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 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!!
The place is something...as the waitress said when asking if we wanted poutine instead the regular fries'we are in Montreal, right'. They are famous because their smoked meat & it is good indeed...not crazy expensive but more a touristic place than for locals. It is a good experience tho...one cannot come to Montreal & miss the smoked meat...it is a must have city tradition & I guarantee that anyone will have a good experience going to Ruben's.
Attentive host. Food arrived hot. A vast array of menu choices. I had the creamy, sharp mac & cheese with tender pastrami & the Philly. Cozy old diner feel with fair prices.
In the mood for some snoke meat, this is a great spot to get some. Once you walk in, you feel like you're back in time, into an old school diner. The menu offered various different options for food. We started with the karnatszle. It was very good! Then went for a 10oz smoked meat sandwich. The portion was great & the smoke meat was fresh & great tasting. Our overall experience was great.
Side note for the restaurant. Was very warm inside & maybe look into ajusting the temperature in order to make the experience more enjoyable.
Apr 29, 2026
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The food is good, but not $30 for a sandwich & fries good. & $4 for a pickle, another $4 for a small coleslaw come on. I get rent is expensive in that location, but all the same I would not go back.
I was in town from the U.S. for a hockey game. There was no way I was leaving Montreal without a smoked meat sandwich. After walking around Mont Royal for a few hours & making my way back to Centre-Ville I made my way to Reuben's based on recommendations on the Internet. My experience was truly exceptional - the food, the service, the chats with the staff - everything was just perfect. I ordered the Charlie, which was plenty of food for me.
I will absolutely be back next time I'm in town. Thank you for the hospitality!
Our first experience at Reuben's , we had the famous Smoked meat sandwich, it was delicious, the restaurant had a great vibe & our waitress Viviane was exceptional.
Apr 22, 2026
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I loved the smoked meat! We asked for a one-pound smoked meat sandwich ('the original'); my suggestion is to ask for the mixed meats, half lean/ half fat. We also had the Turkey sandwich which surprised me as well with a spectacular flavour. All this beside a Pinot Grigio wine...ufff I'll be back!
The Best of Smoke Meat places of all time. Have been enjoying it each & every time I come back to Montreal for the last 50 years from out West. Great job Rueben's…..🙂
