Columbus Foodie

I’ll be the first to admit that I am easily convinced to try new restaurants in Columbus, often due to a reader suggestion or a review I’ve read in a local media outlet, or buzz on Columbus Underground. It doesn’t take much to get me in the door the first time. However, the deciding factor on whether a restaurant is good or not (at least in my book) is whether I ever go back. Today I bring you one that went from being totally off our radar, to one we visit with amazing regularity, especially given that it’s located over a half hour away from us in Powell.

New York Deli is located on Presidential Parkway, in the former Benvenuto Amici space. While Benvenuto Amici struggled, this new restaurant seems to be doing quite well. Maybe it’s a better fit for the neighborhood. In any case, in the time we were there, it filled up very quickly – to the point people were actually waiting for tables, which is almost unheard of in a deli, at least in Ohio. Non-plussed by all the hubbub, the vivacious lady who waited on us (who I believe is also co-owner) was extremely helpful and friendly, with a bit of a snarky edge.

After trying a few different sandwiches over numerous visits, my husband and I have reached a consensus that our favorite is The Todd ($9.49) – easily one of the best sandwiches in  Columbus. It’s their version of an Italian sub – with ham, salami, cappacola, lettuce, tomato, onion, roasted red peppers, oil and vinegar. In short, lots of Boar’s Head meat with extremely fresh toppings on a exceptional roll. Great value, extremely flavorful, more sandwich than anyone with a normal appetite can realistically finish in one sitting. We declared this one worth the trip in and of itself.

The day of our first trip was extremely cold, so we opted to get a bowl of the Turkey Noodle Soup ($4.95 for a ginormous bowl). The soup was definitely homemade, as evidenced by the presence of a bone in my bowl. It had great flavor, the serving size was easily enough for two, and it was very hearty and warming.

The giant dill pickles ($1.50 each) that they serve here are exceptional. We’ve made trips back here for the pickles alone. They are also Boar’s Head brand, but have a different flavor than the retail version (did a side by side comparison with a jar of the same Whole Dill Pickles I had picked up at Jungle Jim’s). I’m indifferent to most pickles, but love these. They are crunchy and have a strong garlic flavor, which make these perfect to just sit down and gnaw on.

My husband is partial to liverwurst, so he got The Tom ($6.99). Great sandwich construction, with lots of good Boar’s Head liverwurst, Swiss cheese and plenty of crisp sliced onion with mustard on rye.  As far as liverwurst sandwiches go, we’ve both concurred that this is also the best we’ve had in Columbus so far.

Not so pleasing was the bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup ($4.95). Where’s the chicken? Where’s the tortilla? Good flavor, but it’s not what we were craving or expected.

In short, if you live in one of the Northwest suburbs, or are already out and about at Polaris or Sawmill anyway, trying this place out should be a no-brainer. For us, it’s worth traveling for – but bear in mind that we’d drive to Cleveland or Cincinnati if there was a good meal waiting for us at the end of the trip. It’s at least as good as any of the other delis in town, definitely more value for the price. Worth leaving downtown for, though? Only if you’re planning on it anyway.

If you’d like to go: New York Deli, 4032 Presidential Parkway, Powell, OH 43065, 614.766.1111