The legend of Montreal Smoked meat sandwiches.
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
Smoked meat was great !!! But the fries is a bit overcooked.
When in Montreal, never, ever kiss Schwartz’s Deli for its original, authentic tasteful smoked meat and deli.
The best smoked meat sandwich in town! I live in Montreal and this is a legit comfort food.
Amazing sandwich, beef my favorite
This gem has been around for a long time and the line to get in is a testament to the quality of the food. It was worth the wait to experience the boiled meat. Fun and engaging server was nice and the food arrived quickly. Go here and enjoy some lunch.
Extremely impressed by quality of food. We went in May 2026 on weekday in the family table side of the restaurant. Service was fast. We don't speak French but had no issue ordering as our server was extremely helpful and friendly and spoke perfect English. We ordered a turkey sandwich, a smoked meat sandwich and a chicken combo along with fries and peppers as sides and pops for drinks. Everything was incredibly fresh and we were more than impressed anf full. 4 of us ate for 99$ including taxes. Parking was a breeze and very cheap ($4 for an hour). 5/5 highly recommend.
Talk about stepping back in time when you enter this deli/cafe. Schwartz's Deli is an institution here in Montreal. I had the best Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich & Pickle in a long time for lunch today. Thanks for your great lunch experience. Dave Knight - Oshawa ON
A classic. The smoked meat poutine is a must get.
After more than 25,000 reviews and NINETY YEARS.... there is absolutely nothing new I could offer. It has been more than 40 years since we have been to this iconic Montreal landmark and it's like it was just like 1985 !!! The sandwiches are massive and absolutely melt-in-the-mouth delicious, the frites bien cuire are gorgeously salty and all washed down with an Orange Crush. What a Montreal memory....once again!!!!!!
Smoked meat, fries, dill pickle,Cott's cherry cola. A lifetime in a meal. I miss you.
I didn’t enjoy my experience at Schwartz’s Deli. Compared to Katz’s Delicatessen, the food and overall experience felt underwhelming. The staff also seemed unfriendly, which made the visit less pleasant.
Excellent food! Great staff! Well worth the hour walk to get here from our hotel.
Montreal's classics
It’s alright. Not as flavorful as Katz’s I loved the place and the history would go again!
Old world Montreal institution with deliciously greasy smoked meat sandwiches....must try.
Schwartz is a must anytime I am in Montreal. Don't worry when you see a lineup outside it goes quick!
The sandwich was very good, but it was pretty small. About the size of a bagel. Get a platter if you want to get enough meat.
Great food just too pricey
This place is overpriced and overhyped. You can find more generous and more tastefull smoked meat in town. The sandwich was so blant. Cheap bread a little mustard and meat, not tasteful at all ... For that price ?
Obviously this is a must when in Montreal. I walked up around 5:30, thinking there might be a wait. I was sat at the bar right away. Quick service and so tasty.
Stumbled into Schwartz's last Saturday afternoon after wandering through the Plateau, and honestly the line stretching down the block should have been my first clue this place was something special. Once we finally got inside, I ordered the medium-fat smoked meat sandwich and it completely wrecked me for every other deli sandwich I'll ever eat, the meat just falls apart in the best way. The place is tiny and loud and you're basically shoulder to shoulder with strangers, but that cramped communal energy somehow makes the whole experience better. If you're new to Montreal and someone tells you to skip it because of the wait, do not listen to them.
Excellent
Friendly staff move people thru quickly. If your on your own you might get plucked out of the line to sit at the bar.
The smoked meat sandwich was amazing! The staff are friendly and the wait was short. I'll be back!
Reviews are also available in French.
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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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