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Restaurant Top Pick

Schwartz's Deli

Legendary smoked meat served with a side of Montréal history.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.5$
OPEN10 am - 11 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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.

Details

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 2026-08-01
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 7 of 8 - 79 Reviews

Delicious smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz's @schwartzsdeliofficial #smokedmeat #schwartzsdeli #poutine

Jul 5, 2024
on Google

Best poutine in town.

Jun 27, 2024
on Google

A must visit to try the popular Montreal smoked meat but it is not as great as it used to be. Would definitely get the poutine.

Jun 19, 2024
on Google

A local told me Montreal has the best bagels & smoked meats in the world - now as a snobbish New Yorker, I raised an eyebrow. I have to try this classic deli serving smoked meats in order to corroborate. Even in the ungodly heat of this Monday afternoon the line was long - pro tip: go through the takeout counter & save you some time, they have some seating in the back. I tried the poutine Schwartz style - a classic poutine with a heaping serving of smoked meat. The meat was tender, smoky & not salty at all, but still flavorful. You can get your smoked meat fix here for sure, if you're a NYer craving a pastrami sandwich. It won't disappoint. Now, is it better than the delis back home? I plead the 5th.

Jun 3, 2024
on Google

Classic place in Montreal ! U have to go here if visiting. Sometimes there's a wait but usually doesn't take long. It's an old style diner vibe & very fast paced super fun ! Food is amazing!! Try the smoked meat poutine or smoked meat sandwich with a pickle & an old coke.

May 28, 2024
on Google
5.0

Great smoked meat sandwich & smoked meat poutine!

May 27, 2024
on Google

Used to be the best place for food in the city IMO. Returned after a few years ready to devour a meal I was looking forward to for a while only to find that they've dramatically reduced their portions (the poutine specifically). The first photo is the before, the second one is the after. They've kept the same price but are now giving much smaller portions & thinner slices of meat. The meat is still great, but now I'd argue it's just far too expensive unless you just have money to blow.

May 19, 2024
on Google

La poutine est immonde je suis super déçue cependant la charcuterie est assez bonne. Passez votre chemin pour la poutine pas bon du tout

May 12, 2024
on Google
5.0

If you are in Montreal, this is one of the places you NEED to visit! The atmosphere is unique & it feels almost like you are travelling back in time. The smoked meat is so juicy & tender & full of flavour. It literally melts in your mouth. Service is really great & pretty quick, the prices are absolutely OK. Really absolutely nothing to complain about here. The whole experience is just awesome. Especially as a European, this is nothing you will find back home, so take the opportunity & visit this place, while you're here! Next time I have to try their Poutine, because it looked absolutely mouthwatering. P.S. In case you are wondering, card payments are accepted, even if this place looks vintage ;)

May 12, 2024
on Google

Good smoked meat sandwich..generous portions.loved the poutine more than the sandwich

May 5, 2024
on Google