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.
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.
C'est un incontournable de Montréal depuis 93 ans & cela n'est pas prêt de changer...
C'est tellement couru qu'il y a des gens qui attendent pour y manger à toute heure...
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 😋
Great place for a sandwich…. These are soo big you'll be lucky to finish. tried the pastrami & the Turkey…. Pastrami was by far the better choice..
great service … friendly & helpful considering the pressure they were under with the diner absolutely packed!
This place screams nostalgia. The Montreal smoked meat was fantastic. We got the large plate & it had a great variety of lean & fatty.
My only critique is that the $3 sharing fee should not apply to the large plate as it's too much food for 1 person.
I was going to just grab a sandwich to go instead of dining in in the OG diner, but I'm so glad that I waited! I made a new friend at the counter & had a wonderful conversation with them. The service was also amazing & I loved the staff's banter!
The smoked meat sandwich is obviously amazing - considering the big pile of smoked meat sandwiched between the rye, the saltiness of the smoked meat was beautifully adjusted & wasn't overpowering the umami of the meat itself. Would come again in August if I had the time!!
Honestly, the place is pretty overrated. $15 for a smoked meat sandwich is kind of overpriced since the quality doesn't really seem exceptional. The service is just okay, nobody smiles or says hi. Overall just an okay place
