
A Montreal landmark that has welcomed countless celebrities and visitors from all over the world for almost a century, Schwartz’s Deli has been serving the world’s best smoked meat* since 1928. Imagine walking through the door and taking a step back 95 years into Saint Laurence Blvd. history in Montreal…Still in its original location and using its original recipe and old-world standard of excellence, Schwartz’s was founded in 1928 by Reuben Schwartzs, a Jewish immigrant from Romania. Today, the deli is an integral part of the Plateau framework and surrounded by funky storefronts and trendy boutiques. Our smoked meat contains no preservatives. Come and enjoy for yourselves. You never know who you might see…
Renowned deli, one of the oldest in Canada, offering huge sandwiches, smoked meats & more.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 3895 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1K4, Canada
Phone: +1 514-842-4813
Website: https://www.schwartzsdeli.com/
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Schwartz’s Deli – World Famous Montreal Smoked Meat Restaurant
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Reviews
If it’s your first visit, don’t expect a traditional sit-down restaurant experience. There’s no table service and the ambiance is just a step above fast food. You order your sandwich, fries, or other proteins at the counter, grab coleslaw, pickles, and drinks from the refrigerators behind you, and then pay at a register that’s somewhat awkwardly positioned near the door—opposite the dining area. The seating is simple: essentially a counter and a few plastic tables.
What it lacks in hospitality and décor, it more than makes up for in flavor.
I ordered a classic pastrami sandwich with coleslaw and a pickle. After paying, my sandwich was handed to me in a brown paper bag. The portion was refreshingly human-sized—not one of those absurdly oversized American stacks. The meat was excellent: tender, well-seasoned, with beautifully spiced exterior bits and a thoughtful mix of lean and fatty cuts.
The coleslaw was bright and pleasantly vinegary—I nearly finished the entire container. The pickle came wrapped in cellophane (a bit off-putting at first), but once unwrapped it delivered exactly what you want: a satisfying crunch and a well-balanced brine.
This isn’t a place to linger. I was in and out in under 30 minutes, which feels about right for the setting.
All in all, I’m very glad I went. Next time I’m in Montreal, I might skip the no-frills dining room experience and just have it delivered to my hotel—but I won’t skip the pastrami
The space is a bit cramped, but that’s actually part of the character of this place, and 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 and 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.
11/10 would recommend.
As a chef who deeply values food quality and digestive health, I was genuinely impressed when fermented pickles and sauerkraut were served as side dishes. This thoughtful choice showed a real understanding of how food can support the body—paying attention not just to flavor, but also to beneficial bacteria and digestion.
The food itself was outstanding. Each dish felt better than the last—from their signature sandwich to the steak, and even the beef liver, all cooked with care and confidence.
In short, the people behind this restaurant truly understand the art and science of cooking. They don’t simply serve food; they create balanced meals, thoughtfully pairing sides and main courses in a way that even helps your stomach feel good after the meal.
The sandwich was piled high with smoked meat, generously portioned and incredibly tempting the moment it arrived. The meat was juicy, tender, and full of flavor. I especially loved pairing it with the pickled sweet peppers, which added a nice sweet-and-tangy contrast that made the sandwich even better.
We also ordered a poutine, and it turned out to be the perfect addition—crispy fries, rich gravy, and cheese curds made the whole meal feel extra satisfying.
Overall, it was a hearty and unforgettable meal, and a great introduction to Montreal’s food scene. If you’re visiting Montreal, Schwartz’s is absolutely worth the stop.
The staffs are pleasant and they serve fast. Overall, good to try for tourist as it has its history.
When going there, make sure to have the smoked meat sandwich. A great tip is to order extra rye bread. The meat is enough to make a second sandwich. Try the different types of mustard – definitely adds to the experience. The pickles are awesome – and since they’ve added fries and poutine, you are now getting the full package.
Service is quick, and the staff are professional and very eager to assist.
It’s a right of passage to come here. Spend some time looking at all of the famous people’s photos on the wall. Be prepared to be sitting at a table with a bunch of other people. Take home some spices for later. You may see someone famous while you are there. And be prepared to wait a bit for the service, especially if you come right at prime hours.
First of all, the place itself is not in good shape. It looks old and not very clean, which immediately affected my impression. Based on the worker’s recommendation, I ordered the smoked meat sandwich (number 1 on the menu) for $16.25. When I received it, I was shocked by how small it was. For that price, I expected something much bigger and more filling.
Since the sandwich didn’t look like it would fill me up, I also ordered a meat poutine for $15.95 and a regular can of Coke for $3.50. My total came to $41.05, which I find extremely overpriced for what I received.
The meat itself was very fatty and tasteless. On top of that, the pickles are not included with the sandwich and must be purchased separately, which I found very strange—pickles should be standard with a smoked meat sandwich. I forced myself to finish the sandwich, but I couldn’t eat the poutine at all because it was overly greasy and heavy.
Overall, I truly don’t understand the hype around this place. In my opinion, it is very overrated, overpriced, and not worth the experience. I’m not sure how it has received so many positive reviews.