FR
Montreal Restaurants: RestoMontreal.caMontreal Restaurants: RestoMontreal.ca

Logo RestoMontreal.ca

0
×
Loading filters...
Restaurant Top Pick

Schwartz's Deli

Legendary smoked meat served with a side of Montréal history.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.4$
OPEN10 am - 11 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Photo of Schwartz's Deli, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal - Montreal
DeliSandwichesSmoked Meat
Order
Owner? Claim the listing Our Services
Loading suggestions...

About

Schwartz's Deli serves the iconic Montreal smoked meat sandwich prepared using a traditional curing process that spans ten days. Each serving features brisket rubbed with a signature blend of spices and slow-smoked until tender. This establishment maintains a straightforward menu centered on the core product alongside essential sides like fresh coleslaw and yellow mustard. The interior environment reflects a functional, high-traffic aesthetic defined by tight seating arrangements and utilitarian decor meant for efficient service. Patrons receive portions of cured beef hand-sliced to order to ensure the specific texture and temperature required by local standards. The culinary experience relies on this consistent method of preparation that has defined the establishment for decades while focusing entirely on the quality of the primary protein. Every element serves the specific purpose of highlighting the distinct, savory profile of the seasoned meat.

Details

Amenities, services & more

Loading restaurants nearby...
Loading...
4.41359 ratings
5★
69%
4★
16%
3★
6%
2★
7%
1★
2%

Mentioned in:View More

Schwartz's Deli was featured in the article(s) below.

Restaurants in Le Plateau-Mont-RoyalView More

India Rosa Plateau Restaurant
Barranco MTL Restaurant
Le Nil Bleu Restaurant
Au Pied de Cochon Restaurant
Café Cherrier Restaurant
Loading nearby events...
Loading related links...

Reviews for Schwartz's Deli

Food
Service
on Google4.4 (26200+)
*as of 2026-08-01
4.41359 ratings
5★
69%
4★
16%
3★
6%
2★
7%
1★
2%
Write your review

Reviews often mention

smoked meat(308) sandwich(276) poutine(84) deli(74) sandwiche(70) pickle(61) schwartz's(56) recommend(52) fries(48) viande(43) classic(43) busy(37)

Review Summary

Schwartz's Deli is widely considered a legendary culinary institution in Montreal, best known for its world-famous, tender, and flavorful smoked meat sandwiches. While many patrons find the experience of dining in the historic, bustling, and cramped atmosphere to be an essential part of the charm, others note that the long lineups and rapid-fire service can feel rushed or overwhelming. The staff are frequently described as efficient and professional, though experiences with service can vary from warm and engaging to dismissive. Guests often recommend pairing the meat with the signature cherry soda, coleslaw, and pickles to complete the meal. Despite some mixed reviews regarding portions, pricing, or occasional inconsistency in meat quality, most visitors view it as a must-visit landmark that defines the Montreal food scene, with many suggesting the takeout counter as a reliable alternative for those looking to avoid the wait.
Page 1 of 81 - 802 Reviews
Chetan
5.0

Google will tell you medium fatty, but you really need to love the fatty to get this. Otherwise stick to the regular. Cherry coke optional. Stick to the smoked meat instead of turkey or salami. It's what they're known for.

Aug 8, 2026
on Google
Laetitia
5.0

L'essayer c'est l'adopter! La viande est tendre & savoureuse, le décor vintage vous transporte dans une autre époque & le service est rapide ce qui compense l'attente pour avoir une table. Je recommande!

Aug 7, 2026
on Google
Al
5.0

We had the popular #2 & #4. I will go back for #1 soon, hopefully. Very nice people providing a no nonsense service with a smile. Waited in line outside & ended up sitting at the bar. Delicious meat. Very happy I finally made it here after 4 trips to Montreal. Highly recommend it to all visitors

Aug 7, 2026
on Google
Milton
1.0

Vraiment très ordinaire... le service n'est pas formidable non plus. Difficile à comprendre la popularité de ce comptoir à sandwiches. Possiblement que la clientèle se fie plus au'hipe' qu'à leur capacité de dégustation...

Aug 7, 2026
on Google
Etienne
1.0

Very dirty!!! Pickle was soggy & old, fries were average.

Aug 7, 2026
on Google
Sarah
1.0

Extremely mediocre smoked meat sandwiches. Dry flavourless meat & overpriced for what you get. Unfortunately just another MTL tourist trap. I have had significantly better elsewhere in MTL! Go somewhere else!

Aug 7, 2026
on Google
Carla
4.0

I'll admit the food was amazing. The smoked meat sandwiches are incredible. My children loved the poutine as well. We bought a big jar of the delicious pickles to take home as well.

Most of the employees were great. Especially the nice guys making our sandwiches. However I was quite disappointed with another employee there. As my husband & I were getting our orders at the counter we asked our kids to get a free table at the back of the deli so we could relieve the congestion in the lineup. As they were waiting one of the employees started raising their voice to my oldest questioning why they were there. She was in tears when we brought them their food. I understand the place is busy & high stress but it's no excuse to be unkind to people let alone children just waiting for their food.

Aug 7, 2026
on Google
Gweneveryn
5.0

Food is amazing, the smoked meat cannot be beat. I got the schwartz poutine & it satisfied all my cravings for smoked meat, & poutine at once.

Jul 28, 2026
on Google
Ofe
3.0

Recomiendo revisar los horarios de mayor concurrencia porque si se hace fila enorme
Esta rico el sandwich de carne

Jul 28, 2026
on Google
Peter
4.0

Not bad but I'm not sure it lives up to the hype. The sandwich was good. The line up was long & in the end. I enjoyed it. But I wasn't exactly blown away.

Nothing bad to say really. Except the long wait & no clear indication there was a takeout door.

I'm glad I went & experienced it. But I'm not sure I'd rush back.

Jul 28, 2026
on Google
www.restomontreal.ca