Delis in Seattle (2025)

Capitol Hill’s Jewish deli piles hand-sliced pastrami and corned beef on rye, with matzo ball soup and smoked fish. Covered by Eater Seattle and praised by local critics for community holiday menus and generous portions.

Community-backed Jewish deli and bakery known for bagels, house-cured meats, and lox. Frequently featured by Eater Seattle and The Infatuation; celebrated for keeping deli craft alive in North Seattle.

Pioneer Square’s East Coast homage: cheesesteaks, hoagies, and the cult-favorite Tat’strami. Endorsed repeatedly by Seattle Met and The Infatuation; a downtown lunch tradition for years.

Market House Meats - Review - South Lake Union - Seattle - The Infatuation

There are a few signs in Seattle that you could spot with your eyes closed—the giant “CORNED BEEF” above Market House Meats is one of them. Yes, they do in fact sell corned beef here—it's tender, salty, and thrown into, hands down, the best reuben in town. But the operation is more than just that one meat—it's a must-visit for anyone who takes old school deli lunches seriously. Since 1948, this legendary shop has been fueling downtown office workers, early-rising construction crews, and general sandwich enthusiasts alike. Step inside, and you’re hit with the glorious sounds and smells of meats sizzling on a Blackstone, while rows of takeout boxes stand at attention, ready to handle the many orders flying out the door each day. Some folks swing by for a filling breakfast burrito or sandwich in the AM. But we gravitate to the lunch stuff, like a brisket-stuffed Philly or the aforementioned reuben. Sit inside among the stacked pallets of rye and cow diagrams explaining where each part of the meat comes from. Or take something to-go. Either way, it's easy to see why this counter seems so timeless. Food Rundown Market House Grilled Reuben There's a reason this sandwich has the shop's name attached. We absolutely love the mix of crispy edges, soft marble rye containing heaping piles of meat, and melty bites. In fact, it's hard to thing of anything we wouldn’t do for this sandwich—except maybe eat a spoonful of straight horseradish. photo credit: Nate Watters Breakfast Burrito This massive two-pounder comes stuffed with onions, green pepper, eggs, and your choice of breakfast meat. Our only gripe is that the american cheese makes things a lot saltier than they need to be. Single Breakfast Sandwich Whenever Seattleites start debating the best breakfast sandwiches, there’s always that one friend with a “secret” go-to spot who swears by Market House. And they’re not wrong. Do yourself a favor and get it with corned beef, because that’s why you’re here. But just know that the English muffin tends to get soggy. Philly Steak This version is made with thinly sliced brisket and classic fixins like peppers and onions. It’s very tasty, but we just wish it had some liquid-y cheese instead of swiss. Duplex Sandwich Cookie Every full sandwich here comes with a pickle spear, housemade potato salad, and most importantly, this cookie thrown in for good measure. It’s a nostalgic little touch that satisfies our urge to eat a lil’ something sweet after every meal. We love you, generic Oreo. - Kayla Sager-Riley

Pike Place Market’s Italian stalwart since 1946: salumi, cheeses, antipasti, and a bustling sandwich counter. Recognized by Eater Seattle and Pike Place Market as a key culinary anchor.

A Pike Place favorite since 2001, known for panini, vibrant salads, and soups made daily. Frequently praised by Seattle Met and Thrillist for value and scratch cooking.

Little Saigon legend for banh mi and deli-case favorites. Long hailed by The New York Times Magazine and Eater Seattle; lines move fast and the sandwiches deliver big flavor for the price.

Family-run since 1971 with a 30-foot deli case of cheeses and cured meats plus Italian imports. A cherished stop for chefs and home cooks; highlighted by local publications for its community legacy.

Lebanese-owned market with an upstairs flatbread counter turning out mana’eesh. Featured by Eater Seattle; locals come for halal butcher cuts, spices, cheeses, and fresh-baked deli fare.

First Hill’s Polish deli and grocery with house-smoked meats, pierogi, and hearty sandwiches. Warmly reviewed by The Infatuation; a rare taste of Central Europe in the city.

Independently owned sandwich deli famed for the Rajun Cajun. Cited by Eater Seattle’s iconic sandwiches list and covered by Seattle Met and The Infatuation; the Ballard original continues to thrive.