Restaurant Wilensky's has been a Montréal tradition since 1932, known for its grilled-meat sandwiches. The food selections are limited to a few sandwiches at very low price: Salami sandwiches, hot-dog sandwiches... This place serves drinks typical of the old-time soda fountain. Talk about tradition
Wilensky's is widely described as a Montreal institution where simple comfort food and a retro soda fountain create a timeless neighborhood vibe; the star is the Wilensky special, a grilled bologna and salami sandwich with mustard and cheese on a Kaiser roll, often paired with house cherry cola and pickles, all offered at affordable prices with fast, friendly service; reviewers emphasize the place's history, the wall of old photos, and the sense of community that makes it feel like a small town deli in the heart of the city, drawing both locals and visitors who return for the experience as much as the food.
Weird place & service. I got there nobody in the restaurant ate their popular food & I founded really odd or should I say it is just a regular sandwich. I can make a better sandwich at home. The whole family from like 2-3 generations is standing in front of you watching you (5 people)eating made feel uncomfortable. Being looked at while you're eating from a bunch of people like they are about to gossip about you, dressed like they're going to practice some skating board. The staff should dressed appropriately. Like many other over rated restaurants, don't know how they got so many likes?
Food was delicious, & the atmosphere was incredible because you really feel in old times, but the lady was rude & it look she just want us to leave. We spoke french & English so It wasn't about language & the place wasn't busy at all. So she should be more friendly as her daughter that she was laughing with some clients.
This sandwich shop has been here since 1932, truly an iconic Montreal food spot. I got the Wilensky Special which is an all-beef salami & bologna sandwich with Swiss cheese. It was simple & delicious. I love how they still do the coco cola from scratch which is a craft that's hardly seen anymore except in old diners.
It's a meaty sandwich & it's cheap. It tastes delicious in a nostalgic way. They have been serving the same style sandwich for almost 100 years so just try it.
Authentic 1930s diner.
Don't expect gourmet food, it isn't that sort of place.
Order the Special, I had it with cheddar cheese & loved it.
All the staff very friendly.
Apr 14, 2026
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Loved Wilensky's - everything about it! The sandwich & pickles were excellent & the staff & atmoshere were too. We enjoyed walking there from downtown & we look forward to going back the next time we are in Montreal.
J ai commencer a aller chez wilensky en 1963 a ce moment la le spécial ne coutais 0.35 ou 0.40 cents .chaque fois que je passe a montr.al je me rend chez wilensky prendre 2 spécial & un cherry cola un délice . merci a toute la famille wilensky. je suit rendu a 82 ans & je ne peux plus sortir comme je voudrais MERCI..
Mar 21, 2026
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Great place. Seems like nothing has changed in there since the 50s. Their sandwich is pretty great for how simple it is. Their sodas are pretty great, too. They also sell t-shirts.
There is nothing much need to say about Wilensky, it isn't a place for gourmet food nor Michelin stars, but it is a star on it's own. The taste of tradition.
Simplicity pulled off with precision & excellence is how places become institutions. Wilensky's is absolutely an institution & you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't go for lunch when you visit the city.
If you live here & you haven't been yet, what are you doing??
The best breakfast sandwich ever in Montreal' the special with Swiss or Cheddar cheese' with a sour pickle & the homemade cherry cola. An experience like nothing else ✨?.
