Smoked meat in Montreal: the best restaurants and delis to find the delicious famous fare

Schwartz’s name is synonymous with smoked meat. For many, this is the golden standard. To appreciate it though, you’ve got to put in work. You’ll need to stand in line, shuffling under their awning in the cold catching wafts of as the front door swings open, ceaselessly swapping out the well-fed for the famished (unless you just get takeout from the designated storefront next door). Once inside, you’re slotted in elbow-to-elbow with strangers, pressed to order by waiters with thousand-yard stares and it’s cash only. But when that sandwich arrives? All’s forgiven. The quality and consistency of this legendary Montreal eatery is astounding.

For those of you who consider yourselves adventurers, the people who'd trek for food no matter the distance to find the best of the best, we're going to let you in a little secret: Delibee's is an unsung hero of the Island of Montreal. Located out in Pointe-Claire, it is by no means an easy feat getting out there, but it's more than worth a bite of their wares (plus fried potatoes and slaw on the side). Pro tip: It's a bit cramped inside however, so if you want to sit, grab a seat at the Mayfair Tavern next door and order with the waiter.

An outlier and something of a young Turk as far as most smoked meat places are concerned, this place is way off the beaten path for most, but well worth the pilgrimage. The owner Pete cut his teeth alongside his father for twenty years in the halls of the hallowed Main Deli.  On his own, Pete erected this honest honky-tonk shrine to blues music. It’s in many ways more reminiscent of a Southern BBQ roadhouse than a Jewish deli, but the food is magnificent.

For over 70 years, this venerable diner has been churning out quality smoked meat and has been making damn sure that those who darken their doorway leave for the better. The deli is staffed by a grizzled old guard; it’s not unusual to learn a staff member has gleefully worked most of their adult lives there, which is almost universally the hallmark of a quality enterprise and always the guarantee of an equally devoted legion of patrons.

This deli often gets left out of the running when talk of smoked meat comes up, and it’s a crime. It’s a cornerstone of the solid francophone neighborhood of La Petite-Patrie and plays a good counterbalance to its area’s swish brunch joints and trendy cocktail bars. The décor is a little tired and your waitress Ginette probably is too, but no one’s trying to pull a fast one on you here. The quality here’s undeniable.

Another old school bruiser still spry enough to contend with the young guns in the city, this deli sports a classic 50’s diner interior splattered with bric-a-brac, and its staff of lifers serves up stellar Jewish fare. Compared to some of the larger players, Lester’s has found success in the trade of sous-vide packages of their product, ready to be heated and eaten at work, at home or just in a dark corner. Anything goes. Keep in mind that their terrace is a standout gem in the summer.

Gerry's Delicatessen, located on Ontario Street in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, is one of the most comforting restaurants in its parts. It serves generous plates of smoked meat - all accompanied by a mountain of fries and a big pickle, with consistency, reliability and downright deliciousness. Opened in 1963, the deli also serves low-cost breakfasts in Montreal worth going for as well, especially when having that smoked meat with two eggs.

George's Deli is especially appealing to those from the north of the city or Laval, as this smoked meat house is located just across the Rivière des Prairies in Laval's Saint-Martin district. At this family restaurant, when it comes to smoked meat, nothing is taken lightly: From the aging of the meat to the mixing of spices, everything is meticulously homemade. Whether it's a regular sandwich, a Reuben" or a club, all choices are good.

Open late, it’s a go-to spot for locals looking to fill their bellies and exchange notes on their latest terrible mistakes after a lively evening downtown. By day, you’ll find Montrealers of every walk of life eating here.

Located in the heart of Mile End, Déli 365 is a beautiful tribute not only to Jewish traditions, but to Montreal delicatessens. While the tradition of perfectly smoked meat can be translated in a thousand ways, we always prefer it between two slices of rye bread, but we'll take it inside a baguette if it's from Deli 365. The more adventurous will choose the smoked meat poutine, or the decadent Deli Roll: smoked meat wrapped in puff pastry.

You’ve seen a Dunn’s before, but it all started in this city in 1927. Unlike many other smoked meat operations in Montreal, Dunn’s has spread far and wide, opening franchises deep into Ontario and across Quebec. It started out peddling primarily pastrami but came around to the One True Deli Meat in the 1970s. Things have since gone well since and it has shouldered the role of a smoked meat chain restaurant well. Note that this downtown location doubles as a popular late-night restaurant for cab drivers and dancers.

Fun fact: Nickel's was first founded by Celine Dion in the 1990s. While the diva is no longer in the picture, the concessions continue to pay homage to her by serving one of her favorite dishes as it should be, the smoked meat, in addition to the famous and decadent chocolate cake named "Le Céline". Take note, parent: As tradition dictates, kids still eat for free on Sundays!

Like Dunn’s, Reuben’s is gunning for that family casual crowd, but don’t be fooled into thinking they don’t take their smoked meat any less seriously. Nestled deep below the downtown core, many-a weary tourist has found their hunger satisfied under Reuben’s iconic marquee lights. The smoked meat here manages to hold its own, especially when considering this is one of the few smoked meat places on the island packing cocktail and wine lists.

Le Fameux is another classic diner seemingly frozen in time. Known to some as an exclusively late-night haunt and to others as a bonafide breakfast joint, somehow those two solitudes combine miraculously without incident; the food’s likely to blame. Not only do they have a smoked meat sandwich that can trade body blows with the big names in town, but they have an obscenely patient and friendly front staff that juggles helping the drunken half of the city off to bed with more bright-eyed folks in the morning.

Tucked into the food court of Cavendish Mall, this kosher deli counter serves up a great stacked sandwich, as well as smoked meat poutine and a burger worth trying. They cater, too—get your shabbat dinner taken care of with a whole smoked meat platter, and consider it the ultimate trouble-free nosh fest.

This Côte-Saint-Paul grocer and lunch counter dates back to 1961 and is a regular haunt for many of the city’s smoked meat classicists. While you’re stocking up on pounds of thin-cut beef cured with spices and smoked in maplewood, don’t forget to order some kielbasa too.

Also mainly a grocer, Zytynsky’s has been making things its way for nearly a century and has earned its reputation among Rosemont meat lovers. Wander the aisles to pick up all sorts of Eastern European fare before ordering lunch at the sandwich counter. Their smoked meat sandwich comes with a slice of Swiss cheese—it’s scandalous to the milk-and-meat avoiding kosher class, but a classic pairing in Polish and Ukrainian traditions. The challah bun is an extra tasty touch.

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Got a hankering for meat while wandering St-Leonard? Set your sights on this old-school brown-pleather booth lined spot. The décor may not date aaaall the way back to when it was founded in 1974, but it’s not far off! It’s a great late-night spot for a good greasy feast. The smoked meat sandwich comes in giant size as well as regular, plus there’s a Reuben and a club roll you’ll want to try.