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.
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.
Très déçue. Commande Uber Eats arrivée très tard, portions ridiculement petites & présentation vraiment minable. Pour le prix, c'est franchement inacceptable. Je ne recommande pas.
Linda made our first visit to Lester's such a memorable experience! 🥹💖 The moment we walked in, she welcomed us with the biggest smile & was so accommodating. We told her we were tourists & had already visited another deli earlier, but Lester's was highly recommended by a friend & we just had to try it. She immediately gave us different options & recommendations, making the whole experience so fun & easy.
Her friendly personality & genuine kindness made us feel so welcome. & the FOOD… WOW. 🤤 It absolutely lived up to the hype & did not disappoint! Everything was so delicious, & you can tell why this place is so highly recommended.
If you're in Montreal, Lester's is definitely a must-visit & if you get Linda, you're in for an even better experience! We'll definitely be back the next time we're in town. ❤?
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.
This was exactly the kind of place I enjoy. The atmosphere was great, with a charming old-school decor & very friendly staff.
I came mainly for the smoked meat, & it was very good. We also ordered the roast beef, & it was excellent too.
I'll definitely be coming back the next time I'm in Montreal. Highly recommended!
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!
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.
Super bon service, jovial, rapide ainsi que nourriture délicieuse! Les assiettes sont vraiment généreuses & le smoke meat vaut le détour! Je recommande chaudement!
