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Restaurant Top Pick

Schwartz's Deli

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.5$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 10 am
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Photo of Schwartz's Deli, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal - Montreal
DeliSandwichesSmoked Meat
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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.

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Amenities, services & more

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5★
70%
4★
16%
3★
6%
2★
7%
1★
2%

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Reviews for Schwartz's Deli

Food
Service
on Google4.4 (26200+)
*as of 2026-07-15
5★
70%
4★
16%
3★
6%
2★
7%
1★
2%

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 2 of 8 - 77 Reviews

I did not see this one coming ! Visiting this place was not really my top priority I just wanna try because so many people recommend this to try out. I am soooo happy I made the right decision to try. Upto now I am still dreaming about this smoky meat flavor. I got the poutine & it was phenomenal! Truly this is the Montreal's a must try !

Apr 12, 2026
on Google

Pire poutine à vie. Le cuisinier dis que c'est la meilleure poutine & incomparable… petite quantité de fromage . Fromage qui squeeck pas, le fromage fond. Patate brulé . Odeur de pipi à l'intérieur du resto . 13.75$ gaspille

Apr 7, 2026
on Google

This was definitely worth the wait! So good! Gluten free except the bread & the gravy on the poutine.

Apr 7, 2026
on Google

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.

Mar 27, 2026
on Google
5.0

The sandwiches are really great! It's a pretty small store, but the counter was open for us & we were able to dine in. The #4 meat sandwich & #2 poutine were recommended to us - the sandwich was a simple sandwich with a LOT of meat & mustard. Very yummy, the meat was super soft too, but I wish there was a vegetable

Mar 24, 2026
on Google

Food: poutine & a smoked meat sandwich with a pickle on the side. Absolutely delicious! Service: prompt & friendly. Atmosphere: nostalgic, definitely cramped & busy but didn't mind it

Mar 20, 2026
on Google

Busy at mid day Friday shared table concept. Great portion sizes & huge picked. We three had the trad smoked meat sami which was juicy with a hit of spice & nice! Also had the fries plus smoked poutine which our uni student son enjoyed on his inaugural visit.

Mar 13, 2026
on Google
3.0

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!.

Mar 1, 2026
on Google

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!

Feb 25, 2026
on Google

The poutine & smoked meat sandwich were delicious, the price was pretty good for what we got, & the service was quick; only a few minutes to get everything to us, despite it being relatively busy.

The space is a bit cramped, but that's actually part of the character of this place, & I think it would've felt strange if it weren't like that.

The history about it was pretty interesting, too. It was one of the points of interest on our tour & was really neat to hear about how long they've been open, as well as the celebrity connection that kept it open during hard times.

11/10 would recommend.

Feb 9, 2026
on Google