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 described as a Montreal icon with a legendary smoked meat sandwich that is tender, generously stacked on rye and often paired with pickles and a cherry soda. The atmosphere is old school, bustling, and communal, with long lines that move quickly and shared tables that add to the nostalgic vibe. The sandwich is repeatedly praised as top tier or the best many have tasted, with meat that is flavorful and juicy and options to choose lean, medium, or fatty cuts, though a few reviews note occasional dryness or uneven fat distribution. Poutine and fries are common accompaniments, sometimes great but occasionally criticized for being soggy or underseasoned; service is described as fast and friendly or brisk and crowded, depending on peak times. The experience is widely called a must visit for meat lovers and a defining Montreal experience, with many commendations of the history and atmosphere that make lines feel worth it. Some comments surface about price and crowding, but the overall sentiment remains strongly positive, framing Schwartz's Deli as a legendary staple that delivers a memorable smoked meat experience worth waiting for.
The line up out front tells the story. Its worth getting in line to grab a classic smoked meat sandwich. The line is organized & moves really quickly as they dont let any seats go unfilled. The sandwiches are juicy & the meat melts in your mouth. Give the pickles a try. Massive & tangy. Definitely a must try if you lije delicious meat!
If you're in Montreal, Schwartz's Deli is an absolute must-visit. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The smoked meat sandwich is simply unbelievable-perfectly seasoned, piled high, & packed with incredible flavor in every bite. You can instantly tell why this place is so famous.
The atmosphere is classic Montreal deli style, busy & full of energy, which just adds to the whole experience. The service was quick & the food came out exactly how you'd hope.
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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Took our guest here to try the famous smoked meat. We went for lunch & waited about 30 minutes in line, which is normal. We were three people & all ordered the classic smoked meat sandwich with a dill pickle on the side.
Surprisingly, we got a private table, rare here since they usually seat you with others. The taste was the same as always: classic, simple, & exactly what you expect from Schwartz's.
Only thing we noticed was the bill seemed higher than previous visits, but nothing to complain about.
⭐ 4.4/5 - Iconic spot, worth trying at least once.
Authentic taste of Montreal smoke meat. Take out is right next door. Place is always busy, but luckily it is on a street with lots of other options. Combo comes with coleslaw & fries plus a stack of bread, eat with the classic smoke meat or take home. Poutine is lovely with good amount of meat portion. Classic smoke meat sandwich a must try.
Nov 30, 2025
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This place came highly recommended & it did not disappoint. A very old-school deli/diner style. I ordered the smoked meat sandwich, the pickle & a cherry cola. This food was well priced & tasty 😋🤤. Love classic style joints like Schwartzes & would recommend.
A classic. An icon. You can't come to Montreal without trying one of the most iconic places. The sandwich is the classic, great size. The plates are for hungrier people. The meat is amazing, tender, flavorful. You can choose from three levels of fat in the meat. The wait in line is totally worth it & if you go in alternative times, maybe you don't have to wait in line.
A classic!! The line goes quickly because the servers are very attentive & food is quick. It's definitely worth the wait, the smoked meat is delicious.
Incredible service. Available in English & French.
Don't be afraid of the crowd - the food is quick & so the table turnover is fast!
Some tables sharable, wouldn't come with a party of larger than 4 or 6 but easier to be seated with fewer. Sometimes you'll share tables (we were 4 & shared with 2 strangers at a table for 6).
Love a classic #4 smoked meat sandwich. You can get different cuts (lean, medium, fatty)
Looking forward to their 100th anniversary in a few years.
A great stop to visit whenever I'm in town. Returning customer for sure
As they say, a must-visit restaurant while in Montreal! If you've been to Katz's in NYC, this feels like a simpler version, but it still delivers high-quality food & a cozy atmosphere. Definitely try the Schwartz Poutine-it's a standout! We had to pay in cash as the card machine was broken, so be prepared for this potential inconvenience. Street parking is manageable, & while lines do form, there's a quick turnover of customers, so the wait isn't too long. Highly recommended for a classic Montreal food experience!
