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.
Online reservations are not currently offered through this listing for Schwartz's Deli. However, you can call them directly at (514) 842-4813 to inquire about table availability.
Schwartz's Deli is widely celebrated as an iconic Montreal landmark, renowned for its legendary smoked meat sandwiches that feature tender, flavourful brisket and a classic atmosphere. While the restaurant is consistently busy and often requires waiting in line, most visitors find the experience, efficient service, and high-quality food well worth the effort. The unique, historic charm and the community-style seating add to the overall appeal, making it a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the city. Whether dining in or grabbing a quick meal from the takeout counter, the overwhelming consensus is that this establishment remains a top-tier culinary institution that delivers an authentic and memorable taste of Montreal.
A classic smoked meat diner that holds so much history.
Prepare for line ups if you are dining in. If you are taking out there is a much shorter line to the building on the left. The sandwiches itself is not that big, recommend at least one per person for a meal.
We stopped by on a Tuesday evening around 7:00 PM & were pleasantly surprised that the line wasn't too long-we only waited about 15 minutes to get seated.
?It was our first time sharing a table with other guests! We sat at a 6-person table with a newly arrived university student & his mother, & we had a wonderful chat with them. The vibe inside is super lively, cozy, & full of historic charm.
?We ordered the classic smoked meat sandwich, the smoked meat poutine, a pickle, & the pickled red peppers (which I initially mistook for pickled tomatoes! 🍅). The peppers had just the right amount of kick for me.
?The portion was plenty for the two of us, & the total came out to around $60. A must-visit spot when you're in Montreal-definitely worth checking out!
I came here 9 years & returned today. The line wasn't too long thankfully for a Thursday. We waited maybe 20ish minutes as a group of 3? We all got the number 4 with pickles & coleslaw. My mother who is a picky eater loves the pickles here. This place is a classic MUST for when visiting Montreal. The staff are so lovely considering how busy it is, too.
Omg so good. We'll be back. Met a couple that comes here from LA every summer for their sandwiches. Thenwaitersnare great & the atmosphere is classic. What a deli sandwich. Save room for poutine!
Well this is a historic place for the smoked meat in whole Canada & I tried the smoked meat sandwich. It was genuinely very juicy & tasty. The quantity was huge in the $17 overall bill. It can satisfy one person appetite for sure. It is a must try for lasting memories if you come to Montreal. I had also ordered their French fries 🍟 but those were not very classic & had gone through over deep frying I felt. To be noted part is that there is no parking available on that busy place, but we all know whole Montreal has limited parking spaces.
If you want Montreal smoked meat, this is the place to get it. In addition to the classic sandwich, you can also forgo the silly bread & just opt for a plate of smoked meat. Yes, smoked meat poutine is also a thing here. This place does get pretty busy, so if there's a long line, consider grabbing something to go from their take-out location (literally right next door to the main restaurant).
If you're visiting Montreal, this place is a must!
I tried the famous smoked beef sandwich with a pickle on the side. It's such a traditional experience, & I can definitely see why people line up for it. There was a long queue, but it was absolutely worth the wait.
The dine-in area was very busy, & everyone was seated quite close together, which added to the classic, old-school atmosphere.
What impressed me the most was the staff. They were incredibly polite, attentive, & organized. Even with such a packed restaurant, they paid attention to everyone & made sure everything was running smoothly.
As for the food-it was amazing. I genuinely loved the flavor, & I'm not even joking when I say I could have eaten five sandwiches! We each ordered one, & by the time we finished, we wished we had ordered another.
I also really liked that they separated the takeout & dine-in lines. It made everything much more organized & efficient.
Whenever I'm back in Montreal, I definitely won't miss this place.
The last time I visited this place was in 2016, & I'm happy to say the atmosphere hasn't changed. It still has the same warm, nostalgic charm that makes it a memorable spot.
Unfortunately, I felt the food wasn't quite as good as I remembered. The portions seemed smaller, & some of the meat was a little dry. Despite that, it's still a classic place with a unique atmosphere, & I'd recommend it to anyone visiting Montreal for the experience.