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.
Lester's Deli is consistently described as an authentic Montreal smoked meat landmark with a nostalgic, old school deli vibe, where the meat is often tender, richly smoked, and well seasoned, and moisture is balanced for a juicy bite; the atmosphere and friendly, sometimes personal, service add to the experience, though a few visits note that service can be slow when the place is busy. Reviewers appreciate the classic sides like pickles and coleslaw and many enjoyed the fries and poutine, while others found some portions lean or prices high, and a handful mentioned variability in meat texture. Overall, Lester's Deli is seen as a must visit for smoked meat lovers, delivering strong flavor, a sense of Montreal's deli heritage, and a welcoming ambiance that keeps customers returning.
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!
Thought I'd give it a try but it was a very expensive experience 42$ for 2 sandwiches is a little nuts, I know smoked meat has gone up but a little ridiculous with the size
Jan 29, 2026
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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!
Came here for smoked meat sandwiches & definitely glad it was recommended. Great food, counter service for takeout was attentive, cordial. The meat stood out, we both liked it better than other well known local competitors.
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.
It is a true hidden gem & definitely one of the best Montréal Smoke Meat sandwiches that I have ever had. My meal was made with love, & I highly recommend coming to Lester's for a truly authentic Montréal Smoke Meat.
Mar 10, 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.
