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Restaurant Top Pick

Schwartz's Deli

Legendary smoked meat served with a side of Montréal history.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.4$
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.

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4.41370 ratings
5★
69%
4★
16%
3★
6%
2★
6%
1★
2%

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Schwartz's Deli was featured in the article(s) below.

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Reviews for Schwartz's Deli

Food
Service
on Google4.4 (26400+)
*as of 2026-08-15
4.41370 ratings
5★
69%
4★
16%
3★
6%
2★
6%
1★
2%
Write your review

Reviews often mention

smoked meat(309) sandwich(280) poutine(85) deli(77) sandwiche(71) pickle(65) schwartz's(56) recommend(52) fries(48) classic(45) viande(43) busy(38)

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 23 of 81 - 808 Reviews
Tobie
4.0

Yummy, but nothing too crazy, would recommend going to the take out line, cuts crazy amount of time comparing to dine in. Prices are touristy as expected, once in a lifetime kinda thing.

Feb 8, 2026
on Google
Rob
5.0

Superb.. waited about 1/2hr outside on a Saturday at -16c & it was worth it. Took a lb of meat home & made sandwiches for the fam & they loved it. As a solo customer I sat at the'bar' & it was pretty squishy & I felt crowded but I totally understand the need for them to seat as many as possible

Feb 3, 2026
on Google
JD
5.0

The smoked meat sandwich is the best

Feb 3, 2026
on Google
Olivier
5.0

Une institution de Montréal, quand on entre à l'intérieur, on ressent l'histoire qu'à cet endroit. Le combo smoke Meat + coke au cerise est un incontournable pour tout amateur de viande fumée.

Feb 2, 2026
on Google
Antoine
5.0

En quête du meilleur smoked meat à Montréal

Depuis le début janvier, un ami & moi nous sommes lancés dans une quête : trouver le meilleur smoked meat à Montréal. & quoi de mieux que de commencer ce voyage chez le mythique Schwartz!

Après quelques breuvages dans un pub, la faim au ventre, nous avons commandé le classique : chacun son sandwich, avec une frite, une salade de chou & un cornichon à partager. Tout simplement divin. La viande n'était ni trop grasse ni trop sèche - parfaitement équilibrée. La juste dose de moutarde venait compléter le tout à merveille.

& que dire de l'atmosphère ? On a l'impression de replonger dans les années 50-60. Pour un Montréalais d'origine, j'ai clairement découvert cet endroit beaucoup trop tard.

Que vous soyez de passage ou habitant de la métropole, une chose est sûre : il faut y aller, & vite!

Feb 2, 2026
on Google
Sergio
4.0

Un incontournable à Montréal... Il y avait encore une fil à l'extérieur lorsque j'y suis passé. Comme c'est souvent le cas. Le service? & bien il faut être flexible & prêt à vivre l'expérience. Ça fait partie du charme.

Feb 2, 2026
on Google
Oz
5.0

Delicioso, un clasico

Feb 1, 2026
on Google
Marguerite
5.0

Loved the smoked meat sandwich & the regular poutine. Better than the big name in NYC.

Feb 1, 2026
on Google
Stephy
4.0

The bread is very soft, & the layers of beef are well seasoned, tender, & rich with a nice fatty aroma. Personally, I think it tastes even better with a bit more yellow mustard.

The fat distribution could be more even - some parts were a little dry & firm, while others were quite fatty.

Highly recommend having it with pickles, which really balance the richness of the beef.

Jan 26, 2026
on Google
Whitedogg
5.0

Iconic Montréal deli with amazing smoked meat. Simple, classic, & always satisfying.

Jan 26, 2026
on Google
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