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.
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!
Usual good smoked meat, wonderful fries. Experience was ruined a bit when out of town guest who was paying with their last Canadian dollars was berated by the waitress for only leaving 11$ on a 95$ bill. Unacceptable
Stepping inside feels like walking into a slice of local history-the walls adorned with photos, the friendly chatter of regulars, & that unmistakable aroma of freshly smoked meat drifting from the counter.
The service was warm & welcoming, the kind that makes you feel less like a customer & more like a guest in someone's home. I ordered their classic smoked meat sandwich, & it was everything I'd hoped for: tender, perfectly seasoned meat piled high on fresh rye bread, with just enough mustard to tie it all together. The portion was generous, the flavors bold, & every bite felt like a celebration of Montreal's deli tradition.
What I especially enjoyed was how authentic & unpretentious the whole experience was. It's a place where locals & tourists mingle easily, united by a shared love for great food. If you're exploring Montreal, Lester's Deli is not just a meal stop-it's a delicious piece of the city's cultural fabric that you shouldn't miss.
It's truly rare to find such delicious smoked meat. I tried it here in June, & I usually don't go back again, There are too many keep releasing new restaurants in Montreal . But I'd still come back, which shows they're truly amazing.
Before leaving, I bought two more kilograms of Coleslaw for the weekend. It is WoW-level Coleslaw. ( Aug 2025)
Inexpensive, everything is delicious, nothing can go wrong! If you are not careful, you will order a full table. In Montreal, if you want to eat authentic food, choose a restaurant in a residential area. It can stand out among the neighbors & basically taste good.
Don't miss Coleslaw, which is the most satisfying one I have eaten in Montreal so far, it is'the WOW'level. Black cherry soda with smoked meat is traditional & perfect.(Jun 2025)
We had a family member visiting from Ontario. Tonight we took him to Lester's. Jay was on hand to great us. What a great personality. He answered our questions & served us quickly . I really thiught he must be the owner. He put his heart into his service. He was entertaining & we came away looking forward to our next visit. Jay is an amazing person. Thank you.
Lester's is a must try if you're visiting Montreal! We live nearby & have visited multiple times over the years & have always had great service & great food. Without spoiling it, the staff played their famous prank on my mom when she came to visit & we still laugh about it. The restaurant itself has tons of cool memorabilia & has that vintage vibe that you won't find elsewhere. I highly recommend the super deluxe smoked meat sandwich combo & a Stewart's orange pop to finish it off!
Jul 29, 2025
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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!
Este local me fois recomendado por um morador como um dos dois locais mais tradicionais para comer o famoso sanduíche de viande à fumée. Caminhei um adicional de 3km para ir e valeu muito à pena.
O ambiente é charmoso, com aquela cara de relíquia. A comida é maravilhosa e chega rápido. Por fim, os atendentes sao atentos.
Terminei de comer sem fome alguma e já queria pedir mais. Incrivelmente bom.
Jul 23, 2025
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Je suis venu aujourd'hui avec un ami & j'ai trouvé le smooke Meat beaucoup moins bon, & la portion des frites plus petit mais bon c'est peut-être une coïncidence car c'est toujours super. Parcontre le service est impeccable :)
The restaurant is very understaffed. Orders are taking forever to come out. One waiter only during rush hour (supper). The only waiter is runing all directions i respect his job but business owner need to consider improving the service.
