Henri V.
Yelp
Wise Sons Jewish Deli is located at the corner of Washington and Culver in Culver City, with parking at the Watseka structure.
Wise Sons Jewish delicatessen describes itself as:
'California-inspired Jewish deli food with roots in tradition and an eye on the future; for Jews who like food and food lovers who like Jews.'
This is the first Jewish deli I am aware of in this area, that opened recently. For a late Sunday morning my friend and I decided to drive to Culver City, which is about 10 minutes away from Beverly Hills. Wise deli already was crowded busy, but the line to order moved quickly. You order at the counter, pay and take a number to your seat indoor or outdoor and your order will be served.
The deli restaurant was clean, with concrete floors and eclectic decor of country bumpkin meets grandma's stuff mixed media. The tableware had large metal cans with the silverware and napkins. Our food was served minutes later on earthenware dishes...yay! Because at my local Jewish deli in Beverly Hills; Nate n Al's all food is still served in paper plates and plastic utensils so I don't frequent that deli.
Here, We ordered the matzo ball soup, the pastrami Reuben with a side of potato salad. We wanted to try their French fries, but were informed that the kitchen was out of many items including potatoes for the fries.
This deli claims to make nearly everything in house and do not use preservatives, artificial additives or hormones, very California.
They brine and prepare the pastrami meat and bake the rye bread. I eat Jewish deli food regularly and had to subjectively judge..
The matzo ball soup was not good; lacked flavor in every sense. The broth had no dept, no chicken bone broth taste, I had to season it with every spice on the table including the hot sauce to taste palatable for me to continue eating it. The matzo ball topped with fresh sprig of dill herb looked good but also tasted blah.
The potato salad just needed black pepper but was flavorfully balanced and good, the homemade taste comes through.
Lastly, the OG pastrami Reuben was their version of a sky high with toasted rye bread, Russian dressing, sauerkraut and pastrami. First bite was delicious, the meat was seasoned nicely, not greasy, not too salty and very tender. The rye bread could use more rye, because the rye was too subtle. The side of two spears of pickles were very Frugal other delis are more generous and give a dish full of pickles. The pastrami meat made with beef brisket was seasoned well and balanced flavors. Was not as sky high as I'd like, meaning I wanted this sandwich to be BIGGER just as other Jewish delis makes sky high sandwiches.
Service by the staff upon ordering, serving and requests for additional was courteous, attentive and nice. Staff wore face masks. The tables were cleared and cleaned quickly. The deli staff seemed to work efficiently and didn't make us feel rushed.
This deli is on restaurant row and competes with a variety of food choices from varying cultures and price points. And most diners appear to be 20-40's and a very casual vibe. Indoor seating with all doors open for more air ventilation. Dog friendly outdoor patio seating.
With the flavorless matzo ball soup and limp pickles as among key Jewish food items and somehow failed to impress, I will be generous with my 4 star rating as everything else was a very nice effort and great start for a welcome addition to Culver City.
Will return to try the bagels and schmear of lox. Recommend.
