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.
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.
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?
Jan 9, 2026
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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.
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.
Oct 7, 2025
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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.
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!
Lester's is my all time favourite smoked meat sandwich in Mtl & for good reason! Piled high, the side pickles, the family vibe, all of it is perfection! 10/10 no notes!
May 27, 2025
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The classic smoked meat sandwich is simply phenomenal. The meat is tender, flavorful, & perfectly seasoned, making each bite a delight. It is one of the best sandwiches you can find. 🥪❤?
But don't overlook the sides! The dill pickles, potato salad, coleslaw, & peppers are all fantastic accompaniments. Each side is fresh & adds a nice variety.
& I have to give a special shout-out to their poutine! 🍟🤤 It is fantastic on its own, but when you add the delicious smoked meat topping, it takes this classic dish to an entirely new level. The combination of flavors & textures is simply irresistible.
We also had to wash it all down with the necessary cherry soda in their signature frosted mug, which hit the spot just right.
With its rich history, mouthwatering smoked meat, & great sides, it is a place that truly shows the history of our city through culinary traditions.
We got the smoke meat sandwich & pickles. Both were too salty, the smoke meat texture felt like cheap deli meat. No bueno at all. Service & vibe were very good.
Lester's Deli took me back to childhood. For me it had that nostalgia of the old Jewish delis that I grew up going to.
My husband had the Montreal smoked meat with fries & pickles. I had the egg salad sandwich with a side of pickles. The pickles reminded me of the pickles my baba would serve growing up. The fries were also that stereotypical diner style that is absolutely delicious. The prices were also very affordable, especially given the amount of food you get.
The service was also fabulous. It has that family feel that you often don't get at restaurants nowadays.
I love restaurants that have been open for many decades. The décor is very retro. It almost looks like it did at the opening of the restaurant, but that is the charm of the place. The staff are super nice & very friendly. The smoke meat was delicious & the pickles too. To go to the bathroom, you have to pass a very narrow corridor, & there is only one bathroom.
Jan 12, 2025
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Lester's Deli is absolutely amazing. The Montreal Smoked Meat is incredible. Don't forget to get a loaf of their rye bread, a bottle of their homemade mustard, & of course their delicious pickles. I rate Lester's Deli 5 out of 5 Mustaches. Uncle Carmine loves deli's, but this one I'd marry 😁.
Channeling my inner Outremont local since 1951 - devouring a large smoked meat sandwich, fries, dill pickles, & washing it down with a black cherry Coke. This legendary spot has been fueling generations, one massive bite at a time! 😊
The smoked meat was rather disappointing. Bland in taste. I've had much better smoked meat in Montreal although this place came highly recommended. Fries were great & so where the pickles. One original thing was the spray bottle on each table to spray your fries with white vinegar. Interesting concept.
Food was delicious & the pickle 🥒 was crunchy & tasty. Loved the authentic feel of this Old school & very MTL deli. They had a bunch of quartered pickles & coleslaw portions on the counter just sitting there on a very hot day, not covered.( The restaurant was empty) That was a bit of a red flag for me but that's how they've been doing it for a long time so I guess it's fine right?. The smoked meat sandwich was great but still ranks 2nd Best behind Schwartz's Deli. It didn't feel like home made smoked meat but more like prefabricated meat from the package. I would not be back solely for this reason but it was still delicious & I ate it all.
I recently tried the traditional smoked meat sandwich at Lesters Deli in Outremont, & it's a must-try if you're in Montreal. The sandwich is packed with a generous amount of freshly cut meat, served with a pickle & fries. The deli itself is an old, charming spot with very friendly staff, adding to the authentic experience. Definitely worth a visit!
