The 8 Best Delis in Winnipeg That Had Us Licking Our Fingers Clean
I used to think I had decent self-control—until I found myself in the parking lot, tearing into a pastrami sandwich like a raccoon who just discovered a compost bin. No napkins. No dignity. Just pure meat-fueled chaos.
Honestly, if you’ve never had mustard on your shirt, coleslaw in your hair, and zero regrets, have you really experienced a Winnipeg deli?
We’ve got some hidden gems in town that know how to stack a handheld so high it becomes a trust exercise.
After years of meat, sweats, and very questionable life choices (like ordering both the Reuben and brisket melt “just to compare”), I’ve narrowed down the best spots in our city that had me licking my fingers—publicly, shamelessly, and with pride.
Let’s go! Just maybe grab a napkin first.
1. Myer’s Delicatessen
– Media credit: myersdelicatessen
Address: 1842 Grant Ave
Website: https://www.myersdeli.com/
Phone: +1 204 489 6310
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: House-made Pastrami
Can’t talk about iconic eats in Winnipeg without mentioning Myer’s Delicatessen—it’s been a go-to for 67 years, and after finally checking it out, I totally saw why.
Sure, this diner is known for classic Montreal smoked meat and corned beef stacked on fresh bread, but their House-made Pastrami on rye with hot mustard is particularly noteworthy.
I mean, it’s a sandwich that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate what’s happening!
They’ve also got a lineup of comforting sides, soups, salads, pickles, and cookies. And if you don’t eat meat, they do have vegetarian options—feel free to ask!
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure what to get, keep an eye on the daily sandwich specials; they offer great value.
2. Oscar’s Deli
– Media credit: oscarsdeliwinnipeg
Address: 175 Hargrave St
Website: https://oscars-deli-and-catering.com/
Phone: +1 204 947 0314
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 am – 2 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 am – 2 pm
Must-order: Reuben Sandwich
There are plenty of delis around, but Oscar’s easily lands in my top tier—especially when I’m craving a Reuben Sandwich that actually delivers.
Most places go heavy on either the bread or the dressing, but here, they’ve nailed the balance. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good, like a sandwich that could walk the red carpet if there were awards for handhelds.
The daily specials are also a smart move. You get a hefty sandwich, a side, and a drink for a price that won’t make your wallet cry.
I usually try to swing by before the lunch crowd hits because, yes, it gets busy.
Pro Tip:
Vegetarians might feel a bit left out beyond the Veggie Burger; this diner is more of a meat-lover’s hangout.
3. Bernstein’s Deli
– Media credit: bernsteinsdeli/
Address: 1700 Corydon Ave
Website: https://www.bernsteinsdeli.com/
Phone: +1 204 488 4552
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 am – 8:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am – 7 pm
- Saturday: 8 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm
Must-order: Classic Reuben
When I’m craving something hearty and nostalgic, Bernstein’s Deli is my go-to.
Their Classic Reuben is hard to beat—100 grams of Smith’s corned beef stacked with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and hot mustard on grilled eye. It’s messy in the best way and tastes like a hug on a plate.
But what I really appreciate is that they offer more than just dine-in meals. You can order holiday dinners, office catering, and even custom cooking solutions if you need a little help pulling off a festive spread.
Pro Tip:
Seating is limited, and things can get pretty packed during peak hours, so you might have to wait a bit.
4. Primos Deli
– Media credit: primoswpg
Address: 686 Portage Ave #100-B
Website: https://primosdeli.ca/
Phone: +1 204 228 9526
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 am – 3:30 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: Estelle Harris
Primos Deli isn’t your typical neighborhood sandwich stop—it’s a West End gem where Jewish and Italian flavors come together in big, bold subs and crisp salads.
Every sandwich is built on a hoagie roll from Friend Bakery (unless you opt for a lettuce wrap or salad bowl), and they don’t compromise on quality, using fresh ingredients and offering a variety of options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets.
If it’s your first time, you can’t miss Estelle Harris. Think corned beef, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, za’atar curtido, dill pickles, and onions, all served hot on an 8-inch roll that somehow holds it all together without falling apart in your hands.
Pro Tip:
They have limited hours (11 am to 3:30 pm), so it’s more of a midday treat than a late-night fix. Plus, the space is quite small—it’s best for takeout or small groups.
5. Harvest Bakery & Deli
– Media credit: harvest1857
Address: 1857 Grant Ave
Website: http://www.harvestbakeryanddeli.com/
Phone: +1 204 489 1086
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 6 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 3:30 pm
Must-order: Ham & Swiss Sandwich
Before coming here, I thought a sandwich was just… a sandwich. But this place totally changed my mind!
Their Ham & Swiss Sandwich is nothing fancy, just freshly sliced ham and gooey Swiss cheese nestled between slices of their soft, chewy Winnipeg-style rye. Simple, but ridiculously satisfying.
I’ve found myself craving it on random Tuesdays ever since!
Their lean turkey and pastrami are standouts, too. Honestly, I didn’t expect much from a deli counter, but this one’s got heart.
Pro Tip:
Come mid-morning on a weekday when it’s quieter—you can actually hear yourself think while you’re deciding between all the deli classics.
6. King + Bannatyne
– Media credit: kingandbann
Address: 100 King St Unit D
Website: http://www.kingandbannatyne.com/
Phone: +1 204 691 9757
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11 am – 6 pm
- Saturday: 11 am – 4 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Must-order: River City Brisket
I always find myself coming back to King + Bannatyne whenever I’m in the Exchange District and craving a really good sandwich.
They take their craft seriously—every handheld feels like it was made with care and zero shortcuts.
The River City Brisket here is a must-try. That beef brisket is brined in-house for seven days, then hit with their own pastrami-style rub, and stacked on rye with the right amount of mustard.
Pro Tip:
I usually round it out with a cup of their daily soup and a side of their house pickles—they are the perfect contrast to all that rich, slow-roasted goodness.
7. The Yellow Deli
– Media credit: the204foody
Address: 490 Des Meurons St
Website: https://yellowdeli.ca/Winnipeg
Phone: +1 204 453 5156
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Friday: 10 am – 3 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm
Must-order: Deli Rose
I love how warm and tucked-away The Yellow Deli feels—it’s like stepping into a cozy log cabin made for long lunches and quiet chats.
The wooden interior and soft, tavern-style lighting give it an old-school charm that makes you want to stay awhile.
What keeps me coming back, though, is the Deli Rose. It’s their best-seller—picture salt beef and roast beef layered with hot pepper jack and provolone, all steamed until melty, then drizzled with their signature sauce.
They also have a great lineup of handmade sandwiches and fresh salads. The ingredients always taste super fresh—some even come straight from their own farm.
If you’ve got room for dessert, the Sweet Potato Pound Cake and the Cream Cheese Pie are both worth trying. I usually go with the cake, but I’ve seen people close their eyes over that pie.
Pro Tip:
Pair your sandwich with their house-made pickles for that perfect tangy crunch. It’s worth it!
8. Chachi’s Sandwich Bar
– Media credit: chachissandwiches
Address: 555 Sterling Lyon Pkwy
Website: http://www.chachis.ca/
Phone: +1 204 219 8127
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm
Must-order: Spicy Italian
At Chachi’s, I always end up getting the Spicy Italian—salami, capicollo, jalapeño jack, and that garlicky aioli that somehow ends up on my fingers every time. No complaints!
If I’m not in a rush, I’ll usually customize a bit—extra pepper spread or more sauce because I like it saucy—and just take my time eating it like it’s a full sit-down meal.
They’ve got other options too, like the Cali, Chicken Bahn Mi, and Philly Cheese Steak, but honestly, I haven’t strayed far from my favorite.
I like that it’s quick, but it still feels like I treated myself to something better than the usual sandwich run.
Pro Tip:
They often have weekly specials, so check their social media for limited-time offers.