Delicatessens are a staple in the Northeast area — specifically in Northern New Jersey. Whether it’s ordering some breakfast sandwiches on warm bagels, picking up some sliced cold cuts for an antipasto salad at home, picking up some mutz, or ordering pastrami on rye, delis are aplenty in North Jersey. But which are the best of the best delis in Essex County? We’ve rounded up some of our favorites in the area.
Disclaimer: If you have an addition for us to add, please email hello@themontclairgirl.com.
Belgiovine’s Italian Deli | 714 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
The owners of Belgiovine’s Italian Deli have been serving the Montclair area for 15 years. Those from the area can appreciate the familiar-sounding sandwich names such as the MKA (a school in town) which has chicken cutlet, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, shredded lettuce, and balsamic vinegar. MG Pro tip: order the Sausage Stuffed Peppers from the sides menu. Belgiovine’s also has pizzeria and catering menus.
Bell Paese | 196 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
This family-owned establishment is located in the heart of Nutley, New Jersey. Bell Paese prides itself on fresh Italian ingredients and charismatic staff. Customers can choose from its extensive pizza menu, or opt for pasta with made in-house sauces. Bell Paese also has catering available for all occasions. Try one of its many pizza options like the Sicilian Pie, or the Focaccia Pizza with Marinara, Romano Cheese, Onions, and Spices.
Calandra’s Italian Market + Deli | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
View this post on Instagram
Located on Bloomfield Avenue sits Calandra’s Italian Village. This establishment is home to many storefronts such as a restaurant, a bar and lounge, a bakery, a gelateria, and a market and deli. The deli area has space for patrons to order, sit, and eat breakfast or lunch. All sandwiches are made with Calandra’s freshly baked bread. Calandra’s pasta, sauces, and other specialty Italian items can be purchased in the deli section as well. MG suggests: For breakfast try the Brulee French Toast (Calandra’s French bread, caramelized cinnamon, and sugar, topped with macerated mixed berries, powdered sugar, and whipped cream) or The Rabe from the Morning Layers menu (Broccoli rabe, egg, and provolone cheese with diner’s choice of Calendars fresh bread). For lunch try any of the hot pressed paninis, but the classic (Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, balsamic glaze) is a must-try.
Read More: Must-Try Sandwiches in Essex County That Should Be On Your Radar
Eppes Essen Deli + Restaurant | 105 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston
View this post on Instagram
Originally opening in 1956 in Newark, NJ, this “New York Jewish-style deli + restaurant” made its way to Orange, then finally found its current home in Livingston, NJ. Eppes Essen has an extensive menu consisting of sandwiches, platters, salads, frankfurters, omelets, desserts, and more. Its homepage includes its most famous foods. Diners should try the #6 (corned beef, pastrami, and coleslaw with Russian dressing or mustard), one of its three daily soups, or a triple-decker sloppy joe sandwich.
Hobby’s Delicatessen + Restaurant | 32 Branford Place, Newark
Known for being established “before you were born,” Hobby’s Delicatessen and Restaurant opened its doors over 100 years ago, making it the oldest establishment on this list. Hobby’s has served the Greater Newark area in addition to making several guest appearances over the years serving the President of the United States, local politicians, and some celebrities. Hobby’s is known for its killer pastrami, but also has other sandwiches, soups, and some vegetarian options as well. A must-try here is the pastrami on rye – it’s one of the best in NJ.
Marra’s | 172 Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland
Marra’s Italian Specialities has been feeding Roseland and its surrounding areas since 1985. After nearly 40 years, this spot has proven it’s a staple amongst the Italian delis in the area. Located at 172 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland, Mara’s serves lunch and dinner, and provides catering — they’re ready to satisfy your cravings in-house or in your own home. Try the #10 (chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, balsamic) or the Drunken Chicken Parm (chicken parm with vodka sauce) for something drool-worthy.
Mastriano’s Quality Market | 1058 Broad Street, Bloomfield
This family butcher + deli business sits diagonally across from Holsten’s Ice Cream + Chocolate Restaurant on Broad Street. Mastriano’s breaks its business down into three categories: Butcher (for prime steaks, homemade sausages, and Bell + Evans Chicken); Deli (for Boar’s Head + homemade products, the best sandwiches, and quality prepared food); and Catering (for cold cut, veggie, + sandwich platters and homemade food). From the sandwich menu, try The Butchie Boy (roast beef, turkey, swiss, with coleslaw and Russian dressing). For veggie lovers, try The Sneaky Pete (fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and broccoli rabe).
Millburn Deli | 256 Park Street, Montclair
Millburn Deli sits near the corner of Park Street + Watchung Avenue. Its menu consists of sandwiches, specialty salads, sides, desserts, and more. There is a special section on the menu for the Munch of the Month which features monthly specials. If diners are not close to the Montclair area, there are three other locations in Millburn, Morristown, + Westfield. From the Montclair menu, try My Hammy Vice (black forest ham, cheddar cheese, sauteed onions, apple slices, + Russian dressing on rye). Millburn Deli also delivers via Doordash.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
Mikki + Al’s received its name after the owner’s in-laws. The restaurant’s creation came from honoring the food shared within the family. Menu options include soups, hot + cold sandwiches, brunch noshes, salads, platters, and more. Have a bowl of split pea soup with a pastrami sandwich, or try the chopped chicken liver with caramelized onions from the cold sandwiches menu. Either way, MG’s pro tip is to make sure the meal is rounded out with a serving of rice pudding, or a black + white cookie.
Nicolo’s Italian Bakery + Deli | 6 Baldwin Street, Montclair
This Bakery + Deli was established in 1967 by Nicolo Zecchino himself. Its breads are made and baked fresh daily. The bakery + deli takes pride in its bread, as the unique recipe hasn’t changed in over 45 years. Nicolo’s has an extensive sandwich menu as well as a catering menu available to patrons. If diners are searching to fill a sharp yet salty craving, try the soppressata, imported sharp provolone, and sun-dried tomato sandwich.
Pat’s Village Deli + Catering | 7 Newark Avenue, Belleville
This family-owned deli has been serving the Belleville + Nutley area since 1937. Menu options include breakfast sandwiches, Italian subs, and more. One of the great parts about this deli is that breakfast is served all day. Sandwiches are a crowd favorite at Pat’s. Grab a breakfast sandwich on the way to a tailgate. For lunch, try the Italian Sub (Ham, salami, and provolone. Include shredded or leaf lettuce, tomato, olive oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, and mustard) or the Italian hot dog (Single hot dog, potatoes, and peppers. Add hot dog for an additional charge).
Petracco + Sons | 507 Bloomfield Avenue, Nutley
View this post on Instagram
A deli that prides itself in always being “right around the corner,” Petracco + Sons serves its customers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some menu items include breakfast sandwiches, salad platters, pasta, burgers, and hot and cold sandwiches. If diners need to take out, they can find Petracco + Sons on UberEats. Shoppers can check out its Facebook page for specials and seasonal favorites like Thanksgiving pies, hot stuffed breads, fresh pasta, and more. Try ordering The Don Sub (Sopressata, prosciutto, salami, wet mozzarella and roasted peppers).
Sparo’s Deli + Catering | 197 B Bellevue Avenue, Upper Montclair
View this post on Instagram
Sparo’s prides itself in being the “local spot that is bringing back the nostalgia of being at grandma’s kitchen table.” Its menu consists of four different categories of sandwiches: premium, signature, American classics, and hot. Sandwiches come with a choice of bread, or can also be made as a salad by swapping out the bread for a bed of lettuce. Those not in the Montclair area can visit the other location in Ramsey. If stopping by, try the Fat Dom (prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, red onions, balsamic vinegar, + fresh basil pesto).
St. Cloud Deli + Catering | 533 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
View this post on Instagram
Currently owned by the Rosas Franco family, St. Cloud is located near the Turtle Back Zoo of West Orange. It serves breakfast, deli, and hot sandwiches, as well as some St. Cloud specialties. Try the Italian classic (prosciutto, capicola, salami, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, oil, and vinegar) or the Spicy Jack Chicken (spicy grilled chicken with fried onions, spicy jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, + chipotle sauce on a sub). Diners can also grab a breakfast sandwich or one of the many smoothie options.
T + L Rinaldi’s | 313 Union Avenue, Belleville
A mother-daughter duo moved into Belleville during the Fall of 2018. Rinaldi’s focuses on Italian + American cuisine. Patrons can stop in for freshly sliced cold cuts, breads, groceries, and more. Menus include hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast items, and specialty salads. There are special menus for catering available. Rinaldi’s also has meal prep options. MG suggests trying either the sweet or hot sausages: hey’re excellent, but they don’t stay long on the shelves, for good reason.
See More: Inside Jersey City’s Secret Jewish Deli
Town Hall Delicatessen | 74 First Street, South Orange
View this post on Instagram
The Town Hall Deli has been serving delicatessen specialties for nearly 100 years following its 1927 opening. The original establishment opened on South Orange Avenue. After two relocations, Town Hall settled in its current home on First Street in 2013. For those that can’t make it to Town Hall, it has delivery and ship-anywhere options for all to enjoy. Diners passing by are encouraged to try the Sloppy Joe. The Town Hall is known for its Sloppy Joe sandwiches with any two meats and cheese of choice. There are meat-free options available too.
Violante’s Meat Market | 105 Franklin Avenue, Nutley
View this post on Instagram
Violante’s opened its doors in 1969 and has always prides itself on selling quality cold cuts, meats, sandwiches, salads, and more. A home catering option is also available here. This deli has a butcher block for patrons as well, offering cuts of lamb, pork, beef, and poultry. If stopping by for lunch, try the Frankie Valli Sandwich (Breaded Chicken Cutlet Fresh Mozzarella, and Roasted Peppers on the bread of your choice), or the Mickey Mantle Sandwich (Liverwurst and Swiss with Onions on the bread of your choice). Violante’s Meat Market is currently in the process of moving from Bloomfield to Nutley. Its website says it is temporarily closed, but its doors open once again in at 105 Franklin Avenue (previously Vitiello’s Bakery).
