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.
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
Sep 4, 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!
Great smoke meat place, the service was just awesome.
We had the normal & the large smoke meat & a smoke meat poutine & loved it.
Also a lot friendlier to kids then other places.
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.
Mar 5, 2025
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Compared to some smoked meat spots in the city, their smoked meat was not bad. It didn't have as much flavour especially since it's apparently comparable to another famous spot. I do like that the portions are still massive & the smoked meat poutine was so good. The staff are friendly & it's nice to see so many locals that come here.
Went for the Super smoked meat sandwich as it was my first time. Definitely went to four fingers thick ! My son had the smoked meat poutine ! Delicious! Service pleasant & efficient.
Perfect deli experience - the smoked meat sandwich was exactly what I was looking for: rye was fresh & soft & the meat hot, tender & juicy. Flavours spot on. If I lived in Montreal with would easily be a regular destination. Poutine was fantastic. Service welcoming. Atmosphere classic.
Apr 23, 2024
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Had smoked meat platter which came with fries & a pickle & it was PERFECTION! Meat was flavorful & practically melted in my mouth it was so tender. We loved the platter & fries so much we also took a smoked meat poutine & OMG... CHEFS KISS! The smoked meat poutine was so good we got a slice of cheesecake & WOW, it was so fresh & delicious. Highly recommend. Will come back!
We had smoked meat, fries, pickles, Poutine, cheese cake & coffee. ALL SUPERB! the vibe is awesome, a real Montreal style deli. The meat is the best in Montreal!
Since new ownership, quality appears to have declined. Yesterday, we traveled from the West Island to Lester's. The Smoked meat was dry & tasteless. The chopped liver sandwich made my wife sick all night. The only part of the meal that was good was the poutine.
The staff has always been friendly, making ordering takeout or delivery a hassle-free & enjoyable process. Delicious poutine, smoked salmon sandwich, & fantastic pickles! It's clear they prioritize quality without breaking the bank. This spot has quickly become a favorite for me & my partner providing delicious & reasonably priced meals. I highly recommend giving them a try.
