Lesters Deli s'impose comme une institution incontournable du smoked meat montréalais, proposant un bœuf fumé et mariné avec précision, coupé à la main pour garantir une tendreté optimale. Chaque sandwich présente de généreuses portions de poitrine épicée, empilées sur du pain de seigle et rehaussées de moutarde jaune traditionnelle. Le menu se concentre sur les classiques de la charcuterie, offrant des frites croustillantes et des cornichons acidulés pour compléter la profondeur savoureuse de la viande. Les clients découvrent un environnement dynamique caractérisé par un décor fonctionnel et une efficacité marquée, reflétant l'atmosphère authentique des charcuteries historiques. Cet établissement priorise la qualité de son processus de fumage, assurant un profil gustatif constant qui maintient sa renommée locale. Chaque sélection témoigne d'une maîtrise des techniques de préparation qui définissent cette spécialité culinaire emblématique depuis plusieurs générations.
Lester's Deli est largement reconnu comme une destination emblématique de Montréal, offrant une atmosphère de restaurant classique et nostalgique sans les attentes interminables souvent observées ailleurs. De nombreux clients louent la viande fumée pour sa tendreté, sa jutosité et son assaisonnement équilibré, la classant fréquemment parmi les meilleures de la ville avec des portions généreuses. En plus des sandwichs signatures, la poutine, les hot-dogs et les accompagnements faits maison, comme la salade de chou et les cornichons, sont salués pour leur qualité. Le service est constamment décrit comme chaleureux, accueillant et efficace, favorisant une hospitalité authentique qui permet aux visiteurs de se sentir comme des habitués. Bien que certains suggèrent que l'établissement bénéficierait de petites rénovations pour préserver son charme historique, le consensus général souligne un joyau local apprécié qui propose une expérience culinaire authentique et mémorable.
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.
We decided we needed to try a smoked meat sandwich during our visit to Montreal in mid-May 2026 & wound up visiting Lester's Deli in the Outremont area. As a side note, if you're trying to get here & are looking at street numbers on Bernard Ave, the numbers skip from 300s to 1000s due to the old numbering system they used (we thought we were 7 blocks away but then saw the signs for Lester's & were confused).
We ordered the Smoked Meat Sandwich ($16), All Dressed Hot Dog ($4.5), Regular Poutine ($10.5) & added a dill pickle for good measure.
The shop wasn't very busy at the time, which is a definite plus... didn't want to wait in a huge line like some other places.
The sandwich itself was pretty good. It was piled high with meat & the meat was tender & not dry. The hot dog was better than expected too with a thin bun, mustard, sweet relish, & crisp onions. The poutine had lots of gravy & cheese & was well balanced. We wound up taking some of the smoked meat from our sandwich & mixing it with the poutine & that kicked it up a notch. If we weren't already so full, we would have eaten more.
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!
8 avr. 2026
sur Google
🍽️
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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.
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?
Updated review: Used to be 5 stars for my taste. Unfortunately, what I've experienced a few years back is nothing like it now. Last visit report: Fries still really good, pickles far from crunchy even a little hard to cut with knife. Now about the meat… I don't know what happened but this is not up to standards, i can replicate this at home. Made me feel a little sad. Not awful but certainly not a landmark anymore except for the decor. On the positive side service is still good.
(Traduction par Google) Un des emblèmes de Montréal. Sandwich délicieux. Le foie haché est incroyable. À voir absolument.
(Version d'origine)
One of Montreal landmarks. Delicious sandwich. Chopped liver is incredible. Well worth a visit.
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.
