World famous Schwartz's, serving the best smoked meat from the original recipe of spices since 1928. Imagine walking through the door and taking a step back 75 years into "Main Street" history in Montreal. A "true" Montreal landmark that has welcomed celebrities and visitors from all over the world.
Schwartz's Deli is widely described as a Montreal institution and a must visit for smoked meat lovers, with the signature sandwich praised for tender, flavorful meat that melts in the mouth, offered in lean, medium, or fatty cuts and served on rye with pickles, often accompanied by fries or poutine; despite a famously long line, the sandwich is seen as worth the wait, and the old school, bustling atmosphere feels like a time capsule. Reviews vary on service and value: some report fast, friendly, efficient service and a communal seating vibe, while others recall rude or hurried service, higher prices, or crowds making the dining experience intense; occasionally the poutine or fries fail to impress, and some note quirks like payment methods or takeout lines, but many still call it a legendary Montreal staple that lives up to its hype and draws locals and visitors back again and again.
The food was delicious & the service was fast, the restaurant has a real family feel.
This place is always packed & has long family-style tables, so you will likely be sitting with strangers. & people will DEFINITELY touch you as they walk by, due to the crowded nature of the place.
I would definitely recommend this place for their food & their efficient (bilingual) service, but if you have sensory issues/hate crowds it might not be the place for you.
Couldn't chew the Meat. Need a steak knife to cut smoked meat: something wrong happened. Like if it stayed 12 hours on the counter. Please avoid. Im sorry. I wish i could write anything good. We just lost 55$. Try in order: Ben's or Lesters' or Dunn's or Snowden' even P'tit Québec. I will still buy mustard & spices at the pick up stand & hope for the other customers that it was just a mistake.
This is a popular Montreal restaurant for tours. I went for tried the smoked meat sandwich & poutine. The sandwich was ok, the meat was tender, but too much fat for me, it wasn't anything special or wasn't out of the world, will not go again!.
Bof … Très déçu ….
Un endroit surpeuplé, pas de place pour manger, c'est sale (salle & cuisine), exiguë, des cartons stockés partout…
Enfin parlons de la viande qui certes est plutôt bonne mais très grasse (des bouchées entières de gras), personnel ignorant…. Ne mérite pas sa réputation …désolé :(
Feb 26, 2026
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I loved the poutine w/ smoked meat on top! The atmosphere here is very relaxed, & the staff was understanding that I was new to Quebecois cuisine & very friendly. No regrets eating here!
Visiting Schwartz's Deli in Montreal was an incredible culinary experience that lived up to all the hype! The world-famous smoked meat sandwich is an absolute masterpiece-tender, perfectly spiced, & piled impressively high on fresh rye bread. I highly recommend ordering it'medium' for the perfect balance of flavour & juiciness, & don't forget to pair it with a classic black cherry soda & a large pickle. Despite the nearly constant queue out the door, the service is remarkably fast & the old-school atmosphere adds so much character to the meal. It is a legendary landmark for a reason, & easily some of the best comfort food I have ever tasted!
Feb 25, 2026
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Endroit incontournable de Montréal , viande fumée de qualité , de passage ,résidents ou quelque soit la raison , il faut essayé , restaurant appartenant à Céline Dion .
Ordered the combo. Both the smoked meat & the chicken were super dry, especially the smoked meat, almost crunchy. There was no flavor. I am disappointed! You will get your money's worth at Diablo,s BBQ nearby. Service was good.
