that rye bread! It is a pity that there isn't a kosher or even good not strictly kosher deli in our neighborhood. I wish there were a special deli messiah to make that happen!
New York Deli in Torrence, of all places. I've only had the matzo ball soup and it's delicious.
We must try it, Judy! I know there are many, many more to add to the list!
Mouth watering article, Ruth. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to eating out with you.
Thanks, Judy! Let's go to that deli you mentioned!