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.
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.
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.
Schwartz's Deli is part of Montréal's story, & no restaurant achieves that status without having something really special to offer. I've been to several smoked meat joints & Schwartz hands down has the most tender meat cuts. The bread, the mustard & crunchy pickles join the party to enhance the sandwich, but it's the meat that definitely steals the show. If you're in Montréal, you must drop by Schwartz at least once & you'll know what I'm talking about.
Jun 13, 2026
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Super fast take out line. We took our sandwiches to Mont Royal park to eat. Got a smoked meat sandwich, a pickle & sprite. They were DELICIOUS. Must eat here if you're visiting Montreal.
You can't visit Montreal & not go to Schwartz's Deli. Waiting in line to get inside is well worth the wait. In line outside, we were approached by what I can assume was the owner - doing a headcount & gladhandling the patrons. Once inside we sat down & ordered the smoked meat sandwich, with side coleslaw & pickle. The coleslaw was excellent & the pickles are half the reason people visit. The poutine is a must. A staple of the community, go hungry, leave full.
Hands down the best Montreal smoked meat sandwich I've ever had. The meat was super tender & the spices added character & flavour. Also had a side of coleslaw & a pickle both of which were excellent. Worth lining up for (the line moves quick & you share tables with others creating a community feel). The staff were friendly & attentive & gave great recommendations.
Visited Mar 6'26 for lunch after our sight seeing from Basilica Montreal. Ordered Sand Viande Fumee, Schwartz's poutine & the pickles (cornichon). Love all of them!!!! Even I packed one more Viande Fumee for our flight to Rome. Be sure to arrive before lunch or you find yourself waiting for table.
I mean do I really have to put a review? Literally the best ever. Everyone knows it. Absolutely no competition. If you go to Montreal & you don't eat here that's really sad. Get the pickle.
Go elsewhere for a classic Montreal smoked meat sandwich. No need to visit this place, a tourist trap all through & through. First of all the meat was dry, very fatty & tasteless. The pickle which was really soggy doesn't even come included with the sandwich (crucial mistake, smoked meat sandwiches need a pickle). The service was quite bland, employees on their phone & unwelcoming. The price for two small sandwiches & a small fry came out to 45$ which is insane for how small the sandwich was. Id recommend 5 other places in MTL for smoked meat before Shwartz.
Returning to Schwartz's after 15 years was a highlight of our trip. It is rare for an institution to not only maintain its reputation but actually exceed it-the flavour was even better than I remembered.
We visited with our two young children, & while the deli is famously compact, the staff were incredibly attentive & accommodating. They even found a place to store our stroller for us, which made a world of difference in such a bustling environment.
The smoked meat sandwich remains flawless, but the steak & poutine are equally impressive. From the quality of the meat to the perfect crunch of the pickles & coleslaw, the combination was excellent. This was my husband's first visit, & it immediately became his favorite meal of our entire journey from Mont-Tremblant.
A must-visit for anyone in Montreal, even if you're traveling with a family in tow.
