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.
Visiting Montreal from Thunder Bay with my wife for the second time. I was looking forward to trying the smoked meats around the city. I hunt & prepare my own meats, so I like to see what locals eat when it comes to meats. I made a point to stop by Lester's because I only managed to hit Schwartz last time & I heard the consensus is split between which is better.
As a meat lover, I found the smoked meat here to be slightly better than Schwartz (I even made a trip back to Schwartz to compare because I needed another taste after 2 years). The moisture of the meat is well balanced, flavorful & not overly chewy or stringy. It has that classic smoked flavor that you only get in the high-quality product.
Experience with the three staff members was memorable & more personal than Schwartz. It was clearly a close-knit family dynamic with the staff which made the atmosphere very welcoming.
The young American lady at the counter greeted us & answered my questions about the menu as well as some friendly small talk with my wife. She was knowledgeable about the shop's history & showed great positive attention to my wife who likes to talk a lot (fortunately the store was empty so she didnt keep anyone from their job). The American woman recommended a hotdogs for my wife, which she loved & ordered a second. The young lady recommended a carrot cake. I dont usually eat desserts for my health, but I tried a bite of my wife's & had to take a few more. The cake was excellent as was the hotdog according to my wife.
Meanwhile, I chatted with the gentleman who prepared the meat, Louie, who told me a bit about the process. I could see he is a master of the craft.
Overall, the atmosphere, service, & flavor exceeded Schwartz, & I believe it was largely due to the care & attention paid by the workers. As a small business owner, seeing these types of people who are knowledgeable & passionate show that the business isn't hiring just anybody to do the most important work, preparing the high-quality smoked meat which Lesters is known for.
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.
Honestly, this might be the best smoked meat I've had in Montréal. It blows the competition out of the water. This is exactly what a real smoked meat sandwich should taste like - tender, juicy & full of flavour.
The staff were great too. Super friendly, energetic, & you can tell they actually enjoy what they do. I'll definitely be going back.
INCROYABLE. Mouth is watering as I write this out & think of the lovely experience I had. Best smoked meat sandwich ever. Best pickle. Best fries. Lovely service. There will not be a day where I don't think about you Lester.
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.
Lester's is a Montreal classic & I recommend anyone to go. The friendliness, humour, & relaxed enthusiasm was a great start to our trip. I loved how they guided us through ordering & their interactions with us. This coupled with the vintage interior is an experience on its own. Amazing customer experience. Ask about their house mustard!
The unfortunate part of Lester's was the smoked meat sandwich, in comparison to Schwartz's it's bland, the bread is bland, & the meat lacks punch & bite. The poutine was quite good so it brings the overall a bit higher
2.3/5
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.
My girlfriend & I came here twice during our trip. One through a good tour & once more when we were walking through the neighborhood. I preferred this spot over Schwartz. Quieter, friendlier staff, retro interior. Must visit if you're in the area.
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.
Aug 24, 2025
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First of all, this restaurant is very friendly, I visited alone.
The man who served me & the woman who brought me the menu were both very friendly, & it was probably the most pleasant meal I've had in Montreal!!
It was a simple meal but I was impressed with their service.
& when I talked to my friend who I met some time later, he said this place is the best. I will try the poutine next time I visit!
Usual good smoked meat, wonderful fries. Experience was ruined a bit when out of town guest who was paying with their last Canadian dollars was berated by the waitress for only leaving 11$ on a 95$ bill. Unacceptable
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.
Lester's Deli is a hidden gem in Montreal's vibrant food scene, steeped in history & serving up some of the best smoked meat sandwiches in the city. Tucked away in Outremont, this family-run spot may be lesser-known than its famous counterpart, Schwarz's, but it absolutely holds its own-& dare I say, might even outshine it!
I had the smoked meat sandwich with Swiss cheese, & it was pure perfection: tender, juicy, & packed with flavor, all nestled between perfectly toasted rye bread. The Swiss added a creamy, melty touch that elevated every bite. Paired with crispy, golden fries, tangy pickles, & a refreshing cherry pop, it was a meal that hit all the right spots. The atmosphere is cozy & nostalgic, with a charm that reflects decades of tradition & love for deli craft.
The service was warm & welcoming, making the experience even more enjoyable. Lester's is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Montreal smoked meat with a side of history. I'll definitely be back for more!
Jul 29, 2025
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One of the more well-known smoked meat spots in town. The smoked meat was pretty good - tasty & satisfying - & the fries were decent too. Overall, the food hit the spot. That said, the service wasn't great when we went. It felt like we didn't get much attention, which was a bit disappointing.
Still, it's definitely worth checking out, especially if you're visiting & want to try a local favorite. Everyone has different tastes, & while I personally think there are a few places with better flavor, this place has its own charm. Give it a shot & see what you think!
One of my place in the world that I don't visit any near as much as I would like. Great food, friendly service. If you like smoked meat, do yourself a favor & go. You won't even have to sit with a stranger to enjoy your sandwich!
Very nice smoked meat. We got both the smoked meat & smoked brisket sandwiches. Good price for the sandwich, the fries, a can of pop & pickels!
They even put vinegar in a spray bottle, which I thought was an amazing touch. They clearly put the customer experience first. We were helped by Elena. We told her it's our first time at Lester's & we got a great & thoughtful answer to all of our questions.
