Lester's Deli

Klaudia Sala (18 reviews)

24 Mar 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Love it!

Ben Rodrigues (11 reviews)

17 Mar 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Tried this back to back after visiting Schwartz’s and honestly loved it even more! The meat was smokier and to me had more flavour. The deli itself also had that historic diner feel. Highly recommend if you’re visiting Montreal!

Bernard David (2 reviews)

15 Mar 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Visiting Montreal from Thunder Bay with my wife for the second time. I was looking forward to trying the smoked meats around the city. I hunt and prepare my own meats, so I like to see what locals eat when it comes to meats. I made a point to stop by Lester's because I only managed to hit Schwartz last time and I heard the consensus is split between which is better. As a meat lover, I found the smoked meat here to be slightly better than Schwartz (I even made a trip back to Schwartz to compare because I needed another taste after 2 years). The moisture of the meat is well balanced, flavorful and not overly chewy or stringy. It has that classic smoked flavor that you only get in the high-quality product. Experience with the three staff members was memorable and more personal than Schwartz. It was clearly a close-knit family dynamic with the staff which made the atmosphere very welcoming. The young American lady at the counter greeted us and answered my questions about the menu as well as some friendly small talk with my wife. She was knowledgeable about the shop's history and showed great positive attention to my wife who likes to talk a lot (fortunately the store was empty so she didnt keep anyone from their job). The American woman recommended a hotdogs for my wife, which she loved and ordered a second. The young lady recommended a carrot cake. I dont usually eat desserts for my health, but I tried a bite of my wife's and had to take a few more. The cake was excellent as was the hotdog according to my wife. Meanwhile, I chatted with the gentleman who prepared the meat, Louie, who told me a bit about the process. I could see he is a master of the craft. Overall, the atmosphere, service, and flavor exceeded Schwartz, and I believe it was largely due to the care and attention paid by the workers. As a small business owner, seeing these types of people who are knowledgeable and passionate show that the business isn't hiring just anybody to do the most important work, preparing the high-quality smoked meat which Lesters is known for.

lung lung (12 reviews)

11 Mar 2026

Source: Google

4.3

Great food, great atmosphere, great service!

susan parent (7 reviews)

7 Mar 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Excellent service from Jeremy and Helena, the cashier!! I will DEFINATELY go back. I recommend this restaurant 100%

Fadi Hurtubise (12 reviews)

7 Mar 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Thank you to Jeremy and everyone that works at Lester’s. Amazing food and amazing atmosphere!

Ivan (108 reviews)

19 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Classic soir for Smoked meat! Been coming here for a while now!

Catherine (129 reviews)

13 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Got take out but now I really want to eat there too: staff is helpful, sweet and chatty and the smoked meat was delicious. Tangy cabbage salad and pickles were perfect sides, both home made as well.

Louis (5 reviews)

13 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

A huge thank you to the Lester’s team and especially to Peter the cutter for the amazing service and for making my dog feel so special on his birthday. We truly appreciate the care and kindness!

Jason Broadfield (243 reviews)

1 Feb 2026

Source: Google

5.0

You know what’s so awesome about Lester’s? They’re awesome and rival if not better then ya know ,the place that’s packed and ya have to wait forever. Naaaa Lester’s is the place for taste! ❤️

jimmy andrianopoulos (7 reviews)

29 Jan 2026

Source: Google

2.3

Thought I’d give it a try but it was a very expensive experience 42$ for 2 sandwiches is a little nuts, I know smoked meat has gone up but a little ridiculous with the size

Restaurant response

Response added on 31 Jan 2026

Hi Jimmy, Nobody is happy with the price of things for the last 5 years. We are more than fair with our pricing. We are charging market prices for top quality. It's important that you know what you are getting. While others have switched to cheaper beef and ingredients, we still use top quality Canadian beef and have not changed our cooking/smoking process to increase our margins. Our sandwiches are $16 NOT $21. Just in case you didn't know, taxes go to Rev Qc and tips go to the waitress.

Hai Nguyen (6 reviews)

24 Jan 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Best experience ever! The vibe was local and warm. The smoke meat and roast beef is tender and off the chart. What really sealed it was the hospitality. We forgot our stuff and the waiter actually ran out to us in -20C weather in plain clothes to return it to us! A new go-to for smoked meat for us!

Tiffany Bakstad (40 reviews)

23 Jan 2026

Source: Google

5.0

This Montreal smoked meat spot was absolutely delicious and instantly transported me into a scene straight out of a Brooklyn or classic New York TV series. From the moment you walk in, it has that old-school, no-frills charm that feels timeless and effortlessly cool. The hand-painted signs added such an authentic, personal touch—like the place has stories soaked into its walls. The smoked meat was rich, tender, and unforgettable, the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite. A true Montreal experience

Chloe (17 reviews)

18 Jan 2026

Source: Google

5.0

Excellent food and service! 🥰

Robert M (82 reviews)

9 Jan 2026

Source: Google

5.0

No debate brings out the emotions of a Montrealer more than who makes the best smoked meat. To my mind Lester’s is hands down #1 ☝️by far. This delicacy 😋 is an outsized contribution from Montreal’s Hungarian community to the fabric of this city’s soul… maybe a complimentary pickle for Hungarian passport holders?

Restituto Cariaso (345 reviews)

6 Jan 2026

Source: Google

5.0

The staff were so friendly!

Kiaam Kearse (90 reviews)

4 Jan 2026

Source: Google

5.0

I don’t eat meat but the lox bagel is really good for pescatarians. Get the pickles and coleslaw also if you like fermented foods.