This was hands down the best smoked meat sandwich I’ve ever had. The meat was top quality perfectly tender, and stacked generously without being overwhelming. Every bite tasted fresh and well crafted. I really liked that the restaurant has two sides: a dine-in area and a takeout section. I went through the takeout side, and the service was incredibly fast without sacrificing quality, which is rare. The vibe is also worth mentioning it has a really cool retro feel that adds to the whole experience. Even just popping in for takeout, you can feel the character of the place. Definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to.
What guests say about Schwartz's Deli
Schwartz's Deli is often described as a true Montreal institution, with very tender, flavorful smoked meat and generous portions. Many customers also like the fries, pickles, and poutine, as well as the fast and efficient service when everything goes well. On the downside, the place is often crowded and very cramped, and some people find the prices high or the service inconsistent, sometimes even brusque. It’s a good choice if you want the classic smoked meat experience in Montreal, but less ideal if you’re looking for calm or good value for money.
Reviews / Ratings for Schwartz's Deli
It's been around over 90 years for a reason. Very good, basic food. Expensive, but compared to other smoked meat shops it's a bargain. Sandwich + coleslaw + pickle + pop and tip was around $27.
I made the trip in and this review is just based on take out as i just wanted to try the famous sandwich and fries. For 30 dollars it isnt worth it. The sandwich is the size of a regular hamburger from McDs and the fries were under cooked. I have a feeling the eat in restaurant has the atmosphere going for it but bring your wallet as it is rather expensive. Jerry's on the north side of the island is better value and atmosphere
Visited Mar 6’26 for lunch after our sight seeing from Basilica Montreal. Ordered Sand Viande Fumee, Schwartz’s poutine and the pickles (cornichon). Love all of them!!!! Even I packed one more Viande Fumee for our flight to Rome. Be sure to arrive before lunch or you find yourself waiting for table. Did you know the owner is from Italy? 😁
Simply delicious!
Schwartz's is all about the flavor. The smoked meat is incredible – easily their strongest point. A Montreal must..
Good old institution
Excellent service—quick, friendly, and the food was great
Honestly the hype online doesn't meet the flavor and taste I experienced, I got the Schwartz poutine and it was quite small for the price and the smoked meet could have been better.
Food is really good. We went there as a family, waited around 10 minutes outside to get a table but the service was fast. The restaurant was outdated but clean.
Amazing and welcoming atmosphere travelling with a 4 month old. Food was fabulous and the best poutine we had in Montreal! Thank you again!
Incredible food of course. The meat is second to none. Had some poutine and the sandwich. But behind and beyond the incredible food is the friendliest, kindest staff of any place we've eaten. Super kid friendly, even in the confined space. "If they have kids they understand, if they don't, who cares" was said and greatly appreciated. A must visit every time we are in the city.
Schwartz's is one of our "go to" places anytime we travel to Montreal. The food is always good, servers are efficient and the atmosphere is wonderful. Last time we sat at the counter and chatted with counter staff and patrons on either side. This time we sat at a communal table for four and chatted with several people as customers came and went. Schwartz's is a Montreal institution that shouldn't be missed.
The best Montreal smoked meat sandwich I ever had. Loaded with meat! You gotta eat here!
Food is good, we ordered the pastrami sandwich, some sides of olives, slaw and pickles. Regular poutine and poutine with steak toppings. It was all good. This place has all the feels of a good pastrami sandwich store, I can compare this with Katz deli from NY. There was a little line, and we waited around 10-15 minutes for table for 13. The server was nice and accommodating.
Simply amazing 🤤🤤🤤🤤
I went to Schwartz’s Deli and tried the famous smoked meat sandwich it was truly far beyond my expectations. The meat was incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, and the balance of spices was perfect. The portion was also very filling. The place is old and busy, but that’s part of the experience. The service was fast and efficient. Overall, I felt like I experienced one of Montréal’s most iconic dishes. I’ll definitely come back again.
My very first time visiting. I stopped by on my way out of town to get a couple of their famous smoked meat sandwiches for myself and a friend. I was told by my friend to get them in separate pieces so as not to be soggy by the time I got home. When I arrived, I was greeted and helped very quickly and courteously by one of the chefs. Who gave me great advice, as well as speaking to me in english as soon as he heard my terrible, rusty Quebecois, thankfully! My friend and I enjoyed three wonderful sandwiches each over the next two days, thanks to the chef's advice that I get a half loaf of rye and a hefty container full of smoked meat. More than enough, and DELICIOUS!!! Highly recommended
I’m going to be a regular customer 😁😅 I’ve never had anything more delicious—such a great atmosphere and the most amazing meat 🥩
Great smoked meat sandwich, the pickle left a bit to be desired and the fries were not crunchy enough imo. But they do make a mean sandwich. Make sure you get mustard on it, and grab some napkins.
Best smoked meat sandwich in Quebec.
It was packed and had a line out the door on a Thursday night at 10pm, but don't let its popularity discourage you. Worth a visit for the pickles alone. The smoked meat is incredible. I'd book a flight across the country just to come back here again
Busy place, short lineup to get in. Food was great.
A legend that lives up to the reputation.
While the space is small and needs to be navigated, the sandwiches are juicy and delicious.
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Opening hours
- Sunday 10:00 - 23:00
- Monday 10:00 - 23:00
- Tuesday 10:00 - 23:00
- Wednesday 10:00 - 23:00
- Thursday 10:00 - 23:00
- Friday 10:00 - 00:00
- Saturday 10:00 - 00:00
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