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 described as a Montreal icon with a legendary smoked meat sandwich that is tender, generously stacked on rye and often paired with pickles and a cherry soda. The atmosphere is old school, bustling, and communal, with long lines that move quickly and shared tables that add to the nostalgic vibe. The sandwich is repeatedly praised as top tier or the best many have tasted, with meat that is flavorful and juicy and options to choose lean, medium, or fatty cuts, though a few reviews note occasional dryness or uneven fat distribution. Poutine and fries are common accompaniments, sometimes great but occasionally criticized for being soggy or underseasoned; service is described as fast and friendly or brisk and crowded, depending on peak times. The experience is widely called a must visit for meat lovers and a defining Montreal experience, with many commendations of the history and atmosphere that make lines feel worth it. Some comments surface about price and crowding, but the overall sentiment remains strongly positive, framing Schwartz's Deli as a legendary staple that delivers a memorable smoked meat experience worth waiting for.
Well worth the wait,this place didn't disappoint this first timer with helpful staff who were busy too the time to walk me through a sandwich of my liking!
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.
C'est TELLEMENT surcoté, avec tout le respect
Ok la viande est super & le prix s'explique au succès du magasin mais 16 balles la viande avec tranche de pains... Schwartz n'est pas l'ami du peuple
Feb 9, 2026
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.
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.
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
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
🍽️
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.
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!
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.
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.
Pas étonnantr que ce soit encore ouvert, le meilleur smoke meat de Montreal. Le personnel est fier de leur produit & nous encore plus. Incontournable si vous n'êtes pas vegan...
