15+ Best Delis in Toronto for the Ultimate Summer Picnic

Julie Anne L.
· · ·

Finding picnic food that holds up in the heat? That’s a summer mission on its own. You want something easy to carry, satisfying, and ideally… not soggy by the time you spread the blanket. Enter Toronto’s delis. Think thick sandwiches, juicy pickles, cold salads, and maybe a sneaky sweet or two for dessert. This roundup of the best delis in Toronto for the ultimate summer picnic rounds up the kind of spots that make you want to grab a cooler and head straight to the nearest park. No fuss. Just good food, solid bread, and deli counters that know exactly what they’re doing.

Best Delis in Toronto for the Ultimate Summer Picnic

La Salumeria

Photo via @lasalumeriatoronto and @masadeli.ca / Instagram

You can’t pack a proper Italian sandwich without stopping by La Salumeria, a Midtown legend for over 40 years. Their cold-cut subs and deli breakfast sandwiches bring serious flavour without falling apart in the heat. It’s a go-to for no-fuss picnic eats that always hit.

  • Price: $$
  • Instagram: @lasalumeriatoronto
  • Location: 2021 Yonge St, Toronto
  • Phone: 1 416-486-8327

Lambo’s Deli

Photo via @lambosdeli / Instagram

Craving a New York-style sub that holds up well on the go? The rolls at Lambo’s Deli, made in partnership with Tre Mari Bakery, are just the start. Every sandwich is stuffed with house-made sauces and thinly sliced meats—perfect for your cooler bag.

  • Price: $$
  • Website: www.lambosdeli.ca 
  • Location: 176 Bellwoods Ave, Toronto
  • Phone: 1 416-703-3688

When The Pig Came Home Delicatessen

Photo via @when_the_pig_came_home/ Instagram

Smoked meats and jerk chicken meet peameal bacon and patties at When The Pig Came Home, making it one of the most flavorful stops in the west end. They use halal chicken, PEI beef, and fresh local ingredients. Wrap up a few patties or a porchetta sandwich, and you’ve got picnic fuel with a kick.

Zelden’s Deli and Desserts

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You’ll find old-school deli fare with a modern touch at Zelden’s Deli and Desserts, right near Yonge and St. Clair. Their deli trays, sandwiches, and hearty soups are perfect for sharing at a picnic. It’s casual comfort food that travels well and satisfies fast.

Mak European Delicatessens

Photo via @makeurodeli / Instagram

Burek, cevapi, and sizzling Sarajevo-style meats make Mak European Delicatessens stand out from your usual sandwich stop. The shop smells like grilled magic and offers hot lunches and fresh deli meats daily. Grab a mix of hot and cold items for a European-style picnic spread.

Elm Street Italian Deli

Photo via @queenscrossfoodhall and @elmstdeli / Instagram

Smoked turkey, roast beef, and house-made sauces make the Elm Street Italian Deli a strong contender for the best sandwich. These hoagies pack tightly and taste just as good after a walk to the park. Add a few extra napkins and you’re good to go.

  • Price: $$
  • Website: www.elmstdeli.com 
  • Location: 15 Elm St, Toronto
  • Phone: 1 416-591-6411

Stack’d Deli Kitchen

Photo via @stackdkitchen / Instagram

If you like your deli meats stacked high and fast, Stack’d Deli Kitchen serves smoked brisket, lepinjas, soups, and more. Their grab-and-go setup makes picnic prep easy. It’s quality meat without the wait.

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NewYorker Deli

Photo via @eatingyyz and @newyorkerdeli_to / Instagram

You’ll taste three generations of tradition in every sandwich at NewYorker Deli, known for its all-day breakfast and hearty lunch options. The relaxed feel and generous portions are ideal for no-stress park meals. Sandwich, side, and soda? Done.

Sumilicious Smoked Meat & Deli

Photo via @sumiliciousdeli / Instagram

Montreal-style smoked meat takes center stage at Sumilicious, where every bite delivers rich, seasoned goodness. Their sandwiches travel well and don’t lose their shape, even in a picnic bag. It’s the kind of deli stop that turns heads at the park table.

  • Price: $$
  • Website: https://sumilicious.ca 
  • Location: 5631 Steeles Ave E #5, Scarborough
  • Phone: 1 647-347-8899

Druxy’s Famous Deli

Photo via @druxys / Instagram

Traditional Jewish eats stay consistent at Druxy’s Famous Deli, which has been serving the city since 1976. It’s a quick stop if you want a reliable sandwich before heading to your picnic spot. Think smoked meat, rye bread, and a cold drink—all wrapped up to go.

  • Price: $$
  • Website: https://druxys.com 
  • Location: 29 Queen St E, Toronto
  • Phone: 1 416-367-3904

Wolfie’s Deli

Thin-cut pastrami, juicy brisket, and proper rye bread define Wolfie’s Deli, a family-run favourite for nearly 50 years. The portions are generous and perfect for sharing. If your picnic is meat-focused, this place checks all the boxes.

Vatra Deli

Photo via @vatra_deli / Instagram

Kielbasa, cabbage rolls, and Ukrainian meat platters from Vatra Deli are ideal for group-style outdoor meals. These aren’t your typical picnic picks, but they pack a ton of flavour. The cold cuts and cheeses are also solid for DIY sandwiches.

  • Price: $$
  • Instagram: @vatra_deli
  • Location: 3878 Bloor St W, Toronto
  • Phone: 1 437-981-1900

Pancer’s Original Deli

Photo via @pancersoriginaldeli / Instagram

Traditional Jewish deli meets timeless recipes at Pancer’s Original Deli, open since 1957. Grab a pastrami on rye and maybe some slaw on the side. It’s the kind of sandwich that tastes even better eaten outside.

Dave’s Genuine Deli

Photo via davesgenuine.ca

Slow-cooked meats and BBQ favourites show up strong at Dave’s Genuine Deli, where every sandwich feels like a full meal. Chef Dave serves up hand-cut brisket and smoked meat with picnic-perfect packaging. These are best eaten with both hands under the sun.

Schmaltz Appetizing

Photo via @schmaltzappetizing / Instagram

Bagels, smoked fish, and cream cheese make Schmaltz Appetizing a great stop for a brunch-style picnic. You’ll find everything from lox to egg salad, all easy to pack and portion. It’s breakfast in the park without the fuss.

 Kiss My Pans

Photo via @kissmypans / Instagram

Cheese boards meet kaya toast at Kiss My Pan’s, a deli blending Singaporean comfort food with global charcuterie. Their platters work well for a more curated picnic setup. Grab some kopi and sliced meats and turn your park day into something different.

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Julie Anne Loquinario

Hey, it’s Julie! Powered by coffee and cuddles from my five feline overlords, I’m always hunting down the best cafés and restos in Toronto and the GTA. When I’m not indulging in my latest food obsession, you’ll find me binge-watching shows or dreaming up my next adventure.

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