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.
Been here three times now the poutine was pretty bad burnt tasting & rubbery cheese but the hot dogs are great & smoked meat was comparable to Schwartz not my favourite either way
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.
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.
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
Best experience ever! The vibe was local & warm. The smoke meat & roast beef is tender & off the chart. What really sealed it was the hospitality. We forgot our stuff & the waiter actually ran out to us in -20C weather in plain clothes to return it to us! A new go-to for smoked meat for us!
This Montreal smoked meat spot was absolutely delicious & instantly transported me into a scene straight out of a Brooklyn or classic New York TV series. From the moment you walk in, it has that old-school, no-frills charm that feels timeless & effortlessly cool. The hand-painted signs added such an authentic, personal touch-like the place has stories soaked into its walls. The smoked meat was rich, tender, & unforgettable, the kind of meal that makes you slow down & savor every bite. A true Montreal experience
Jan 23, 2026
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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?
Honestly, this might be the best smoked meat I've had in Montréal. It blows the competition out of the water. This is exactly what a real smoked meat sandwich should taste like - tender, juicy & full of flavour.
The staff were great too. Super friendly, energetic, & you can tell they actually enjoy what they do. I'll definitely be going back.
Nov 20, 2025
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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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