I ordered the traditional smoked meat sandwich with fries and a pickle. Requested mayo on the side in the condiments section. Food was delivered in relatively short order by Uber Eats. No issues there. However, the sandwich was cold and congealed and the fries were so cold they were one flavorless brick of soggy potatoes and grease. No mayo. Mustard on the sandwich was all in one corner, the rest of the bread had nothing on it. No salt on the fries, nothing to dip then in. Flavorless, gross food. Maybe it's better if you go to the place to eat, but for delivery, it was a real disappointment. The only reason I didn't put 1 star is because the pickle was pretty good.
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
The food was expectedly delicious but the standout was the above and beyond service.
got the smoked meat sandwich. it was pipping hot and really good bcs the smoked meat, the star of the show, was really tasteful, well seasoned and delicious. paired w a nice dose of mustard flavour. bread was soft and pillowy.
The smoked meat was decent. The fries were not very good and tasted of overused oil. Service was prompt and friendly, which is quite something for such a busy place
Simply delicious!
Worth the 20 min walk from the metro. Meat sandwich + poutine a la schwartz + coke zero. Bread very flavorful and falls apart. Poutine piping hot, low on cheese but after the gravy and fries are mixed well it is perfectly balanced. Meat is smoky and delicious. Add a little mustard or ketchup towards the end. Satisfying. Definitely top 3 places in MTL for us! (Didnt try other smoked meat places yet but heard they age the meat the longest) Be prepared to wait in line: you have 2 options - to go + eat in the bar at the back: LEFT DOOR usually hidden behind the LINE of people - or wait 30 mins+ for a real table: line at RIGHT DOOR
The food was really good! We were lucky to be on a short line but worth the wait. Things move quickly and quite a number of options but the tender meat is worth the wait!
I always come here when in Montreal. But today the meat was dry, like it was leftovers from days ago. Then the guy beside me ordered in French and got a beautiful sandwich with juice slices, instead of the flaky meat that came in mine. It felt like they save the good stuff for the locals and feed the leftovers to the dumb tourists- in this case, myself. I won’t come back.
Popular busy place. An amazing smoked meat sandwich, be sure to ask for the medium fat... elbow room is tight, but worth every bite!
Famous for a reason. Had a great experience at Schwartz's Deli — the smoked meat was flavorful, tender, and packed perfectly into the sandwich. Portions were generous and the atmosphere gives that true old-school Montreal deli vibe. Service moves fast even when it’s busy, and you can tell this place has history behind it. Definitely a must-try spot if you’re visiting Montreal or craving classic smoked meat.
Great experience. Just let the waiter order for you, lol. You'll want the beef.
Living in Montreal, you grow up hearing about Schwartz’s Deli. But once you actually eat there, you understand why it’s legendary. I can honestly say I never get tired of this place. Every visit somehow tastes even better than the last. The smoked meat is unmatched, the atmosphere is pure Montreal history, and the consistency is unreal. One of the most iconic restaurants in Canada for a reason. If you live here or visit Montreal, this place is mandatory. 🇨🇦🥪 one more year and this place will be 100 years old! Established 1927.
Schwartz’s Deli delivered a great dining experience from start to finish. The food was delicious, fresh, and full of flavor, with that classic deli quality you hope for when visiting a place like this. Everything we ordered came out well prepared and satisfying, and the portions were generous. The staff were friendly and attentive, and Bianca was especially helpful throughout our visit. She gave thoughtful suggestions on what to order, which made choosing much easier and led us to some great menu items we might not have picked on our own. Her recommendations really added to the experience and showed that she genuinely cared about helping guests enjoy their meal. The service was efficient, the atmosphere felt welcoming, and the overall experience was memorable. I’d definitely recommend Schwartz’s Deli to anyone looking for great food and excellent service. You can order a montreal meat in a vacuum pack for take away.
Tried the take away sandwich. The sandwiches come packed and overflowing with meat, but it is just meat and some bread with mustard. Not bad, seems like decent value, but not sure what all the excitement about this place is.
My experience with the deli, this time was not very positive. Sandwich was smaller, bread was soggy and the meat was extremely fatty and oily. Fries were soft and terrible. On my previous visit, a few years earlier it was a totally different experience. Very positive. Would not recommend to anyone now, until they get their act together.
First time ever eating a smoked meat sandwich... the best place to do it!
Been 10 years i live in Montreal and finaly went for the first time at Schwartz's . It is terrible .. no1: waiting outside and the smell was horrid. didnt help the first impression. no2: Inside super squized, seating with strangers , no room to move around. discomfort is at its peak. no3: Expensive for a very dry smoke meat. I am personally a big fan of smoke meat , and iam not joking its the worst smoke meat i have tasted ever. Its mind blowing that this place is the most popular and known Deli. I felt shame , thinking that tourists come here to discover Montreal food and have to eat this. It's a shame. Montreal has way better then this to offer. IF YOU WANT GOOD SMOKE MEAT , GO TO LESTER'S DELI. that's real good smoke meat.
Amazing.
Nice authentic smoked meat sandwich
Very good
I didn't see what the hype was about. Our sandwiches were just so dry and nothing special. I have been wanting to try this for years and it didn't live up to the expectation unfortunately.
Came for my birthday from BC with my best friend. Wonderful food and service. The seating area could use an update.
Perfect smoked meat to bread ratio!
Hands down the best Montreal smoked meat sandwich I’ve ever had. The meat was super tender and the spices added character and flavour. Also had a side of coleslaw and a pickle both of which were excellent. Worth lining up for (the line moves quick and you share tables with others creating a community feel). The staff were friendly and attentive and gave great recommendations.
Always phenomenal. No questions.
Reviews are also available in French.
See reviews in FrenchAdd a review
Share your experience in seconds.
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
Features
Missing information?
Help us improve this restaurant profile.
Update the profile