Est. 1991· Carmel-by-the-Sea
5th Ave. Deli & Catering Co.
Family-owned since 1991. Carmel's favorite deli. Fresh sandwiches, homemade soups, picnic box lunches, and full catering.
Our Story
35 Years on 5th Avenue
Since 1991, 5th Ave. Deli & Catering Co. has been a beloved fixture in Carmel-by-the-Sea — tucked just two doors up from the Post Office on one of the most charming streets in California.
We're a family-owned gourmet deli that believes in doing things the right way: fresh ingredients, generous portions, and making every sandwich with care. Whether you're a local grabbing your morning coffee or a visitor picking up a picnic box for Carmel Beach, you're part of our family.
From our famous box lunches to full-service catering for gallery openings, corporate events, and private aircraft — we bring the same quality and heart to everything we make.
Fresh Daily
Every sandwich, soup, and salad is made fresh in-house each morning with quality ingredients.
Your Way
Build your own sandwich at our sandwich bar, or choose from our menu of signature creations.
We Deliver
From picnic box lunches to full catering, we deliver throughout the Monterey Peninsula.
Beach Day?
Grab a Picnic Box
Heading to Carmel Beach? Driving down to Big Sur? Our picnic box lunches are the perfect grab-and-go meal.
5th Avenue Deli Picnic
$17.50Ham, turkey, or roast beef with cheddar or Swiss, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles & onions, cookie, chips & apple
Carmel Classic
$22.00Roasted turkey or spiral honey ham with cheddar or Swiss, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles & onions, pasta salad, chips & lemon bar or espresso brownie
Vegetarian Box
$22.00Vegetarian sandwich or falafel on pita, Greek salad, hard boiled egg or dolma, apple & macaroon
Deluxe Picnic
$25.99Curry sandwich with lettuce & tomatoes, green salad, chocolate cake or carrot cake & a drink
Events & Catering
Let Us Cater Your Next Event
From intimate gallery openings to corporate aircraft catering at Monterey Peninsula Airport — we bring 35 years of deli excellence to every event.
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Bus Tours & Groups
We cater to tour buses visiting Carmel. Pre-ordered box lunches ready when you arrive.
Corporate Aircraft
In-flight catering for private aircraft at Monterey Peninsula Airport.
Gallery Openings
Elegant tapas and refreshments for Carmel's gallery exhibitions and art events.
Open Houses
Impress your guests with fresh platters and gourmet bites for real estate events.
Private Events
Birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations of all sizes. We customize to your taste.
Delivery Available
We deliver throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula.
Full Catering Menu
Tray sizes: 12" (5–7 people) and 16" (10–12 people). Prices subject to change.
Tray sizes: 12" (5–7 people) and 16" (10–12 people).
Fresh Pastries
Mini Danish, flaky croissants, muffins & more (48-hour notice)
Lox & Bagel
Cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumbers, tomato, capers, red onions & lemon garnish
Bagel with Cream Cheese
Fresh bagels with cream cheese
Whole Homemade Quiche
Lorraine or spinach, pre-sliced, served hot or cold
Fresh Fruit
Oranges, melons, pineapple, grapes, strawberries & more
Breakfast Burritos
Veggie or meat (ham, bacon, sausage, or chorizo) with eggs, cheese, salsa & potatoes
Individual Yogurts
Regular or Greek — assorted flavors
Fresh Brewed Coffee/Hot Tea
Regular or decaf, assorted tea bags
Juices
Orange, apple, grapefruit, lemonade & more
The Perfect Gift
Gourmet Gift Baskets
Handcrafted gift baskets filled with gourmet foods, local wines, and artisan treats. Perfect for holidays, thank-you gifts, or a taste of Carmel delivered anywhere.
Munchies for 2
Starting at $75Fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, fresh bread, assorted meats, crackers, breadsticks, dips, salsa & Lulas Chocolate. Wine or champagne available.
Carmel Classic
Starting at $80Tortilla chips, Lulas Chocolates, salsa, pretzels, assorted nuts, cheeses, olives, crackers & breadsticks. Local wine available.
Lovers Basket
Starting at $100Smoked salmon or 2 deli sandwiches, imported cheeses, kettle corn, 2 green salads, desserts, chocolates, crackers & wine or champagne.
Custom Basket
Any budgetTell us your budget and preferences — we'll create something special. All baskets are made to order.
“In Carmel you have two choices for lunch: a sit-down place where $100 evaporates from your wallet, or come to this deli and order a delightfully fresh $8 sandwich. Head down to the beach and enjoy this beautiful part of the world. The tuna salad I had from here will not slip from my memory.”
Timothy F. · Google
“A must stop for picnic food before heading to the beach or Big Sur. An impressive variety of food for a tiny place. The food is consistently good and the sandwich vegetables crisp and fresh.”
H NH · Google
“Fantastic sandwich, fair prices and kind staff. I witnessed one of the employees give a drink to a patron who would have struggled to buy one. It was a heart warming moment that made me want to give them all my business.”
Drew W. · Google
“The Best cozy Deli in Carmel by the Sea! The atmosphere, the sandwiches to die for, homemade soup and the best service in town. I totally recommend to stop here.”
Miss Lady M. · Google
“Such a charming spot! We stopped in for some takeout to enjoy a picnic at the beach, and it was a great choice. The sandwiches were affordable with a wide variety of options. The personal service really made it stand out.”
Thap N. · Google
“So many options for sandwiches, salad, soup, pastries and more. Best minestrone soup ever! Kindest people and in a prime location. 10/10.”
Aryana I. · Google
“In Carmel you have two choices for lunch: a sit-down place where $100 evaporates from your wallet, or come to this deli and order a delightfully fresh $8 sandwich. Head down to the beach and enjoy this beautiful part of the world. The tuna salad I had from here will not slip from my memory.”
Timothy F. · Google
“A must stop for picnic food before heading to the beach or Big Sur. An impressive variety of food for a tiny place. The food is consistently good and the sandwich vegetables crisp and fresh.”
H NH · Google
“Fantastic sandwich, fair prices and kind staff. I witnessed one of the employees give a drink to a patron who would have struggled to buy one. It was a heart warming moment that made me want to give them all my business.”
Drew W. · Google
“The Best cozy Deli in Carmel by the Sea! The atmosphere, the sandwiches to die for, homemade soup and the best service in town. I totally recommend to stop here.”
Miss Lady M. · Google
“Such a charming spot! We stopped in for some takeout to enjoy a picnic at the beach, and it was a great choice. The sandwiches were affordable with a wide variety of options. The personal service really made it stand out.”
Thap N. · Google
“So many options for sandwiches, salad, soup, pastries and more. Best minestrone soup ever! Kindest people and in a prime location. 10/10.”
Aryana I. · Google
Visit Us
Find Us on 5th Avenue
2 doors up from the Post Office— you can't miss us!
Address
5th Ave between San Carlos & Dolores
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
(2 doors up from the Post Office)
Hours
Contact
Send Us a Message
Questions about catering, box lunches, or gift baskets? Fill out the form and your email app will open with your message ready to send.