Admittedly, Florida isn't known for its delis. That honor goes to New York City. However, there are quite a few Florida transplants from New York who now live in Florida (15,595 in 2022, according to Fox Business.) And people from all over enjoy a good deli bagel or sandwich.
Thankfully, there are arguably some high-quality delis in Florida, and a couple of food websites have weighed in with their picks so that some delis are praised again and again. Some of them (and their specialties) are listed below.
The Eat This Not That Pick - V&S Italian Deli, Boca Raton: The food website Eat This Not That listed what it felt were the best delis in each state. For Florida, it listed V&S Italian Deli. It's an established favorite, having been in business for over two decades. It's known for its eggplant parmesan, but it offers a huge variety of both hot and cold subs, all of which can be pressed. Reviewers call it a classic New York deli that offers delicious, consistent food.
The Insider's Pick - Toasted Bagelry & Deli, Miami (Brickell): The website the Insider listed the most famous deli in each state, and the Toasted Bagelry & Deli got the nod. As the name might suggest, this place is famous for its bagels. The company's website boasts that their bagels combine "the New York and New Jersey taste, with a Miami twist." And although they're popular for bagels, they also serve omelets, croissants, muffins, and lunch sandwiches and paninis. Reviewers note the good service and say that the staff knows the regulars by name.
Paul's Italian Restaurant and Deli, Kissimmee: If you're visiting Orlando or Florida's theme parks, reviewers say this place is worth the drive. It has a perfect 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. This is a family-run business in a nondescript building, but don't overlook it. Reviewers said that the place reminded them of delis up north, and noted that the daily specials were very reasonably priced. The Godfather Sub is said to be a standout.
Wright's Gourmet House, Tampa: A Tampa staple for 60 years, regulars know that you sometimes have to expect a crowd when you visit. The restaurant is known for its Beef Martini, which is a unique sandwich that you're unlikely to find anywhere else. But they also have fantastic Cuban sandwiches and homemade desserts.
Pinegrove Market and Deli, Jacksonville: This is another place that has been serving the community for over 60 years. They're probably best known for their "steak in a sack" sandwich which is sirloin with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and white American in fresh pita bread. They also serve large salads and have a fish fry on Fridays and Saturdays. A few reviewers said that the butcher shop/deli combination in this place makes it feel like a pleasant blast from the past.
Laspada's Hoagies, Fort Lauderdale: This restaurant also has a perfect 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. Reviewers rave about the size and quality of the subs - particularly the Italian. Many call this place a Fort Lauderdale institution since they've been in business since 1973. The bread is fresh daily, and the meat is sliced to order.
Hogan's Great Sandwiches, Gainesville: Admittedly, this shop is favored by college students at the University of Florida, but that doesn't mean that residents or visitors of Gainesville don't also give it high marks. It's been in business since 1983 and serves no-frills, classic deli sandwiches and serves them well. Reviewers call it a good value and say it's a nice small business with a friendly feel.
D'Aleo Deli, St. Augustine: Some reviewers call a visit to this authentic Italian deli the highlight of their St. Augustine trip. This place also has a popular "Godfather" sandwich that gets rave reviews. The tiramisu also earns high marks. They make homemade mozzarella, and this is a family-run business that many describe as a "mom-and-pop shop," which can be a rarity today.
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