JO-EL'S Kosher Deli, Market & Café — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

Jo el's is a gem in St Petersburg. This is a family that is committed to authenticity and heart. Sharon the daughter of the owners is a kind, caring and very nice person. The high points. The smoked fishes and salads are on point and very good. Whitefish salad....salty, smoky delicious. hummus and baba ganoush......hummus, creamy and non commercial baba ganoush smoke, israeli sald.....excellent melding of tomatoes , onions, parseley.......weak point.....knishes 2x....dry to dryish......not moist.....stick to Nova, sable (yes crazzzy expensive), corned beef excellent and pastrami too bad not non packaged still excellent.........matzoh ball soup/chicken so the up excellent, schnitzel good......many dry goods expensive.....but here's the deal when you come here.......if you are seeking a NY deli from the 60's and 70's.....you may need to adjust and alter your expectations because the fact of the matter is it is 2019 and in NY there are l 4 delis left. Stage closed, Carnegie closed....Katz's is still there....Brooklyn, Queens and Bronx no more Delis....even Bens in Rego Park close....so to compare your deli in Brooklyn population 2 million plus from 40 years ago to here at 270,000 in St Pete is not being fair or realistic.......for starters. wh ..Seriously folks I too was born and grew up in NYC Which means unlike most people who live in Manhattan , I did not arrivehere 5 months ago and claim NYC as my hometown. Nor did I claim that anything but Mahattan is not NY. Brooklyn , Queens , Bronx, and Staten Island were incorporated. as part of NYC since 1898 .

Therefore for the "social influencers and the wannabes.....NYC includes all 5 boroughs for the past 122 years" and the unrealistic expectation that the food was unappetizing (how so?) dust on shelves......all stores that were local did not look like HGTV ....for HGTV and Pottery Barn aesthetics to be applied to a store that is old school is completely devoid of context.....you want perfect go to the Pottery Barn or Wiliams and Sonoma and buy a cranberry bagel.......basta....enough....give people a break.....terrible previous reviewer to write a review like that..I stock up here and there are many things that are done very well. This is a place where people interact with each other versus their cell phone and try to get to know you The smoked meats, fishes and salads are on point.....customer service...

On their website they write that everyone feels like home at Jo-el's and that's exactly how we felt a minute after walking inside.

We were greeted warmly as we entered by the Joe the co-owner and every employee we passed made a point to greet us and warmly interact. The aroma of a real Kosher NY deli greets you as the door opens too.

We drove 2 hrs one way, from Orlando, to pick up essentials for our family members in Oklahoma who are longing for the real thing. We weren't disappointed!

Since the people behind the deli counter were preparing orders for others, Sharon the manager, arrived in a flash to ask how she could help. We had waited all of 2 minutes! She took our orders and made the connection with us right away further reinforcing how welcome we were and how much our visit was appreciated.

She LISTENED, not just to the details of the order, but to the chit chat and when she heard we had driven from Orlando she immediately made sure we knew they deliver to Orlando for the future.

Our lunch was delicious, freshly made and served at our table with kindness that is often missing in the fast paced world.

Even though it was getting close to closing time ever employ behind the deli counter took time to get our sliced meat, fish, and knish order right and prepared with care. No need to ask for the 3 lbs of corn beef to be packed in individual lbs it was done without asking.

As we were paying for our purchase the Joe asked if we wanted ice to keep the food chilled for our drive back to Orlando.

This goes on my list of places I wish I had discovered 15 years ago when we moved to Orlando from Louisiana instead of discovering it 2 days before we move from Orlando to Oklahoma!

The good news is my sister is coming from Oklahoma to Tampa for her daughter's destination wedding in April and she knows she has to make at least 1 visit to Jo-el's Kosher Deli while she's in town.

I could write a short story about how much we enjoyed our food, the shopping experience and the conversation but you really HAVE to go so you can feel the atmosphere and taste the food...

JO-EL’S Kosher Deli, Market & Café is a true culinary treasure nestled in St. Petersburg, Florida. Here’s why you should make a beeline to this delightful spot:

Sandwiches Galore: Whether you’re craving a classic Reuben or a towering pastrami masterpiece, JO-EL’S delivers. Their sandwiches are generous and shareable—perfect for a hearty meal.

Potato Salad Perfection: Brace yourself for the potato salad experience of a lifetime. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a must-try. Pair it with any sandwich for a match made in deli heaven.

Dine-In or Takeout: The choice is yours! Sit down and savor your meal in their cozy café, or grab your order to go. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

Off the Beaten Path: JO-EL’S isn’t on the main drag, but trust me, it’s worth seeking out. The adventure to this hidden gem adds to its charm.

Corned Beef Magic: If you’re a fan of a great corned beef sandwich, JO-EL’S won’t disappoint. Tender, flavorful, and piled high—it’s a slice of deli nostalgia.

Jewish Favorites: Bagels, lox, matzo ball soup—JO-EL’S celebrates Jewish cuisine with authenticity. You’ll find all your favorites here. Retro Vibes: Step inside and feel the nostalgia. The décor is a blend of old-school charm and modern comfort. It’s like visiting your bubbe’s kitchen.

In summary, JO-EL’S Kosher Deli is where tradition meets taste. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, you’ll leave with a full belly and a happy heart. 🥪🥔❤️

Remember, good food is the best way to connect with culture and...