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Restaurant Top Pick

Lesters Deli

Outremont
4.5$
CLOSEDOpens Tomorrow at 10 am
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Lesters Deli Montreal Restaurant: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
DeliSandwichesSmoked MeatBreakfast
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.

Amenities, services & more

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4★
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Reviews for Lesters Deli

Food
Service
on Google4.4 (1300+)
*as of 2026-04-01
5★
72%
4★
14%
3★
6%
2★
8%
1★
1%

Review Summary

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.
Page 10 of 12 - 234 Reviews

Was told to try this place by the locals, instead of Schwartz's, & the smoked meat sandwich DID NOT disappoint!

Apr 13, 2024
on Google
5.0

Good service, cashier dude was chilling lol.

Apr 12, 2024
on Google

The smoked meat sandwich was delicious. In my opinion, I think it was better than Schwartz's. However, it is kind of expensive for what you get, which is while I deducted a star. Would eat here again.

Apr 11, 2024
on Google

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!

Apr 8, 2024
on Google

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!

Apr 8, 2024
on Google
3.0

Sandwich was OK but a bit dry. 24$ + tx/tip for 1 sandwich, 1 fries & soda is ludicrous. French fries were good.

Mar 30, 2024
on Google

Ordered some smoked meat by the pound to bring home !!! Best supper , it was so fresh & delicious, always a favourite at my house . I truly recommend Lester's . They are great .

Mar 18, 2024
on Google

A staple of Montreal. Probably better than Schwartz's. Meat is better, no lineup & the neighborhood is bustling.

Mar 17, 2024
on Google

I ordered 5 pounds to take home. I will go back to get more. Amazing loved it best smoke meet eve

Mar 16, 2024
on Google

The food is delicious, the service amazing &, as an extra perk, ordering extra smoked meat to take home to freeze allows us to have a treat any night of the week! Team TGO Orthodontics loves Lester's Deli!

Mar 14, 2024
on Google

The pickles are soo good!

Mar 11, 2024
on Google

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.

Feb 14, 2024
on Google

Best smoked meat in town so fa

Feb 14, 2024
on Google

Love love love this place

Feb 9, 2024
on Google

Stepping into Lester's Deli, you're hit with the kind of expectation that only comes from the promise of Montreal's famed smoked meat! The smoked meat sandwich, let's be clear, is VERY GOOD. It's the kind of flavor explosion that makes you wonder if the chef isn't a Michelin-starred maestro hiding in a deli. The meat is so tender, so richly infused with flavor & spices, it's like the culinary equivalent of a symphony orchestra playing in your mouth, with every instrument perfectly tuned. But then, there's the bread... Oh, the bread. It's the understeer in our gastronomic joyride, the unexpected disappointment that leaves you yearning for a bit more grip on the culinary road. It's as if, in the midst of creating this smoked meat opus, the chef suddenly decided, "Let's just dial it in with the bread it's like pairing a world-class actor with a backup dancer who can't find the beat. & the fries. Where do we start? Calling them "awful" is a kindness. They're the culinary equivalent of attending a concert only to have the speakers blow out during the first song. Burned, flabby, & tasteless, they're a travesty, an affront to potato lovers everywhere. It's as if someone in Montreal decreed, "All fries must henceforth be as appealing as a rain-soaked weekend in the beach." It's not just Lester's; it's a city-wide conspiracy against the humble spud. I wonder if there's a secret society dedicated to ruining fries, meeting in dark alleys & exchanging soggy, burned potatoes as tokens of membership. In sum, Lester's Deli serves up a smoked meat sandwich that could easily become the stuff of legends, if only the bread & fries rose to the occasion making this a place worth visiting again.

Feb 4, 2024
on Google
5.0

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.

Feb 1, 2024
on Google

C'est parfait ici avec la madame qui te dit de faire attention quand tu vire ta bouteille de black cherry à l'ancienne

Jan 24, 2024
on Google

This place for sure has the best poutine & smoked meat sandwich!

Jan 18, 2024
on Google
5.0

Vieillot comme j'adore, le smoked meat, sa coche !

Jan 11, 2024
on Google

Notre première fois, restaurant assez petit, mais rempli de vieux souvenirs physique sur les murs. Très bon sandwich à la viande fumée, belles frites croustillantes, accompagné d'une salade de choux & de cornichons. À l'heure des repas, ça doit être la folie. 14h00 c'était parfait pour nous!

Jan 5, 2024
on Google