Reviews describe Snowdon Deli as a warm, old school Montreal institution with a classic deli vibe and friendly, attentive staff; the smoked meat is repeatedly praised for being tender, juicy, and flavorful, with many calling it among the best in the city, and the accompanying sides like fries, matzo ball soup, pickles, and knishes also earning praise. The atmosphere is welcoming and neighborhood oriented, sometimes nostalgic, sometimes bustling, with brunch and takeout noted; portions vary and prices are often described as reasonable for quality but can be on the higher side, and service can slow when very busy. Overall, visitors leave satisfied and eager to return for the signature smoked meat sandwich and other deli staples, making Snowdon Deli a top go-to for local comfort food and a Montreal deli experience.
update: I just had it again today & it really tastes just like everybody else's smoked meat, also, I ordered grilled karnatsils & they were taking a long time to come so ask the waitress. she went to check & brought them to me burnt like charcoal. I couldn't believe it.
I enjoy almost all the food there I love the smoked meat I love their breakfasts, last time I picked up an order they forgot the grilled Karnatsles (don't know how to spell it) which I paid for.
Really tasty smoked meat. Got 1/2 for $14 & a jar of mustard for $4. Meat was tasty but got medium fatty & Some parts were like chunks/globs of fat, so that downgraded them slightly.
Staff was super nice though.
Amazing juicy smoked meat & fries & so much more, old school ambiance & iconic location. The mini danish, party sandwiches & knishes are a must for take out. We have been coming here for years. Was my father's go to for special father/daughter lunches. Now I bring my boys here.
Snowden is a classic Montreal deli. When people ask about Schwartz's, I tell them to come here. Hart & the team really try to offer the best service possible. We have used them for large catering several times & they always are highly reliable.
If you have a car skip Schwartz's & come to Snowdon instead. No long tourist lines, & you don't feel rushed. This has all the benefits of one of Montreal's best smoked meat sandwich experience without the lines. The staff are all very friendly & many locals come here.
Not for everyone but they have amazing chopped liver here! I always get a pound of it to go whenever I'm in Montreal.
Mar 31, 2026
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Born & raised in Montreal & I have driven by Snowdon Deli probably 1000 times yet never tried this historic restaurant. Let me tell you families!!! RUN TO THIS PLACE!!! What a warm welcome I received from the ENTIRE staff as I walked in. Greeted which smiles & hellos from left, right & far in back. A BIG shout out to Heart; your energy & hospitality is rare to find these days! That smoke meat sandwich was melt in your mouth tender & delicious! I find a lot of smoke meat restaurants in Mtl have lost the soul that made Montreal one of the smoke meat capitals of the world but Snowdon deli has EVERYTHING on point!
From the hostess, to the waitresses, to the folks behind the counter & the brotha slicing & dicing that iconic smoked meat sandwich in back!!! THANK YOU ALL !!!
I definitely have found y go to place when I am craving a smoked meat sandwich!!! See you on the 10th Heart!!
Iconic Deli that has been around for decades! I had it when I was a little kid (that's like …. A long time ago!😉) & decided to go back in time to try their famous smoked meat & corn beef! I ordered a smoked meat sandwich (medium fat) & a corn beef platter ( corn beef, fries & pickles) at the take out counter. The staff was friendly & service was quick. They even gave me a few complimentary pastries.
The sandwich was really moist & melt in your mouth. A very good old fashioned smoked meat sandwich. Not as smoky flavour as other establishments but very delicious. The corn beef was just as I remembered. Boiled instead of smoked & the texture is a little more firm.
Deli seats about 50, service is friendly & knowledgeable. Good variety on the menu. 6am-6pm, Parking may be a challenge as only metered parking.
Reasonably priced. Worth the visit!
Mar 18, 2026
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Not the biggest fan of this place. A deli that closes at 6pm... I don't know, it's weird. The food is ok. Some will say it is the best smoked meat, but I disagree.
If you are looking for an authentic smoked meat experience this is the place to go. There may be more famous places, but Snowdon Deli is not to be missed!
Feb 7, 2026
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ubereated a smoked meat sandwich (medium) & a few other things that made the fries free. The sandwich was smaller & more expensive than lester's say, & I did not see any fat. The free fries were not included & uber will not reimburse a free item. So, they advertise free fries after $50, but whether they include them or not, there are no consequences (except my disappointment)
It is with a heavy heart to have to update my recent experiences at Snowdon Deli.
During the first recent lunch visit, I ordered a clubroll with fries & a soft drink. The clubroll was exceedingly dry & the fries were not edible. Prior to this visit I would have described the fries as the very best in all of Montreal.
Convinced by friends to return, I ordered a smoked meat sandwich with fries & a cherry coke. The meat in the sandwich was as dry as saw dust, the bread fell apart. The fries were not edible tasting like frozen fries & not like the hand cut fries that used to be unbelievably delicious. When leaving, I asked one of the owners what was going on with the fries. He insisted that nothing had changed. That statement was nowhere near the truth. I then googled seeking other comments & found a significant number of diners who agreed with me on the fries. Whatever is going on, I for one will not return any time soon for a third visit.
2026 January 3★
An old school deli serving smoked brisket & other deli & non deli options.
SMOKE MEAT sandwich $15.95
The smoked meat was ok. Typical rye bread with mustard.
HOT BRISKET sandwich $15.95
The brisket with the gravy itself isn't bad. Soft. Very tender & easy to eat.
DAILY SOUP (pea soup) $7.00
Noodles in. Was ok.
Overall. Portions are a bit smaller & considering the price. Understand that beef prices have gone up, but seems a bit expensive for the portions given no other sides are included.
Paid Street parking at $3/hr.
Edit.: the girls that serve you are amazing, shout out to Kirsty!!! Came here with my kids to honour my dad, as this was one of our go-to places as a kid. Smoked meat platters & the Club sandwich was delish. The takeout menu is stuff of Jewish childhood dreams, latkes, knishes, party sandwiches & danishes...do yourself a favour & go. You'll love the old school deli vibe, all the wonderful food & make new memories with your kids.
