Reuben's, Montreal's Premier Deli and Steakhouse, has been proudly serving the city since 1976. With an unparalleled reputation for excellence this landmark institution offers specialities such as Certified Angus Beef® steak cuts aged 28 days, burgers, sandwiches, salads and of course, their famous smoked meat and homemade strawberry cheesecake. A jazz-inspired, art-deco interior sets the tone for a casual dining experience you will never forget.
Reviews describe Reuben's Deli & Steakhouse as a standout Montreal spot with generous portions, a vibrant atmosphere, and consistently fresh, flavorful meat and classic deli dishes. The smoked meat sandwiches and other hearty options are repeatedly praised, often with high accolades for the service, especially attentive staff, friendly vibes, and hospitality. Desserts such as carrot cake and strawberry cheesecake receive kudos, while the decor and ambiance are highlighted as iconic and inviting. Some comments note high prices and occasional uneven portions or slower service on busy nights, and a few dishes like poutine or certain sides receive mixed reactions, but overall it remains a top choice for smoked meat and meals in the area.
I'm a regular here & I always order the same item, tonight it was completely different, before even pointing it out the waiter noticed & went to bring someone else, instead of apologizing, her first question was'talk to me', & ofcourse I left hungry. I guess staff during the week is not as professional as the weekends'. Keep that in mind!
Vivian is a rockstar, saw my partner & i overwhelmed with the menu & directed us to ultimate satisfaction with their Reuben sandwich. All the food was delish but the service was outstanding.
May 19, 2026
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The food was good but not 5 star good. The water they brought us had sum residue in it & we had to request to change it twice. The overall vibe of the restaurant is great.
Rueben's is a culinary icon in downtown Montreal where we have visited many times with complete satisfaction. Their smoked meat most especially their Rueben sandwiches are an awesome delight. The restaurant is always clean & well presented with friendly & efficient staff. They have a huge selection of the best desserts like their famous carrot cake, cheese cakes & chocolate cakes with huge portions. This place is a super deli that offers a wide range of meal options at reasonable prices. It is a must stop & visit while visiting Montreal - great comfort food!
C'est délicieux! Reuben's is a renowned place for Montréal smoked meat sandwiches. Whenever I'm in town, I'd like to get the 1 lb Big Bang sandwich & walking through McGill University on rue Peel. Après le repas, faites de l'exercice en montant le Mont Royal.
Update: came back here today & enjoyed the Big Bang sandwich! Still délicieux!
Tried'The Charlie'? meat, fries, & coleslaw were superb! Lager & condiments were average. The pickle was delicious but tiny (only a quarter). Overall, a solid 5-star experience. Will return to try more & update!
The ambience, the food, the background chatter, the seats & old fashion interior design... the perfect authentic culinary experience for those who can't have their food without a good amount of'local'
It's been over a decade since I was in Montreal for smoked meat. Now as a celiac, it was great to have a knowledgeable server & be able to have their classic sandwich meat (without bread).
I finally visited Ruben's Deli & Steakhouse, an iconic downtown Montreal staple that somehow I had never tried despite living here practically my whole life. Walking in, you immediately feel transported back in time - the décor, the counters, the diner?style seating, even the waiters' uniforms all preserve that old?school charm. It genuinely feels like the place has stayed true to its roots for decades.
That said, the vintage aesthetic does come with some wear. Our diner?style seats were noticeably ripped - something I hope gets refreshed from time to time, especially considering how busy this place always is. Still, it adds to that'classic diner' authenticity that many tourists come looking for.
🍽? Food
The menu is extensive, with a strong focus on deli classics & hearty meats. I went with the burger. It was good - tasty, satisfying, but not particularly memorable. The fries were also fine, very much in line with what you'd expect from a traditional diner. In that sense, Ruben's delivers exactly what it promises: classic comfort food, nothing reinvented, nothing overly elevated.
They also have a large dessert selection, though we were too full to explore it this time.
🌟 Service & Atmosphere
The service was excellent - classy, attentive, & respectful. You can tell the staff take pride in maintaining a certain standard. The restaurant is right in the center of the action, so expect it to be very busy at lunchtime. It's a mix of locals, office workers, & plenty of tourists, which gives the place a lively, bustling energy.
💸 Value
Prices are moderate & fair for the location & the type of establishment. You're paying for the experience as much as the meal, & in that sense, it's worth it.
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Bottom line: Ruben's is a quintessential Montreal deli experience - nostalgic, bustling, & reliable. The food is decent, the service is excellent, & the atmosphere is part of the charm. I'd return if I'm in the area & craving a classic diner?style meal.
Food ⭐⭐⭐
Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prices $$⭐⭐⭐
Location ⭐⭐⭐ (very accessible with public transit, hard to park unless you want to pay) construction not considered
Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This being my first time in Montreal, I heard prior to my trip about the famous Montreal-Style Smoked Meat. Reuben's delivered a 10/10 meal & the bartender Sam ensured it was one of the most memorable part of my trip to Montreal with amazing service & banter!
Super service avant une game des Habs! Le lunch était super bon, c'était rapide & tout était parfait! Évidemment avec une réservation pas mal plus simple!!
