Katz’s Deli Owner Reflects on the Charismatic Director Rob Reiner and the Film Scene That Stole Hearts

Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, Jake Dell’s uncle Fred Austin, and Rob Reiner at Katz’s Deli.
Credit :

Katz’s Deli/Instagram

Key Details

• Katz’s Deli paid tribute to Rob Reiner, director of the iconic scene from When Harry Met Sally filmed at the establishment.
• Owner Jake Dell reminisced about Reiner, calling him “a great New York guy.”
• Reiner and his wife, Michele, were tragically killed in their Los Angeles home on December 14.

Katz’s Deli is mourning the loss of Rob Reiner, whose direction of a memorable scene at the renowned New York City eatery left an indelible mark on film history.

“Remembering the great Rob Reiner on this tragic day,” read a heartfelt caption accompanying a series of images featuring the acclaimed filmmaker at the restaurant. The tribute emphasized Reiner’s significance as “a quintessential New Yorker and creative giant,” highlighting how he brought Katz’s to a wider audience through the beloved film.

The tribute concluded with an impactful reminder of Reiner’s work: “Forever changing Katz’s history with that simple line: ‘I’ll have what she’s having!’ Our hearts go out to his family. Sending infinite love. ❤️❤️❤️”

Jake Dell, the owner of Katz’s, expressed his fond memories of Reiner in an interview, describing him as “fun, bubbly, charismatic, a real schmoozer.” Dell noted that Reiner engaged readily with staff and patrons alike, showcasing a big appetite for the deli’s food.

Reflecting on the countless discussions surrounding When Harry Met Sally nearly four decades after its 1989 release, Dell remarked, “Here we are nearly 40 years later, still talking about this movie and this one scene. Who would’ve thought that? How many movies, how many scenes in the history of cinema are remembered that many years later? So we’re grateful for that, for his ability to storyteller.”

Dell mentioned that, over the years, Katz’s continued to send Reiner shipments of its famous sandwiches, and whenever he was in town, he would drop by for a meal. The news of Reiner’s death has been particularly jarring for the staff, many of whom recently came across photographs of their cherished moments with him.

In the classic Katz’s scene from When Harry Met Sally, Harry, portrayed by Billy Crystal, asserts he doesn’t believe any woman he has slept with has ever faked an orgasm. In response, Sally, played by Meg Ryan, offers a persuasive demonstration right in the middle of the deli.

Rob Reiner (right) with Katz’s Deli employee Kevin Albinder.

Katz’s Deli/Instagram

“‘I’ll have what she’s having,’” quips a fellow diner, portrayed by Reiner’s mother, Estelle, who delivers the famous line in a memorable cameo.

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan recently reunited at Katz’s to film a commercial that aired during the 2025 Super Bowl. In interviews, both actors reminisced about their experiences filming the enduringly popular movie, written by the late Nora Ephron.

Ryan recalled the original Katz’s scene filming as an “all-day” endeavor filled with “a lot of trepidation and nerves.” She expressed concern about achieving the right vocal expressions, but Reiner’s guidance helped ease her fears. “Rob had so many significant and interesting sounds to inspire me with,” she noted.

Crystal added humorously, “He did one, and he took me aside and said, ‘Oh, I shouldn’t have done that. I just had an orgasm in front of my mother.’”

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in ‘When Harry Met Sally’.

Moviestore/Shutterstock

Reiner and his wife, Michele, were tragically killed in their Los Angeles home on December 14. According to sources, the couple was found by their daughter Romy. Their son Nick is currently suspected of murder and is being held without bail.

The couple had three children, including Nick, who has publicly addressed his struggles with addiction.

Reiner directed several notable films, including This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand by Me, The Princess Bride (1987), and A Few Good Men (1992), among others.