Shlomo and Vito's New York Delicatessen is a dieter's nightmare—but a gourmand's dream. The nightmare comes with portions so huge that you could not possibly eat everything in a single sitting, but the food is so scrumptious that you're going to try anyway. The dream comes from delicious choices that include the classic corned beef or pastrami on rye, the famous mac-and-cheese with Italian sausage pieces, and Bubbie's braised beef brisket. Wait until you get to dessert: Even self-proclaimed chocolate-haters can't keep their spoons out of the moist, smooth, multi-layered, velvety chocolate cake. So you'll do an extra 22 miles on the treadmill tomorrow.
Runners up:
2. Fifth Street Deli and Market
5071 E. Fifth St.
325-3354
3. Roma Imports
627 S. Vine Ave.
792-3173