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 widely celebrated as a Montreal institution, famous for its world famous smoked meat, a bustling old school deli atmosphere, and generous sandwiches that many say melt in the mouth; despite long lines, service is generally fast and efficient and the line often moves quickly, with takeout next door for those pressed for time. Reviewers praise the tenderness and bold seasoning of the meat, the classic rye bread, and the accompanying pickles, fries, and poutine, while some note variability in meat greasiness or portions and occasionally uneven service; overall, it remains a must visit for meat lovers and a memorable slice of Montreal history, though a few say the price and crowds can be a drawback.
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.
Memory, like smoked meat, requires the proper cure.
At Schwartz's, Montreal's famous Hebrew Deli, both have been marinating since 1928, & I've been sampling the meat & the memory since the 1960s, when my father led me through a blizzard into what appeared to be an entirely male domain wreathed in steam.
I was seven, perhaps eight. The windows were opaque with condensation, as if the deli were keeping secrets from the street. Inside: old men, everywhere. Serving, eating, talking in that particular Montreal patois where French & Yiddish & English form an uneasy trinity.
The original owner moved among them like a presiding deity who happened to know both my grandmothers. That first sandwich - strange, tangy, accompanied by what I remember as'yummy friends' (fries, presumably, though the phrase suggests a child's more profound insight about the fellowship of food) & coleslaw & pickles & a black cherry soda that tasted of artificial everything & absolute happiness.
Then the changing of the guard. New management. The windows no longer steamed. Across the street, the Main, where my uncle Jerry had landed after abandoning high school for the immediate rewards of the service industry. A pragmatic choice that probably made more sense than it should have. His offer of a free Main smoked meat couldn't lure me away from Schwartz's - the place I was smitten with.
Schwartz's endured through its transformations. By my university years, there was Frank Silva, dark-haired & mustachioed, barely older than we were, serving us at 1 a.m. with the air of someone dispensing not just smoked meat but narrative. His daughter now waits tables, another layer of sediment in the archaeological dig that is this place.
The restaurant sold again. Bought by the Nakis & Angelil-Dion families, though everyone says it's owned by Celine.
The lines grew longer, a mixed blessing, like fame. A takeout shop materialized next door, because even tradition must eventually bow to efficiency.
& now, in 2025, the final indignity: Schwartz's has been listed in the Michelin Guide. The countercultural haven where we huddled at 1 a.m., where steam obscured the windows & old men held court, has succumbed to its own fame & glory. Legitimized. Validated. Reduced to a destination for culinary tourists with their tire-company-approved itineraries. One can almost hear the ghost of the original owner sighing into his pickle barrel.
I've brought my children. They love it as my grandmothers did, as my mother did, as my father especially did & many friends we brought there. Four generations united by cured brisket & the persistence of a single address - though now we must queue alongside people consulting their phones for the Michelin star count.
What Schwartz's teaches: that some things - not many, but some - deserve to survive. That a good sandwich is a form of time travel. That inheritance isn't always genetic; sometimes it's culinary. & that recognition, like preservation, always comes at a cost.
Go. Take your children. Let the smoke & spice seep into them as it has into the walls, into the city, into all of us who return again & again to this shrine of meat & memory. Just don't tell them it's in the Michelin Guide.
Nov 20, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
Une véritable légende à Montréal ! Schwartz's Deli est un arrêt obligatoire. Le smoked meat est d'une tendreté & d'un goût inégalables.
?Petit conseil d'initié : plutôt que le sandwich, je vous recommande vivement l'assiette de smoked meat pour vraiment savourer la générosité & la qualité de la viande sans être limité par le pain.
?Un must absolu si vous visitez la ville ! 😋👍👏👏👏
A true legend in Montreal! Schwartz's Deli is a mandatory stop. Smoked meat is of unrivalled tenderness & taste.
Insider tip: Instead of sandwiching, I highly recommend smoked meat platter to really savor the bounty & quality of the meat without being limited by the bread.👍👏👏👏
Historic culinary Institution Double Wow.
Major busy. People waiting outdoors salivating for the one of the best smoked meat in the world. Lean, medium & fatty meat. Let your eyes go wild. It was 25 years since I last step in to Schwartz.
& take is always an option. Which I took back with me & their light rye. Cannot go wrong. Worth the wait.
Aug 5, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Can't believe I'm giving 5 stars! But that's what they deserve. Last time I was at Schwartz was 20 some years ago when the place was smelly, greasy & not very clean. Boy, it has changed! Clean tables, waiters wore clean aprons, all too needed AC all around. Service & atmosphere was great, the Schwartz way. Food was, as expected, delicious. I had, um... oh, yeah - Smoked meat sandwich 👍 That hasn't changed. Loved it 😋
Food is okay. Meat was not as tender as everyone was saying. Flavour of the meat yes it was delicious, just the right amount of spices. Portion was a good amount. Try the pickels, they good. Server was busy & got our order wrong. First impression wasn't that good. Had a smoked meat sandwich somewhere else(SMP) the next day & the meat was perfectly tender there. Small dining area at Schwartzs im sure its crazy busy. Restrooms are tiny & dirty.
I've been looking forward to visiting Schwartz for sometime now. Unfortunately, my husband sandwich was better than mine. Sadly, mine was dry. Flavour was good, but yeah, it was a little dry. This is gonna sound blasphemous, but Costco Schwartz was better / juicier than the restaurant's . I might have to visit it again To see if it'll be better, but ngl.. I was a little bit disappointed. Still, it was an experience. People lining up, sitting next to people you don't know, & eating the famous smoked meat sandwich.
Schwartz's Deli is a true Montreal institution & an essential stop for anyone visiting the city. Nestled in the heart of the Plateau, the deli is surrounded by eclectic shops & fashionable boutiques, making it a vibrant part of the neighborhood. Its laid-back, communal vibe has long been a favorite for both locals & visitors, no matter the season, offering a one-of-a-kind experience every time.
The smoked meat sandwich, paired with a pickle & a black cherry soda, is an absolute must-try-it's easily one of the best in town. During our visit, we were lucky to have an excellent server, she was extremely attentive & friendly. Though the place was bustling, there's a welcoming atmosphere where you can easily share a table & strike up conversations with fellow diners.
I recently ordered the famous smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz's Deli through UberEats, & I can now understand why there's always a massive line in front of their store! As new residents of the neighborhood, we've passed by countless times & were always curious, but after finally trying it, I can say it was absolutely worth the wait! The smoked meat was tender, flavorful, & perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of spice. The bread was fresh & held everything together beautifully. Every bite was a delicious experience. It's definitely become a new favorite, & I'll be ordering again soon! Highly recommend it to anyone nearby or visiting. You won't be disappointed!
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!
Schwartz's in Montreal is the ultimate destination for smoked meat lovers. Their legendary sandwich is a must-try, packed with juicy, flavorful meat & a touch of mustard. Fast service, nostalgic vibes, & unforgettable food make this spot a classic. Full Review: Schwartz's delivers a dining experience that's as rich in history as it is in flavor. The cramped seating, where you might share a table with strangers, adds to the charm of this old-school deli. The walls are lined with photos of famous patrons & newspaper clippings, giving the place a lively & nostalgic atmosphere. The menu keeps it simple, focusing on their iconic Montreal smoked meat. The sandwich is a masterpiece-piled high with tender, flavorful meat & just the right amount of mustard. It pairs perfectly with a pickle, & if you're dining with a companion, sharing an order of fries & coleslaw is more than satisfying. Service is impressively quick, even during peak hours, & the staff are casual & friendly, making you feel right at home. The deli embodies a time when decor took a backseat to exceptional food, & Schwartz's proves that great taste never goes out of style. If you've never been, make Schwartz's your next foodie destination. It's an experience you won't forget.
I came here because a friend recommended Schwartz's Deli & their famous smoked meat sandwich. I was lucky to get a seat at the „bar" with a good view on the meat. The guy behind the counter was really friendly, taking the time to introduce all the options they have, & what the famous specialities are. I went for the smoked meat sandwich, with a portion of fries. My meal came really quickly, & I must say: it was sensational! The sandwich was so packed with meat, that it was impossible to eat it with my hands. I went for fork & knife. The delicious meat with mustard & some bread was the perfect combination. Not dry, not super moist, but exactly at the right point. The fries were crispy, & really the cherry on the top. I took a Canada Dry out of the glas bottle with it - perfect really. A glas-bottled Canada Dry. As simple as that. Prices are relatively high if you order all that, but it's worth every penny in my opinion. Outstanding experience, great vibe, sensational food!
