One of the best lunch time meals is a delicious deli sandwich with a cool side salad and a bottle of pop to quench your thirst. But these top 7 best delis of Delaware are going to make your mouth water for more. These delis serve everything from specialty meats and cheeses that you can take home to gourmet sandwiches that make you think you’re eating at a delicatessen in Italy.
The Purebread Deli is a deli like no other. Locally owned and operated with several locations in Delaware, the Purebread Deli family takes pride in that it is not a chain, but a restaurant that provides product that wows the customers. The love of dogs combined with their passion for delicious food back in 2001. With over five locations and 90 staff members now, Purebread has become a huge hit for the Delaware masses. Their bakers arrive nightly at midnight to start baking their breads for the next day. They partner with locally owned suppliers and donate their leftovers every day to local food banks. Talk about a dog—gone good company!
Smyrna doesn’t want the secret getting out too much that they have a hidden gem. It’s called Main Street Market and their deli meats are to die for! They serve breakfast all day long, hand-dipped ice cream and milkshakes, groceries, newspapers, coffee and more. Just like one of the old-time corner deli’s in the city, Main Street Market provides quality products at exceptional prices. By the way, their sandwiches are huge.
When you walk up to Frank & Louie’s from outside, you see a small blue, kitschy house. But when you walk inside, you are greeted by meats hanging from the ceiling, more pasta than you ever knew existed, and an intoxicating aroma you will likely never smell again. Want to sample some of their meats without buying it by the pound? They have sandwich creations whose descriptions almost insist that you try them. Tiny Dancer (caprese salad on a roll), Sal Special (medley of thin-sliced Italian meats paired with sharp provolone) are just a couple sandwiches amongst the many creations they have in store for you. Join the brothers Bascio at Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties in Rehoboth Beach!
While homed in Milford, Arena’s has been a staple deli amongst the Delaware beaches since 1990. They have been so busy growing in popularity, that they now house seven locations in every county of Delaware. Arena’s takes pride in its large portions and great quality in their casual, family-friendly environment. During the summer months, even the fur-family members can join in the fun in their outdoor seating area. They have won “Best of Delaware” multiple times over the years, and customers are obsessed with both their vegetarian options and “Death Fries.”
Special mention must be made for this diamond in the rough. For not only does Willey’s provide an outstanding deli selection, but they house the biggest selection of natural & organic foods in the area. The staff frequently assist customers here with any questions they might have, and will special order products if they aren’t in the store. If you want to show up to the party with a new and exciting fresh food—stop by Willey’s. Even their coleslaw is a party pleaser.
Dying for a cheesesteak that is so big it might start “moo-ing?” How about a large selection of deli meats and cheeses on your way to your beach vacation for summer lunch sammiches? Patty’s Deli serves gourmet foods, subs, sandwiches, salads, party trays, and more. They serve tiny corn bread muffins with their chili, roast beef paninis, fromage (cheese) that they will teach you about, and chicken salad that you will wish you bought a bigger tub of (it’s just that good). Freshly baked breads, old time soda, and even more treats are waiting for you at Patty’s Deli.
One of the most highly rated deli’s in all of the state of Delaware, this deli is one of the most popular lunch spots and meat stores. Serving menu items such as the Don Orazio (hot capicola ham), prosciutto-wrapped Bocconcini appetizers, marinated mozzarella, or wood-fired puffy pizzas. Touch of Italy now has several locations, but it’s the Lewes location that continues to bring back customers on a daily basis, all year long. They offer catering services and events, and you can take a video tour on their website.