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.
Overall, Lester's Deli blends an old fashioned, nostalgic Montreal deli atmosphere with consistently tender smoked meat and generous sides like dill pickles, coleslaw, and fries, often accompanied by fast, friendly service and a warm, local vibe. Many reviews praise the meat as rich, juicy, and flavorful, with some calling it among the best in town and a standout option for those looking for an authentic Montreal smoke meat experience. The experience is described as approachable and affordable for the portion size, though a few readers note price increases and portions that feel smaller or meat that is leaner than before. Takeout and dine in both attract loyal fans, and the counter style with retro memorabilia adds to a sense of community and tradition. Some comments mention occasional service hiccups or long lines during peak times, while others highlight exceptionally friendly staff and hospitable gestures that feel like a visit to a friend. Sides such as house made pickles, coleslaw, and poutine are frequently praised for freshness, though fries or bread may be noted as too salty or some meat not as brisket like as expected. Overall the deli is considered a Montreal classic and a must visit for smoked meat lovers seeking a nostalgic, flavorful bite and a taste of local deli history.
Tried this back to back after visiting Schwartz's & honestly loved it even more! The meat was smokier & to me had more flavour. The deli itself also had that historic diner feel. Highly recommend if you're visiting Montreal!
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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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.
Coming out from BC for a visit I had to get my smoke meat fix. Been to all the usual spots & now craved that'authentic' deli vibe. Look no further than Lester's.
Oct 8, 2025
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Lester's Deli in Outremont is the kind of place that feels like it's been part of the neighborhood's heartbeat for generations-& for good reason. With over 65 years of history, this family-run spot delivers not just food, but a slice of Montreal's deli tradition with heart & hospitality.
We stopped in for a light lunch & were instantly charmed by the retro vibe: walls lined with memorabilia, a buzzing counter, & staff who treat you like an old friend. It's the kind of place where you settle in & feel time slow down.
Our meal was simple but superb. The smoked salmon was silky & rich, served with just the right balance of salt & smoke-no frills, just quality. The roasted turkey was tender & flavorful, sliced thick & piled generously. & the pickle? Crisp, tangy, & exactly what you want alongside deli classics. It's the kind of trio that reminds you how satisfying honest, well-made food can be.
Whether you're craving Montreal's famous smoked meat or something a little lighter like we did, Lester's delivers. It's not just about the food-it's about the feeling. A place where tradition meets comfort, & every bite tells a story.
Thank you for the overnight delivery to White Rock, BC.
I missed this so much from my time in Montreal & while delivery made this a pricy sandwich, it was worth every penny.
Sep 25, 2025
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en se qui me concerne le lester s deli la viande fumé 5 étoile encore mieux que celui que tout le monde adore schwartz sur st laurent lester s au resto ou a l épicerie toujours parfait the best
Wr were told their smoked meat & food was comparable if not better than Schwartz's. We wanted to do the test ourselves. It was delicious & the staff was specially the chef were kind, witty & interactive. We come from Florida & smoke meat is our treat as there is nowhere better than Mtl!
I ordered a smoked meat sandwich with mustard, fries, & pickles. Absolutely delicious. Not fatty or stringy as often seen with corned beef. Pleasant service & atmosphere in or out.
Dropped by for a smoked meat sandwich. Had been years since I had actually sat in the restaurant. I usually pick up or get delivery. We were warmly greeted by the young lady behind the counter & told to grab any seat. Then Ashley & her team gave us excellent service. We were expertly guided through the menu to make sure we ordered correctly as there are several subtle differences in the menu options when it comes to sandwiches. I ordered the Super deluxe platter which included a drink, dill pickle, a frie & the large sandwich with 3/4's of a pound of meat. The sandwich was delicious except I ordered it fatty & I found it very lean as compared to a fatty at Schwartz's. The fries were not great as they were soggy & probably fried in oil that wasn't to temp. My wife's Cole slaw was delicious as was her meat platter. Loved the nostalgic feeling of eating in as it brings me back to a bygone era. All in all a yummy treat with a couple of easily'fixable' issues. Could easily be 5 stars. Recommended.
Stepping inside feels like walking into a slice of local history-the walls adorned with photos, the friendly chatter of regulars, & that unmistakable aroma of freshly smoked meat drifting from the counter.
The service was warm & welcoming, the kind that makes you feel less like a customer & more like a guest in someone's home. I ordered their classic smoked meat sandwich, & it was everything I'd hoped for: tender, perfectly seasoned meat piled high on fresh rye bread, with just enough mustard to tie it all together. The portion was generous, the flavors bold, & every bite felt like a celebration of Montreal's deli tradition.
What I especially enjoyed was how authentic & unpretentious the whole experience was. It's a place where locals & tourists mingle easily, united by a shared love for great food. If you're exploring Montreal, Lester's Deli is not just a meal stop-it's a delicious piece of the city's cultural fabric that you shouldn't miss.
It's truly rare to find such delicious smoked meat. I tried it here in June, & I usually don't go back again, There are too many keep releasing new restaurants in Montreal . But I'd still come back, which shows they're truly amazing.
Before leaving, I bought two more kilograms of Coleslaw for the weekend. It is WoW-level Coleslaw. ( Aug 2025)
Inexpensive, everything is delicious, nothing can go wrong! If you are not careful, you will order a full table. In Montreal, if you want to eat authentic food, choose a restaurant in a residential area. It can stand out among the neighbors & basically taste good.
Don't miss Coleslaw, which is the most satisfying one I have eaten in Montreal so far, it is'the WOW'level. Black cherry soda with smoked meat is traditional & perfect.(Jun 2025)
