Zelden's Deli & Desserts

What is Zelden's Deli & Desserts? Located at 1446 Yonge Street just south of St. Clair, Zelden's Deli & Desserts brings old-school Jewish delicatessen traditions to Midtown. Operated by husband-and-wife duo Irene and Shelley Zelden, the room draws upon family recipes dating back to the 1980s from Thornhill staple Zely's Deli. The interior offers an unpretentious retro diner aesthetic, complete with red vinyl booths, black-and-white checkered tile, and pressed tin ceiling panels.

Zelden's Deli & Desserts Menu & What to Order The kitchen anchors its menu on seven-ounce deli cuts piled onto fresh light rye, notably the spiced pastrami and Montreal-style smoked meat paired with homemade spicy deli mustard. Beyond the signature sandwiches and classic reubens, comfort staples like the chicken matzo ball soup, crispy potato latkes with sour cream, and gravy-drenched beef knishes are reliable table orders. Save room for sweets, from diner milkshakes and ice cream floats to rotating daily pies and tarts from the front display fridge.

Know Before You Go Seating operates on a casual walk-in basis, with lunch rushes and weekend brunch drawing steady neighbourhood crowds. The restaurant is situated a short walk south of St. Clair subway station on Line 1, with street parking available on nearby side streets. Operating daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the counter also packages deli meats, sides, and whole knishes for takeout.