A longtime Lake Worth Beach delicatessen recently earned national recognition from one of the world's largest travel platforms.
Gourmet Deli House at 7118 S. Dixie Highway, ranked No. 8 on Tripadvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Hidden Gems list for the United States.
The annual ranking highlights restaurants
that travelers say are worth seeking out for their food, hospitality and local character.Tripadvisor describes the category as celebrating places that may be "off the beaten path" but excel in both taste and charm.
The recognition places the Lake Worth Beach restaurant among the top hidden-gem dining destinations in the country.
More than four decades in Lake Worth
Founded in 1985, Gourmet Deli House built a loyal following for its deli sandwiches, breakfast offerings,
pastries and comfort-food favorites.
The restaurant previously earned attention beyond online reviews. Three years ago, it was featured on South Florida PBS's "Check, Please! South Florida," hosted by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, whose recommendations can bring regional attention to neighborhood restaurants.
On its website, the deli also notes that it ranks No. 1 among 156 restaurants in Lake Worth on Tripadvisor and credits the recognition to longtime chef Rutilio "Rudy" Arias, who joined the restaurant in 1998, along with its kitchen and service teams.
What customers say
Tripadvisor reviewers repeatedly point to the same strengths: large portions, friendly service and an expansive menu.
The platform's AI-generated summary describes the restaurant as a place where folks can linger over homemade-style sandwiches, crispy fries and pastries in a comfortable dining room.
Reviewers frequently mention the attentive staff and broad selection of breakfast and lunch options.
With more than 500 reviews and a 4.7-star rating on Tripadvisor, the deli has generated the kind of sustained positive feedback that helped it earn a spot in the national rankings.
One of five Florida restaurants in the national top 10
Florida was well represented on Tripadvisor's U.S. Hidden Gems list. In addition to our local winner, others include:
- No. 1: Casa Neos, Miami
- No. 2: Caffe Milano, Naples — Hidden gem? As a former Naples resident, I'd like to say who can't find this restaurant? It sits on Fifth Avenue South, Naples' marquee dining strip, where finding a parking spot without having to valet is more challenging than finding this restaurant.
- No. 6: Hosteria Romana, Miami Beach
- No. 7: Big Daddy J's 5 Great Things, Cocoa Beach
More notable winners with local outposts
Tripadvisor's rankings span categories that include fine dining, casual dining and date night.
While Gourmet Deli House was the only Palm Beach County restaurant to make its Hidden Gems Top 10, other 2026 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best winners have Palm Beach County ties.
Notable winners with locations here include:
- CVI.CHE 105, the Miami-based Peruvian restaurant with a location at Town Center at Boca Raton, was recognized in Tripadvisor's Casual Dining category. The restaurant is ranked No. 1 on Tripadvisor among Boca's many restaurants.
Details: 6000 Glades Road, Ste 1230, Boca Raton, 561-221-0940, ceviche105.com
- Two Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina locations in New York City and Nashville (at Nos. 3 and 4 respectively) ranked high on the fine dining list. Its location here is in Delray Beachat The Seagate Hotel.
Details: 1000 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-656-8070, bourbonsteakdelray.com
- Gallagher's Steakhouse, the New York City institution ranking No. 18 on the fine dining list, has a Boca Raton outpost.
Details: 2006 NW Executive Center Circle, Boca Raton. 561-559-5800; gallaghersnysteakhouse.com
How Tripadvisor determines winners
According to Tripadvisor, the Travelers' Choice Best of the Best designation represents the highest level of recognition awarded by the company.
Winners are selected based on a high volume of exceptional reviews and ratings submitted by travelers during a 12-month period.
Of Tripadvisor's approximately 8 million listings worldwide, fewer than 1% receive the honor. Tripadvisor admits restaurant descriptions on the rankings page are generated using artificial intelligence and traveler reviews.
Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County deli ranks on Tripadvisor's top 10 hidden gems in US
