Zella's Deli & Restaurant

This is the best deli that I have tried in Asheville but if they kicked it up a notch they would be even better. I ordered the pastrami sandwich with extra meat and it was just the right amount. I just wish they used Jewish rye bread. Also, the BLT had too much lettuce and not enough bacon. The chips could have been better. I understand that the owner would have to raise the prices but it would be so worth it because he would get a lot of business. It was already packed with people. My suggestion is for the owner to contact the owner of Pickles and Rye in Farmington Hills, Michigan for advice. They had a delicious pastrami on rye when I last ate there. You shouldn’t try to mimic a New York deli because many of them had to go out of business. It was just way too much. Pickles and Rye got it just right: good flavor, the right amount of meat slightly warm on rye bread.

I want to love this place. I ate here when it was in Swannanoa and the new location is 3 minutes from my neighborhood. However, I can't give more than 3 stars because to me they are skimping on the good stuff especially the pastrami. All told I've had the pastrami 3x, Italian 2x, and chopped cheese 2x. Taste is incredible, but the most recent pastrami I got, the last few bites were just bread and mustard. Pic for reference. Needs like at least twice as much meat.

I don’t know how long this place has been here but it was very tasty! I had the meatball sandwich and my husband had the pastrami on rye. Both were excellent!!

This NY style deli was our favorite lunch spot for so many reasons before it was washed out by Hurricane Helene in 2024. After a long, painful recovery time, they reopened in a new location in #Asheville just as GREAT as before, but stronger than ever! #WNCStrong

10’s across the board! I’ve been here at least five times since they opened and will continue to go back! Haven’t been yet? What are you waiting for?! Everything from the sides, sandwiches and salads are to die for! We love Zella’s!

This is a terrific little deli with eat in or out. The roast beef on Kaiser was really good but the homemade tomato soup and blueberry lavender pie blew me away! It’s only 1 mile from my office so I will be back. The lady who brought my food could not have been nicer if she tried! I love little places like this

Cute spot and yummy food! The service was spectacular!! I was visiting from out of town and not feeling well. The manager/owner (wish I had asked his name, I just didn’t feel good to think) gave me some chicken broth to help me feel better. So kind and absolutely made my day - and I am feeling better! Thank you.

Zella’s has quickly become one of my favorite spots in town!! Every time I stop in, the people working there are genuinely kind and the whole place just feels welcoming. The sandwiches are so good — like you can actually taste how fresh everything is. Nothing feels rushed or thrown together. I love grabbing a seat outside when the weather’s nice, but even when I’m just running in for something quick, it always puts me in a better mood. It’s one of those places that reminds you why local restaurants matter. They care, and it shows. If you haven’t tried Zella’s yet, seriously, go treat yourself. You’ll get it once you do. 💛