Often associated with New York Jewish culture, pastrami traveled long before settling between two slices of rye bread. Originating in Romania, it was inspired by pastramă, a method of preserving meat by salting, drying and smoking.
It was in the 19th century , with Ashkenazi Jewish immigration to the United States , that this technique crossed the Atlantic and was transformed by American tastes. Pastrami as we know it today is generally prepared from beef brisket, marinated in a blend of spices (black pepper, coriander, garlic, paprika, etc.), smoked and then steamed to obtain a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
It has become a signature dish of New York delicatessens, where you order a generous sandwich, often overflowing with thin, juicy slices. The most legendary address? Katz's Delicatessen in Manhattan, immortalized in the film When Harry Met Sally, where pastrami has reigned supreme since 1888.
Today, pastrami is a favorite far beyond American borders. In Paris, you'll find it in sandwich bars, trendy brunches and delicatessens, sometimes revisited but always faithful to the generous, spicy spirit that has made it such a success. Here are the best places to eat a pastrami sandwich in Paris!
Armande Lepic: The artisanal sandwich shop at Montmartre Hill
After the success of Armande Montmartre, Margaux and Sébastien are opening Armande Lepic, a handcrafted takeout sandwich shop nestled along the steep slope of Rue Lepic. [Read more]
Mensch Deli: street food that travels between New York, Eastern Europe and Canada, in the 9th arrondissement.
To travel between New York, Eastern Europe and Canada, we stay in Paris, in the 9th arrondissement, at Mensch Deli, where Léa and Sacha revisit American sandwiches with Ashkenazi influences, between bagels and homemade latkes. [Read more]
Les Amoureuses Bis, the excellent wine bar x dining cellar of Les Amoureuses
The Amoureuses team opens its little sister, Les Amoureuses Bis, a wine bar where quality finger food and choice wines come together. [Read more]
Zinzin, Gargouille's little brother in a naughty Mediterranean sandwich version
Following in the footsteps of its big sister, Gargouille, Zinzin offers Mediterranean dishes in a saucy sandwich version. [Read more]
Florence Kahn, the stunning Jewish institution in the Marais that hasn't aged a day
A true pillar of Ashkenazi culture and an authentic Jewish institution in the Marais, Florence Kahn has not aged a day since 1988 and still offers unrivalled pleasure. [Read more]
Deli by Melt, New York delicatessen and smoked meat sandwiches at Les Halles
New York delicatessen atmosphere and smoked meat sandwiches at Deli by Melt, in the heart of the Halles district. [Read more]
Alfi, quality sandwiches and good mood in the Marais
At Alfi, the sandwiches are prepared with generosity and in a good mood, just like in a real New York delicatessen. The only difference is that it's in the Marais! [Read more]
Meshuga, the deli a stone's throw from the Jardin du Luxembourg
The Left Bank is home to a brand-new deli, just a stone's throw from the Luxembourg Gardens: Meshuga and its New York-style sandwiches! [Read more]
Noo-York: good, organic American hot dogs and bagels
In the Marais, a few steps from the Centre Pompidou, there is only one address for hot-dog lovers: Noo-York. At 46 rue des Gravilliers, you can find hot-dogs, bagels, milkshakes and homemade desserts, with organic and seasonal products, for small prices! [Read more]
Also: Will's Deli, Schwartz's Deli, The Smoked Meat, Adriana et Margot
Find the location of all these places by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
Paris delicatessens: New York-style catering restaurants
New York delicatessen restaurants, delicatessens and caterers have crossed the Atlantic to Paris. Pastrami sandwiches are yours! [Read more]
Paris delicatessens: New York-style catering restaurants
