Lesters Deli stands as a definitive institution for Montreal style smoked meat, serving meticulously cured beef that is hand sliced for maximum tenderness. Each sandwich features generous portions of spice rubbed brisket stacked high on rye bread with traditional yellow mustard. The menu focuses on deli classics, offering crispy french fries and crunchy pickles to complement the savory depth of the meat. Patrons experience a bustling environment characterized by simple decor and efficiency, mirroring the authentic atmosphere of historic city delis. This establishment prioritizes the quality of its curing process, ensuring a consistent flavor profile that maintains its standing among local food traditions. Every selection reflects a dedication to preparation techniques that have defined this iconic culinary category for generations, providing an essential experience for enthusiasts of smoked beef.
Online reservations are not currently offered through this listing for Lesters Deli. However, you can call them directly at (514) 213-1313 to inquire about table availability.
Does Lesters Deli offer online ordering?
Yes, Lesters Deli offers online ordering for delivery.
Lester's Deli is widely celebrated as an authentic Montreal landmark, cherished for its historic atmosphere and classic diner charm. Many patrons praise the smoked meat for being tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, often describing it as the best in the city. The menu also features standout items like poutine, crispy fries, and homemade coleslaw, all served in generous portions. Beyond the food, the restaurant is frequently highlighted for its warm, welcoming, and energetic staff who contribute to a memorable and personalized dining experience. It serves as a beloved local gem where visitors and residents alike can enjoy a nostalgic, no-frills meal that captures the true spirit of Montreal's deli tradition.
This restaurant is a must try!! Growing up hearing that catchy radio commercial, finally tried them today & wow!! Best hotdogs, hands down! The smoke meat sandwich combo with fries, coleslaw, & pickles was on point! The staff were very friendly, making my boyfriend & I feel like home. Super accommodating & efficient. We are definitely going back for more!!
Old school, friendly, busy smoked meat deli. Had a'Super Smoked Meat' combo. It was very tasty with a mountain of perfectly smoked meat, tart dill pickle spears & delicious, authentic'dirty fryer' French fries.
It was expensive, $33 + tax & tip.
(There is a little bathroom in the back. Small but clean.)
Street parking only.
Finally I decided to try a smoked meat sandwich at Lesters on Bernard at the terrace to see what the fuss was all about . As a smoked meat comnnaisseur , I was disappointed with the sandwich that was served basically cold . Th cook was too lazy to srve a hot sanndwich at 3 pm . Lesters is over rated and no offense to the people who liked it, they havent tried real smoked meat at Shwartz, and Dunns . To ad insult to injury, I saw the cook when he came out outside to smoke a cigarette, a disgusting display of lack of hygiene. I thought I was in Bengladesh , and I was served a sandwish by a cook with a gross beard that was not coverd by a net .That person manipulatd my sandwich . Gross I mentionned it to the asian waitress, which it wasnt her fault. If you want a smoked meat , make sure you dont find facial hair .. The price wasnt worth it . It took me hours to digest it , and got sick after eating it . Not sur he washes his hands.
La quête du meilleur smoked meat de Montréal se poursuit!
4e arrêt : Lester's.
Le smoked meat de chez Lester's grimpe directement à la 2e place de mon palmarès, juste derrière Schwartz's. Une belle surprise!
Petit bémol : il n'est pas possible de commander une assiette, seulement des items à la carte. Je n'ai donc pas pu goûter au fameux pickle. J'ai plutôt opté pour les frites, qui étaient tout simplement excellentes.
Le sandwich est généreux, bien garni & préparé avec des ingrédients de qualité. Une adresse que je recommande sans hésitation pour les amateurs de smoked meat.
We decided we needed to try a smoked meat sandwich during our visit to Montreal in mid-May 2026 & wound up visiting Lester's Deli in the Outremont area. As a side note, if you're trying to get here & are looking at street numbers on Bernard Ave, the numbers skip from 300s to 1000s due to the old numbering system they used (we thought we were 7 blocks away but then saw the signs for Lester's & were confused).
We ordered the Smoked Meat Sandwich ($16), All Dressed Hot Dog ($4.5), Regular Poutine ($10.5) & added a dill pickle for good measure.
The shop wasn't very busy at the time, which is a definite plus... didn't want to wait in a huge line like some other places.
The sandwich itself was pretty good. It was piled high with meat & the meat was tender & not dry. The hot dog was better than expected too with a thin bun, mustard, sweet relish, & crisp onions. The poutine had lots of gravy & cheese & was well balanced. We wound up taking some of the smoked meat from our sandwich & mixing it with the poutine & that kicked it up a notch. If we weren't already so full, we would have eaten more.
We went to Lester's Deli, a historic Montreal restaurant located in Outremont that has been serving traditional smoked meat sandwiches since 1951, & they are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year. It is considered one of the top smoked meat spots in the city. We ordered the Smoked Meat Special & Smoked Meat Sandwich. The signature classic Montreal-style smoked meats were served with bread, yellow mustard, accompanied by a side of fries & whole dill pickles. It was a casual deli experience but the food tasted delicious & appetizing!
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?
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.
