Smoked meat, or "viande fumée" in French, is a culinary treasure that reflects the essence of Montreal. Born from the Jewish tradition of Eastern Europe, this dish has become a staple in Montreal, renowned worldwide for this specialty.
Since its arrival in the early 20th century, smoked meat has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its rich flavors and meticulous preparation. Marinated in a secret spice blend, slowly smoked, and hand-sliced, every smoked meat sandwich offers a unique and memorable taste.
Montreal stands out with its iconic delis that passionately and skillfully uphold this tradition. These establishments, scattered throughout the city and its surroundings, draw crowds of gourmets eager to taste this local specialty.
Whether in a classic sandwich, creative poutine, or other preparations, smoked meat is celebrated in various delicious forms.
Explore this article to discover the best places to savor smoked meat in Montreal, a true celebration of authentic flavors and the city's heritage.
Read also:
18 Delis and Diners in Montréal Serving the City's Timeless Classics
3895 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2W 1X9
When talking about smoked meat in Montreal, it's inevitable to mention Schwartz's Deli. Located on Saint-Laurent Boulevard since 1928, this iconic restaurant serves smoked meat prepared with a secret spice recipe, unchanged since its beginnings. In an authentic setting, you can enjoy their famous smoked meat sandwich, marinated for 10 days, smoked overnight, and hand-sliced.
1116 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montréal, H3B 1H4
Established in 1976, Reuben's Deli & Steaks is a downtown Montreal staple. Known for its legendary smoked meat, this restaurant offers generous portions, such as the famous 10-ounce sandwich or the impressive one-pound Big Bang. With an art-deco ambiance and a touch of jazz, Reuben's also serves 28-day-aged Angus steaks, burgers, and salads. It's the perfect place to enjoy authentic smoked meat in the heart of the city.
3982 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, H1W 1S9
Gerry's Delicatessen, established in 1963, is a must-visit for smoked meat lovers in Hochelaga. This warm restaurant serves generous portions of comfort food, including smoked meat sandwiches, smoked meat spaghetti, and a variety of poutines, pizzas, salads, and skewers. With its sports ambiance thanks to giant HD screens, it's the ideal spot for breakfast, brunch, or an affordable meal with family or friends.
5265 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, H3W 3C2
Since 1946, Snowdon Deli has been recognized for its famous smoked meat in Montreal. Located on Décarie Boulevard, this restaurant offers a warm and friendly atmosphere with retro 70s decor. In addition to their famous smoked meat sandwiches, they serve a variety of dishes such as brisket, chicken soup with matzo ball, and a wide selection of desserts. Ideal for a meal with family or friends, this restaurant has left a lasting impression on many generations.
Photo Credits: cravingcurator
6705 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, H2S 2M7
Firmly established on Plaza Saint-Hubert in 1954, Le Roi du Smoked Meat is a true gem. Open 7 days a week with long hours, it welcomes families during the day, party-goers at night, and loyal customers at all hours. Known for its thick smoked meat sandwiches, this family-run restaurant also offers a variety of dishes such as pizzas, souvlakis, spaghetti, poutines, and much more. With its retro 60s to 80s ambiance, it's a warm and nostalgic place that has hosted loyal customers for decades.
Multiple locations
Opened in 1927, Dunn's Famous is a pillar of the smoked meat scene in Montreal. What makes Dunn's unique is its shift to smoked meat in the 1970s, adding this specialty to an already rich menu. Despite expanding into a chain with multiple locations across Quebec, the quality and authentic taste of their smoked meat remain unchanged. Dunn's Famous menu features generously filled smoked meat sandwiches, poutines, hamburgers, soups, and much more. Whether for a family meal, a gathering with friends, or a late-night snack, Dunn's is an essential address for enjoying real Montreal smoked meat.
283, 1e Avenue, L'Île-Perrot, J7V 5A1
Since 1976, Smoke Meat Pete has been attracting smoked meat enthusiasts to L'Île-Perrot. Founded by Pete Varvaro after 20 years of apprenticeship alongside his father at Main Deli, this restaurant is famous for its generous smoked meat sandwiches. For over 40 years, this family-run restaurant has been offering generous sandwiches, BBQ dishes, and lively evenings with local musicians. Pete's smoked meat, marinated in secret spices and slowly smoked, is considered one of the best in the region.
6549 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, H1P 1W2
A true institution in Saint-Léonard, Jarry Smoke Meat has been renowned for offering some of the best-smoked meat in town for over 30 years. This 24-hour restaurant is the perfect place to savor a massive smoked beef sandwich at any time. In addition to their famous smoked meat, the menu includes Italian dishes, steaks, club sandwiches, seafood, and pizzas. Everything is homemade, including the sauces, dressings, and desserts. Enjoy their set menus at lunch and dinner.
3535 Route Laval O., Laval, H7P 5G9
Le Déli 440, located in the Marché Public de Laval since 1990, is a sought-after destination for smoked meat. Offering a variety of preparations, their smoked meat remains juicy and true to traditional flavors. For those who want to continue the enjoyment at home, it's even possible to buy their smoked meat by the pound. In addition to their famous sandwiches, the menu includes bagels, smoked salmon, and salads. Don't miss their smoked meat poutine, one of their most appreciated specialties.
3616 Boulevard St-Jean, Ouest-de-l'Île (Montréal), H9G 1X1
Since 1936, Chenoy's Deli has been a staple in Montreal, now located in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. This restaurant is known for its generous smoked meat sandwiches and BBQ chicken, served in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu also offers various dishes such as smoked meat poutine, smoked meat pizza, and smoked meat spaghetti. Open late, Chenoy's is perfect for satisfying all your smoked meat cravings.
24 Avenue de la Baie-de-Valois, Ouest-de-l'Île (Montréal), H9R 4B3
Delibee's, located in Pointe-Claire, has been a local treasure for smoked meat for over 30 years. Known for its generous sandwiches, this family-run restaurant stands out for using Montreal smoked meat in Reuben sandwiches, as well as Texan briskets and St. Louis-style ribs. Each piece of meat is prepared in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. They use precise smoking techniques with maple and apple woods. In addition to their famous sandwiches, Delibee's offers a diverse menu, including vegetarian options, and you can even enjoy your meal at the neighboring Mayfair Tavern.
Photo Credits: bbqsnob
3750 Boulevard St-Martin O, Laval, H7T 1A7
Founded in 1997, George's Deli is a family restaurant located in Laval's Saint-Martin district. Ideal for residents of the north of the city and Laval, this deli is renowned for its artisanally prepared smoked meat. Each piece of meat is aged, spiced, and smoked on-site for an incomparable taste. Whether for a classic sandwich, a Reuben, or a club, George's Deli is a must-visit address for enjoying authentic smoked meat.
1057 Avenue Bernard, Montréal, H2V 1V1
Since 1951, Lester's Deli in Outremont has been recognized for offering some of the best smoked meat in Montreal. This family-run restaurant, with its retro 50s interior and walls filled with memorabilia, serves tender and flavorful smoked meat sandwiches, marinated for 72 hours. In the summer, enjoy their charming terrace on Bernard Street to savor this Montreal classic.
6795 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, H1P 1W6
Hawgs Deli & Bar, open for 25 years, offers a variety of smoked meat for all tastes. This pub-style restaurant with a colorful American decor serves smoked meat poutine, various sandwiches, and classic platters for purists. With a full section dedicated to smoked meat on their menu, you'll surely find something to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy their classic pub dishes and beers in a relaxed setting.
Within an hour's drive of Montreal, don't miss these other places:
161 Boulevard De L'Ange Gardien, L'Assomption, J5W 1R3
L'As du Smoked Meat in L'Assomption, founded in 2009, is the perfect place to savor smoked meat in all its forms. This welcoming restaurant is famous for its delicious smoked meat lasagna and generous sandwiches. With a variety of creative dishes, L'As du Smoked Meat delights the taste buds of smoked meat enthusiasts. Enjoy their large terrace in the summer for a meal with family or friends.
21 Avenue de la Gare, Saint-Sauveur, J0R 1R0
Located in the heart of Saint-Sauveur village for over 25 years, Moe's Restaurant & Bar is renowned for its traditional smoked meat sandwiches. Whether for a casual meal, cocktails, or special events, Moe's offers a wide selection of sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and salads, combining European and American inspirations. Enjoy the largest terrace in the Laurentians, where your dogs are also welcome, and savor the flavors of this beloved restaurant.
Explore all the other wonderful options at this Montreal classic by following this link.
