The Yellow Deli

OMG what a lovely homey place with the warm wooden carpentry and macramé hangings. But the food is scrumptious and caters to all dietary challenges. I had the butternut squash soup with a slice of sourdough bread and was full and happy for hours. They close at 3PM so go earlier than that and be patient. The wait isn't as long as you might think.

Amazing farm to table food! Cool decor. BUT it is run a cult called the Twleve Tribes of Isreal so beware.

We were some of the first people seated in the restaurant on a Sunday morning. It took almost an hour to get 2 reubens and a child's cheese melt. The light rye bread for the reuben tasted like whole wheat and it was not enjoyable whatsoever. And to top it off after we finally got our food no waitress at all even came by the table one time to ask us how we were doing, how we like our food or if we needed anything else. Not once.
Would not go back.

Food is always delicious. Friendly staff with wonderful service. Good prices for what you get. Beautiful establishment.

We have been going here for 13 years. We are a Gay couple and they have always been really nice to us including celebrating our wedding and birthdays. Good healthy food and reasonable prices. Really nice atmosphere. This is our go to restaurant for lunch

SERIOUS WARNING

So, to be honest, the food is really tasty! It's a little expensive, but who isn't in Canada? The manner of construction makes eating in a unique experience.

However.

There was something really off with the place. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. The staff was way over welcoming, and a little creepy. The whole time it was just very uneasy for me.

So oh boy, was I shocked when I looked into this later. I had heard rumors around town that they were a cult, but I had no idea how deep the rabbit hole goes. It made me feel really uncomfortable that finding their food tasty to be a method of cult recruitment and brainwashing- almost like a fairytale. Don't bring your vulnerable relatives here, seriously.

I don't want to make any claims, and I hope the people who work here aren't too closely associated with some of the various federal investigations on the child abuse, racism, etc perverting their ideology. Not to mention it seems like they're trying to recruit people for a mass suicide? They seem to try quite a bit to keep their core ideological beliefs secret to the outside, which somewhat indicates some of their views are so extreme that the society would condemn them.

I just like good food, and luckily there are plenty of other great places to eat around town without brainwashing included. Based off my research, I wish I could give them 1 star. But that would be biased, because to be fair the food is tasty, truly sad that I won't be eating here again.

I hate to make such a serious review like this, but honestly I'm shocked after eating here.

Delicious home hearty food, made with love.
It's incredible to me that this affordable little cottage like home that was at one time my daycare serves some of the best homemade fresh food.
Their salads are incredible, breakfast is always scrumptious, sandwiches and goodies and soups and chili are also so amazing.
Every time I go, i am always greeted and sat relatively quick, and Im always brought water right away. Upon quick asking if im desperate for food (oops, I forgot breakfast) they of course, immediately bring me something.
The kindness and passion they show for making amazing home cooked food is just wonderful.

10 Stars. This is the only place in town where I want to eat. The food is delicious, healthy and real because they produce most of it themselves. (Good energy people produce good energy food.) The staff are so friendly. Religious literature is available at the door and they will discuss religion only if asked so there is no "selling" or pressure in any way. Food is always superb and the menu has something for everyone. The ambience is truly amazing, and oh, that fireplace on a cold evening! The only thing I don't like is the inevitable barn dance music, too loud, too lively, too monotonous. Please guys, try a variety of genres, and tone it down! But it's worth putting up with the music for the food.

Came with friends for lunch. Everything was so good. I had a smoothie and salad Yummm. The sandwiches looked delicious. The atmosphere was amazing. A go to for sure

The yellow deli has a great atmosphere. They really leaned into their old-school hand-made tavern vibe. They food is a little mild, but it is a retirement community. Their drip coffee is on the weaker side, but it's cheap, and their focus is fresh food, not coffee.

My review was deleted. Picked up
this pamphlet at the front door, do your research before supporting please!

Wow what an experience. Went looking for a cafe and found an absolute gem. Great service + food. The patio looked amazing but go inside!

O. M. G.this is one of the best restaurants that I've eaten in. The food was fabulous and reasonably priced. I love the 60's/Woodstock interior. If available as the soup of the day, try their Butternut Squash Cream soup - it's pure heaven. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Courtenay.

The Yellow Deli was delightful! Walking in, it is like entering a tree house. Gorgeous wood decor and our table had pressed flowers in the lacquer. So pretty! We both had the cranberry cashew salad and it was absolutely delicious. We have been raving about it all day!

The food was tasty & healthy. The uniquely crafted wooden interior was spotless. The staff were very helpful & pleasant.

Best food, lovely atmosphere, kind staff and great music beside magical energy. We are so lucky as local
My favorite place in the Island
Cranberry salad and butternut squash is to die for. Besides everything else really.

Freindly staff. Good location and free street parking (up to 2 hours). Had breakfast with latte. Tasty spinach egg sandwitch. Affordable prices. Interior very cozy and private seating areas. There are few tables on the patio. They are open on Sundays.

Beautifully unique cafe. The food feels homemade and hearty. If I lived in the area I would pop by here somewhat often.

I found this place very eccentric and inviting. The decore was different and enjoyable. There was a full floor to ceiling rock fireplace as well.
The food was very good and the portions were adequate for the price.
The staff was friendly and checked on us a few times during our visit. They were kind enough to sub a onion bun for a kiaser bun as my husband can't eat onions.
The 3 different sandwiches and soup all looked good and tasted great.
I will definitely return to this place the next time I am in Courtenay, BC!
Also will recommend it to those I know visiting the area!

Whoa! It was far from my place but worth the trip if you go by or pass by Courtenay. They have a location in Chilliwack as well.

My favorite would be the Apple Cider and Squash soup with the sour dough.

DELICIOUS! Great vibe, comfortable decor, amazing staff, everything you want in a deli style restaurant.

Very cozy atmosphere with extremely lovely staff! Oh, and the food was wonderful! The bread is made in-house and fresh.

Very good home made food in a unique and cozy setting. Seems like once I stepped inside I transported into another world, Very relaxed and delicious world.

Cozy, beautiful restaurant. Friendly service. Beautiful home cooked food such as homemade breads and locally sourced sandwich meats. Also sells local hot sauces, soaps, and yerba mate!

The atmosphere was incredible, but the food was even better. World class experience. Thank you.

This place is soooo cozy!
The décor is simply stunning! The tables and features all look like original craftsmanship. The elegant additions of flowers and butterflies pressed under the sealant on the tables is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in a restaurant.
All of the staff are so friendly here as well.
And the food, well, all home-made and delicious. Their 'special sauce' that they put on a lot of sandwiches is excellent.
One of the best brunch places in town.

We had the best anniversary lunch at The Yellow Deli. The place is so cozy (we had a seat right by the crackling fire). The staff is friendly. And the food was SO delicious: warm bread, delicious root beer in frosty mugs, thick tasty smoked meat sandwiches, and a beautiful salad with yummy dressing. Thank you so much to everyone involved in running this gem.

A magical spot!

What a lovely cafè. I was passing though town and by luck found this hidden gem! It truly is a magical place. The food was excellent, and the staff were all very friendly.
The craftsmanship is unbelievable. I was there over the weekend and am still thinking about it. You must stop here if you haven't been. You won't regret it.

Really home crafted interior. Counter service so no vaccine report required. Different and interesting soups, sandwiches and drinks. No coffee

Fantastic food and service! We always stop by here whenever we travel up island. Also a breath of fresh air in this era.

This place is all about unity, good food and anti discrimination. Kathryn Murrray, you are the essence of what humankind is trying to avoid. Stay home and mind your business. Yellow Delhi is a place for kindness only. This place has absolutely amazing food and service!

I read the wonderful reviews on this establishment but was greatly disappointed to see no requirement for proof of vaccination and VERY ALARMED to see the staff in the back preparing food unmasked. Cancelled my order. Why do they feel they're not to follow public health orders?

Amazing atmosphere and great service.
Its a very cosy experience. It's almost like eating in a fairy tale of sorts.

The breakfast sandwich is delicious.

First time and really liked it. Such a private, calm atmosphere. None of the usual hustle bustle. The service was great and the food, veggie burgers, was really, really good. Lots of food. And I loved the music. Sort of old timey. So relaxing and comfortable. It's my favorite place now.

Pleasant surprise! Walked by from our vacation rental home and walked in. This place is sooooo cute! Everything we have ordered is absolutely delicious! Mango Mate is good! Green mate is a little too bland for me but my husband and son love it! Service is 100% outstanding

Outstanding service, perfect atmosphere and mind-blowing food and beverages. A must stop by if you live or go by Courtenay. One of the best and freshest food I have tasted in a long time. Cheesecake is to die for, sandwich is so fresh and feeling, and the chai tea washed everything down perfectly.

Alas, Yellow Delis are all fundraisers for the Twelve Tribes cult, known for child abuse, subjugating women, and white supremacism. Watch the Netflix or A&E documentaries. Don’t be taken in by the cafe’s mellow hippie vibe, as we were!

Delightful atmosphere, Lovely service and great food. This is a very cool place to check out. It is also extremely affordable which is another plus.

Saw this cute little place on the way back home. Amazing ambience, good food and nice service! Couldn't ask for a better place to dine in after a long day of hiking:) Thank you The Yellow Deli!

Was a pleasant surprise for me. Beautiful restaurant. Great atmosphere. I had a sandwich with soup. Both exceeded my expectations. Looking forward to eating there again.

Our new favorite place to eat.
Cozy enchanting atmosphere. Attentive staff and the most amazing fresh food for any appetite.

The food is wonderful and extremely well priced, the atmosphere is absolutely amazing and it is a beautiful restaurant that looks like in belongs in the past.

I'm changing my review from 4 to 5 stars. Some of the staff used to be a bit awkward with customer service, it's really been turned around, everything about this place is now stellar. For my past several visits everything has been perfect. This is hands down our favorite lunch spot. I'd easily be willing to pay double the price that they ask for their extremely low priced menu. If you haven't been here you are really missing an amazing experience.

I’m in love with this place. I came here first with my mom and it has been the best restaurant so far. I feel welcomed, staff are amazing and friendly, their food is fresh and delicious. The seating is great as well, it makes you feel like home.

Stumbled soon this place while charging up the car at the nearby flo station and it’s a total gem! Carrot cake and juice by an open fire, perfect! Food, service and ambiance awesome!

Beautiful building, delicious fresh food, and thoughtful staff. Today I visited this Deli randomly with no previous info. My wife and I where impressed with the indoor seating first, soon after was the delicious smells from the kitchen. We where seated outside and by our choice and loved the small but unique menu. All bread and food was made there, and you could taste that it was. So Fresh and delicious! Our server was kind and gave us a brief history of the business when we asked. I very highly recommend this place and I can't wait to go back.

A beautiful, restful oasis for both out-of-towners looking for a coffee and locals who need a cozy spot to enjoy the tasty squash soup & bread with a sandwich with chips.

The atmosphere here is unparalleled. Mushroom-like booths crafted out of hand-carved wood, soothing dulcimer/fiddle music and friendly staff serving tasty breakfast and lunch items combine into a unique experience.

We enjoyed our food! We got the Deli Rose sandwich and soup of the day which were butternut and the other one was zucchini! Great soups! We'll come back again for sure!:) Also, the restaurant's decoration was very nice and cozy. Btw, the staff were friendly as well.:)

What a great place. The food was so amazing, very welcoming place. Hope next time I can sit near the fireplace

Great for lunch, small menu but all homemade and delicious. Good portions and child friendly. The service is slow but the staff are extremely polite, that's part of the charm! The interior reminds me of my second home, Switzerland, really unique and very Harry Potterish. Have been back several times.

This was my first time at this location. I go to the one in Nelson every time I visit there and I enjoy it so much so that I was very excited to find one close to home. I must say that they are equally as good. It is such a comfortable place where you are invited to stay as long as you'd like. Everything is hand made in the restaurant and each seating area is very unique and cozy. I had the yogurt parfait and it was decadent. It was beautiful to look at and was filled with apples, blueberries, bananas, and strawberries accompanied by yogurt, honey, and their homemade granola. It was super filling as well. The staff is always kind and friendly. I will be going back any time I'm in the area for sure!

Had the "Deli Rose" sandwich and it was awesome! The lunch menu is pretty affordable. The interior is really cool with lots of woodwork and private booths, as well as an open fireplace with a nice crackling fire. Will definitely be returning.

Amazing food, service and atmosphere.

My daughters and I stopped by for a "Father - Daughter" evening out, and I couldn't think of a better place to dine and catch-up on the days activities.
The service was excellent, and the food was even better.
We have frequented for lunch, but dinner is an absolute treat.
We'll definitely be back

I'm a total fan of this place. Every little thing about it from fantastic food and people to amazing decor.
Excellent service from start to end.

I absolutely love this place, the atmosphere, the people, THE FOOD. I honestly can't say enough about it. Amazing.

Always a relaxing & lovely experience. Amazing decor. Thanks for such yummy, wholesome food! Great coffee too!

Do not spend your money here. It is owned and operated by a very destructive cult. You will notice none of the employees smile because none of them get paid.

The Common Ground is the only place that offers solace with your meal, the nicest atmosphere around. Also, the soup is really good, and you can get an egg sandwich anytime.

Always a pleasure.

Good food. Lovely people. Reasonable prices.

I have never had a bad meal here. Never.

Thanks for always making me feel welcome and of course thank you to the chefs for making such tasty food.

Tasty food, all fresh made even bread. Beautiful restaurant, friendly staff. Wish there was an option to sub salad for the chips.

Should be renamed Mellow Yellow Deli. Delicious food but don't expect fast service. A place to chill.

Great prices & amazing food. I always get the veggie burger which is so fresh & delicious every time! They have great homemade soups as well. Most burgers on the menu are $10! Dinner/ lunch for 2 here usually comes out to $30 depending on drinks/ desserts/ meals. Very affordable & great staff with such an unique feel

Came to Courtenay for a work trip and was looking for a place to eat and work a bit. Came around 10: 30am and it was quiet at first but it soon picked up for the lunch crowd and I could see why. The food and the service was excellent. I had the reuben sandwich which was delicious. Tried the mate tea which was different; earthy and rich. Had a carrot cake and coffee as we felt bad that we were occupying a table for such a long time but the staff was pleasant and very accommodating. Street parking is only for 2 hours so gotta watch out for that but its free. Decor was very wood and Earth themed; reminded me a bit of a Hobbit home. Definitely would come back!

A nice little place that has a peaceful laid back ambiance, and the decor is very log cabin and tribal. The music is peaceful. The menu is pretty simple. We had some breakfast sandwiches and coffee. The food was hot and tasty. Not huge portions for the price but prices overall are very reasonable. Service could maybe be a little more attentive, only complaint really as coffees weren't refilled. Recommended for a quick breakfast or brunch or even meditation session!

The chili i had was excellent and the sandwiches are looking amazing. Almost took one for take away. The service is great and very friendly! 5 stars:)!

Mediocre sandwiches for too-high prices with sub-par ingredients. Their coffee/drinks are really good. Service is not bad, per se, but weird; I've been there a few times now and the servers are all kinda spacey, they take a long time to come to the table, won't make eye contact, and have forgotten part of my order each time. Their operating hours are great though, and the physical space is very nice. The overt culty-religious overtones in the restaurant are a bit much for me, as well.

Wow. The cranberry nut salad is hands down the best salad I’ve ever had in my life. Chipotle chilled chicken sandwich was nice. Try to save room for the carrot cake. The cream cheese had a wonderful lemony quality to it. The staff was super friendly. The decor inside is beautiful each table has a unique, elaborate look. We just had a wonderful time and meal here we wanted to try everything but unfortunately were only visiting the area briefly. Do yourself a favor and go here.

Fabulous casual environment, fantastic sandwiches and reasonable prices. Definately would recommend it.

Amazingly fresh food. Loved the ambience. Great service and beautifully crafted dining area plus great patio sitting. I highly recommend this place.

The interior decor is incredible showcasing unique and skilled craftsmanship. The food was fantastic and reasonably priced. The ambiance is warm and inviting and the staff make a point to greet everyone at the door, sincerely asking how their day is going and inviting them inside.

Well this is a kookie place that was totally unexpected.haven't been to common grounds for a while and didn't realize that they had reverted back to the old yellow deli. The inside is really interesting, full of handcrafted reclaimed wood tables that are hand-painted and shellacked and then really interesting jute macrame creations. Create a booth like atmosphere. That combined with the religiosity undertones of the place, stained glass with iconography and laid back, ever so laid back service made this a really interesting place for a early evening tea stop on a cooler summer night.

I had a peppermint tea and it came in full on branded mug complete with in-house branded teabag. I know there's an entire back story about these places which involve a lot of really happy people living and farming on communes internationally and so that I guess is where the t comes from. And where your payment for food service goes.a lot of interesting options that should cover pretty much everybody, except people that I have a big food avoidance list like I do.they do offer gluten-free, but the server didn't really know much about it.

My friend had an amazing piece of coconut pie.unfortunately I am allergic so I wasn't able to have a sample but I had her describe it and it sounded amazing. Graham cracker base with a coconut custard that had actual chunks of pineapple meat in it as well as a coconut cream topping with roasted coconut flakes on top. Basically all the coconut you can handle.

I had peppermint tea. And as you can likely guess, it tasted like peppermint.no complaints really just thought the server was really laid-back. There was only one other table to look after and it took a good 20 minutes for my friend to get a piece of her pie. So he must have forgot or something or you know, doing something in the back.

Anyhow I would recommend it as a place that has a beautiful ambience especially if you are fortunate to get out seated on the deck and do try and make it when it is later in the evening and the Sun is going down as there are beautiful trees with the light coming through.

Probably good for families as well as single diners

Very chill atmosphere. Great food. I really like the woodwork in this renovated old house. Very pleasant outdoor dining.

This is such a cute place to go for coffee or a meal. It has wood booths - each one unique with macrame decor.
Friendly service and room for larger groups. We just had coffee and baking. Nice outdoor patio.