Panzer’s Deli & Grocery

This Jewish delicatessen has changed hands just thrice over its nearly eight decades in existence. Opened in 1944 by Mr. Panzer, an Austrian refugee, and Mr. Vogl, a Czech refugee, it was later sold exclusively to the latter, who ran the operation before passing it down to his son. Years later, David Josephs, a longtime customer who used to frequent the deli with his grandparents most Sundays as a child, decided to carry on the Panzer legacy. 

Situated in the leafy area of St. Johns Wood, the deli offers a range of delicacies from around the globe, just like the original delicatessens of Eastern Europe. Expect to find everything from caviar to Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers, not to plush challah baked from decades-old secret recipe.

Panzer’s is known for its hand-cut lox, cream cheese, and bagels, with expert slicer Stefan at the helm slicing the perfect paper-thin cuts of lightly smoked, melt-in-the-mouth fish for over 25 years. Stop by the counter to ask him to slice you some and choose between the silkier, oilier cuts closer to the skin and the leaner cuts below. The man has certainly honed his craft.