About
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Raleigh, (ish) delicatessen is a culinary gem that brings a fresh and modern twist to classic deli fare. Located at 702 N Person St, this charming spot has quickly become a beloved destination for locals and food enthusiasts alike, thanks to its commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and a unique menu that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
The accolades from satisfied customers, such as Jakub Chaba and Laura Cooper, highlight the standout quality of (ish) delicatessen's offerings. The Rueben, often cited as a favorite, showcases the deli's attention to detail, balancing flavor and texture with each perfect bite. But it doesn’t stop there; the Nassau County and Smoked Fish Melt are equally praised, beckoning food lovers to take a journey through varied tastes and rich, hearty fillings.
One cannot discuss (ish) without mentioning their BL(FG)T & Blue—a brilliant reimagining of the traditional BLT. With crispy bacon, fried green tomatoes, and a caraway blue cheese dressing, this sandwich captures the essence of Southern flavors, making it a seasonal standout. Customers rave about the process of pairing this delight with a side, such as their renowned burnt ends potato salad, which adds an exciting twist with its mustardy notes and tender chunks.
Moreover, the warm and friendly ambiance is bolstered by a dedicated staff who, as noted by delighted patrons, go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Whether they’re accommodating special requests or delivering food directly to your table across the street, the service at (ish) is as delightful as the food itself.
With indoor seating available, though it can be a tad snug during peak hours, the snug atmosphere adds to its charm. Outdoor tables offer a lovely option for those who wish to enjoy their meal al fresco while soaking in the Raleigh atmosphere. As autumn leaves fall and the air cools, sipping a glass of wine alongside your meal becomes a perfect afternoon delight, as suggested by Rebecca H.
In a culinary landscape filled with options, (ish) delicatessen stands out not just for its creative offerings, but for its unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you're a local or just passing through, (ish) promises an experience that will leave your palate dancing and your heart satisfied, making it a must-visit on your culinary journey through Raleigh.
“ I work from a coffee shop across the street at least once a week. I've tried several restaurants in the surrounding area for food for lunch. Nothing comes close to ish. The Rueben, Nassau County, and Smoked Fish Melt are all tied for my favorite sandwiches here. The burnt ends potato salad is incredible. The staff are really friendly. They'll even walk the food over to the coffee shop for me if I ask nicely in the details of the online order, but I enjoy the walk myself :) ”
“ There are few things more satisfying in the summer than a proper BLT. Pair it with a soup or a glass of bourbon and perhaps there's no better autumnal luncheon, either. But Ish deli fuses a modern, southern twist on the classic that is absolutely delicious and will leave you full and satisfied until tomorrow... when you crave another one. It's called the BL(FG)T & Blue: Fried green tomatoes, crispy bacon, lettuce, and caraway blue cheese dressing on whole wheat bread. Things you wouldn't expect go together: golden heirloom tomatoes bursting juicy sweet through the delicate lace of their fried crust, drizzled with a thin, caraway-tinged blue cheese dressing, packed between some lettuce and perfectly crispy bacon curls on two whole-wheat slices. It's a beautiful cross-section and a manageable bite. Pair it with a side from their deli case: I chose burnt ends potato salad, a hearty, lemony, mustardy mix of generous smashed fingerlings and chunks of burnt pastrami ends. There's a cooler with some random beers and assorted bottles of wine so I ordered a white and let them choose one to open for me (9, unlisted in the menu). The leaves were falling so I sat at one of the sidewalk tables (there is indoor seating as well), read poetry until my sandwich was served, and felt more satisfied than I had with a meal out in a long, long time. ”
“ Beat sandwich in Raleigh, hands down. I know because I’m pregnant and have eaten any sandwich I can find :) I’ve been here a dozen times and the consistency doesn’t change. Quality, fresh ingredients make it a 10/10. Turkey Rueben is my favorite. Indoor seating is a bit small, so not ideal for big groups. ”
“ Ish is a hidden gem in Raleigh. The food is amazing specially for Sunday brunch and breakfast. The space is a bit tight for the volume of customers they get but definitely recommend it. ”
“ My favorite lunch spot in Raleigh! I wish I could review more than just the smoked fish melt, but it's so delicious I can't bring myself to order anything else. Potato salad is fabulous as well. ”
“ This place was recommended by a coworker and I have to say I can’t wait to come back. We picked up lunch and brought it back to the office - online ordering was a breeze. I had the Turkey Rueben and the Burnt Ends Potato Salad. The Rueben was worth every penny for the meat alone but the flavor was fantastic. The Potato Salad was recommended by a second coworker who lives in the neighborhood and it was by far the best potato salad I’ve ever had. Can’t recommend this place enough. If you haven’t been, it’s a must try. ”
“ I had the smoked fish sandwich and it was amazing! The staff are friendly and they work hard - the place was busy. We did get a table and enjoyed the vibe while we ate. I have to mention the fact that the coffee came in china cups and was very good. We will definitely be here again. ”
“ Excellent deli - ish in a super cool area of Raleigh. This little deli is everything it says it is. My husband & I shared two wonderful sandwiches - we appreciated how hot & steaming the Reuben came out. The Babagan (ish) was super tasty & unique. Loved that it wasn’t the traditional type of babaganoush (which can often have too much mayo & garlic). Fairly priced, large sized. Good Vibes all around and we would definitely go back! Please follow my sandwich Instagram @thesandwichmaven ”