Monsieur Smoked Meat (Lerster's Deli or Mr Smoked Meat) is situated in the beautiful Outremont, on the north side of Mount Royal, in the heart of Montreal. Lesters Deli has maintained a reputation for serving some of the finest hot smoked meat sandwich in Montreal since 1951! Mr Smoked Meat also offers you delicious Montreal Smoked Meat, freshly cut, vacuum-sealed and ready to be heated whenever and wherever the craving arises.
Taken as a whole, the reviews portray Lester's Deli as a Montreal institution with an old school vibe where tender smoked meat, generous portions, and friendly, efficient service are repeatedly highlighted. The meat is praised for being tender, juicy, and flavorful, with many calling it the best in town and a standout compared with other spots, though a few visits note leaner or less satisfying cuts. Sides like pickles, coleslaw, fries, and even poutine earn high marks, with some readers raving about exceptional coleslaw and the classic dill pickles. The atmosphere is consistently described as nostalgic and welcoming, a place where locals and visitors feel at home and where the staff add to the experience with warmth and humor. Value and pricing draw mixed reactions, as portions are large and affordable for some, while others complain about price increases under new ownership. Overall the sentiment is that Lester's Deli delivers a memorable, authentic Montreal smoked meat experience steeped in history, though the experience can vary by day and service, and a few readers suggest exploring multiple visits to judge its current consistency.
Got take out but now I really want to eat there too: staff is helpful, sweet & chatty & the smoked meat was delicious. Tangy cabbage salad & pickles were perfect sides, both home made as well.
Feb 13, 2026
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You know what's so awesome about Lester's? They're awesome & rival if not better then ya know ,the place that's packed & ya have to wait forever. Naaaa Lester's is the place for taste! ❤?
Thought I'd give it a try but it was a very expensive experience 42$ for 2 sandwiches is a little nuts, I know smoked meat has gone up but a little ridiculous with the size
Best experience ever! The vibe was local & warm. The smoke meat & roast beef is tender & off the chart. What really sealed it was the hospitality. We forgot our stuff & the waiter actually ran out to us in -20C weather in plain clothes to return it to us! A new go-to for smoked meat for us!
Très bon restaurant, j'ai pris le sandwich Jumbo avec frites & liqueur viande fumée cuit à point pas trop salé Juteux patates frites, très bonne fraîche, pas congelée, & ne goûte pas la vieille huile, très bonne, très bel ambiance, très bon service quand on rentre à l'intérieur on se croirait dans un autre temps Le seul petit point négatif. Petit point pour le prix de la frite, il devrait augmenter la quantité le seul Point négatif que je peux dire de ce restaurant. Bravo à vous.👌👌
This Montreal smoked meat spot was absolutely delicious & instantly transported me into a scene straight out of a Brooklyn or classic New York TV series. From the moment you walk in, it has that old-school, no-frills charm that feels timeless & effortlessly cool. The hand-painted signs added such an authentic, personal touch-like the place has stories soaked into its walls. The smoked meat was rich, tender, & unforgettable, the kind of meal that makes you slow down & savor every bite. A true Montreal experience
No debate brings out the emotions of a Montrealer more than who makes the best smoked meat. To my mind Lester's is hands down #1 ☝?by far. This delicacy 😋 is an outsized contribution from Montreal's Hungarian community to the fabric of this city's soul… maybe a complimentary pickle for Hungarian passport holders?
Super bon service, jovial, rapide ainsi que nourriture délicieuse! Les assiettes sont vraiment généreuses & le smoke meat vaut le détour! Je recommande chaudement!
Updated review: Used to be 5 stars for my taste. Unfortunately, what I've experienced a few years back is nothing like it now. Last visit report: Fries still really good, pickles far from crunchy even a little hard to cut with knife. Now about the meat… I don't know what happened but this is not up to standards, i can replicate this at home. Made me feel a little sad. Not awful but certainly not a landmark anymore except for the decor. On the positive side service is still good.
(Traduction par Google) Un des emblèmes de Montréal. Sandwich délicieux. Le foie haché est incroyable. À voir absolument.
(Version d'origine)
One of Montreal landmarks. Delicious sandwich. Chopped liver is incredible. Well worth a visit.
