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Sandwich Shop Top Pick

Wilensky

The legendary Wilensky Special remains the ultimate Montréal culinary rite of passage.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.7$
OPEN10 am - 4 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
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Photo of Wilensky, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal - Montreal
SandwichesGrilled Cheese
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About

Wilensky serves the iconic Special, a grilled bologna sandwich featuring beef salami pressed on a griddle until perfectly crisp. This culinary institution relies on a precise, time-tested preparation method where the meat receives a distinct sear before meeting mustard on a soft roll. Every sandwich emerges from the hot metal surface with a specific, caramelized texture that defines its signature profile. The menu remains focused, emphasizing consistency through a limited selection of handheld items that showcase the savory nature of processed meats. Patrons witness the preparation process firsthand as each item arrives promptly from the classic flattop grill. The utilitarian atmosphere mirrors the simplicity of the food, prioritizing speed and essential flavor over complex preparations or decorative plating. This destination maintains its established culinary identity by refusing to alter the core composition of its primary offerings.

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4.7461 ratings
5★
84%
4★
9%
3★
3%
2★
3%
1★
1%

Mentioned in:View More

Wilensky was featured in the article(s) below.

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Reviews for Wilensky

Food
Service
on Google4.7 (1400+)
*as of 2026-08-01
4.7461 ratings
5★
84%
4★
9%
3★
3%
2★
3%
1★
1%
Write your review

Reviews often mention

Display Allsandwich(103) soda(50) lunch(31) sandwiches(31) cherry(30) pickle(29) hot dog(26) cola(22) cheese(20) institution(19) wilensks(19) mustard(19)

Review Summary

Wilensky's Light Lunch is widely celebrated as a historic Montreal institution that offers a unique, nostalgic experience for locals and tourists alike. Most visitors praise the simple yet delicious signature grilled bologna and salami sandwich, often paired with their famous house-made sodas and pickles. While the atmosphere is frequently described as a charming step back in time, experiences with customer service can vary; some diners appreciate the friendly, community-focused environment, while others encounter a more rigid or reserved attitude from staff. Despite these occasional inconsistencies in service, the establishment remains a beloved, budget-friendly destination that provides an authentic, traditional dining experience that has been cherished for generations.
Page 1 of 5 - 48 Reviews
David
5.0

I love these old style no-nonsense places. The Wilensky Special was a great snack. The birds outside also love it.

Jul 29, 2026
on Google
Makenna
5.0

The sandwiches are delicious, but the customer service is top-tier. Everyone in there is super personable & asking questions! I would definitely recommend this spot! We got the Wilensky special & the old fashioned cherry cola, it was so good!

May 26, 2026
on Google
Denis
4.0

Une chose le'Spécial Wilensky' le sandwich! Simple comme ça!

May 20, 2026
on Google
Kevin
4.0

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.

Apr 21, 2026
on Google
Jenn
5.0

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.

Mar 24, 2026
on Google
Bertrand
5.0

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
on Google
David
5.0

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.

Mar 12, 2026
on Google
Mick
5.0

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??

Feb 17, 2026
on Google
Expert
5.0

Wilensky's Light Lunch - Montreal

This place has a special kind of magic. Often, well-known or iconic spots can feel rushed or unfriendly, but that wasn't the case here at all. Sharon was incredibly kind & welcoming-happy to chat, answer questions, & genuinely interact with guests.

The special sandwich is delicious in its simplicity, letting the flavours speak for themselves, & the cherry cola is a perfect match. If I return to Montreal, I'll definitely come back. This is truly a must-visit in the city.

Muy Rico 🤤

Dec 25, 2025
on Google
Catherine
5.0

Wilensky's has a new team member who is fully bilingual & a comedian to boot. Didn't think the experience could get any better. A gem!

Oct 11, 2025
on Google
View 461 ratings
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