A delicatessen is a place which sells prepared lunch or dinner foods from behind a counter. The foods may be ready to eat or may require slight further preparation (such as slicing or combining) upon the customer's request. Some delicatessens offer table seating for eating on the premises, some offer seating at the counter, while others are mainly take-out services. The foods in a delicatessen are generally prepared with a level of expertise which enables tailoring to the customer's taste, in contrast to the standardized offerings of a fast food restaurant.

The counter supplies food already prepared or requiring only a small finishing step at the customer's request. Slicing or combining ingredients is included.

Seating can be at tables, at the counter, or absent. The prepared-food service and ability to tailor the offering distinguish it from standardized fast-food meals.