
Schwartz's Deli
A Montreal institution since 1928, famed for its legendary smoked meat sandwiches and a true taste of culinary history.

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Schwartz's Deli

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Montreal institution since 1928, famed for its legendary smoked meat sandwiches and a true taste of culinary history.
Beat the Line
Arrive early, between 2:30 PM and 5 PM, or opt for the faster takeout counter.
Choose Your Fat
Opt for medium fat cuts for the most tender and flavorful smoked meat sandwich.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Deli
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+1 514-842-4813
Address
3895 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1K4, Canada
Website
schwartzsdeli.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Smoked Meat Sandwich
Indulge in the legendary smoked meat sandwich, a Montreal culinary staple. Piled high on rye with mustard, it's a must-try experience.

Authentic Montreal History
Experience a piece of Montreal's culinary history in a casual setting. This iconic deli has been serving its famous smoked meats since 1928.

Classic Sides and Soda
Complete your meal with classic sides like fries and pickles, perfectly paired with a refreshing Cott Black Cherry soda.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Line
Arrive early, between 2:30 PM and 5 PM, or opt for the faster takeout counter.
Choose Your Fat
Opt for medium fat cuts for the most tender and flavorful smoked meat sandwich.
Share the Table
Be prepared to share tables; it's a common and often enjoyable way to dine here.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy your smoked meat with fries, a pickle, and a black cherry soda for the ultimate experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Line
Arrive early, between 2:30 PM and 5 PM, or opt for the faster takeout counter.
Choose Your Fat
Opt for medium fat cuts for the most tender and flavorful smoked meat sandwich.
Share the Table
Be prepared to share tables; it's a common and often enjoyable way to dine here.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy your smoked meat with fries, a pickle, and a black cherry soda for the ultimate experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Schwartz's Deli is celebrated for its iconic smoked meat sandwiches and authentic Montreal experience, often drawing long lines. While many rave about the tender, flavorful meat and classic accompaniments, some reviews mention crowded conditions and slow service during peak hours. Despite minor complaints, its historical significance and delicious offerings make it a must-visit.
"Definitely a must-try if you're visiting Montreal. I went here with my girlfriend; yes, the line was long, but here’s a pro tip: there's a take-out counter with a few seats in the back, which moved much faster. I highly recommend the smoked meat sandwich with a side of fries. The sandwich was warm, delicious, and simply dressed with mustard that balanced the richness of the meat perfectly. The fries were hot and crispy, though they could’ve used a touch more salt. Service was fast and friendly."
R
"Schwartz’s Deli is absolutely worth a visit! Their smoked meat combo was a great value for the price and incredibly tasty. The staff recommended the chicken combo, and it did not disappoint — full of flavor, amazingly juicy, and not dry at all. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout the visit. Be prepared to wait, but it’s worth it! The best time to go is between 14:30 and 17:00 — I only waited about 15 minutes in line. Highly recommended!"
Johnny Wong
"Schwartz Deli
Bianca knew what was the best and recommended the smoked meat. She was so pleasant.
The queue looked long but the turnover was fast. We were seated within 5 minutes of waiting. We shared the table with people who were already eating.
The food came out very quickly. The French fries were hot, crispy, and also soft on the inside.
Smoked Beef brisket: super moist and tender. Very easy to eat. The bread was very soft, with melted butter and mustard. it was the quickest meal I’ve eaten.
It took longer to pay for the meal than it did to line up to sit down."
Brandon J (B2)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Schwartz's Deli is most famous for its iconic Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches, considered by many to be the best in the world.
Consider arriving between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM, or utilize the faster takeout counter, which sometimes has a few seats.
Order it medium juicy, on rye bread with yellow mustard, and pair it with a side of fries, a pickle, and a black cherry soda.
Reservations are generally not taken, and seating is often at shared tables due to limited space.
Besides the smoked meat sandwich, popular choices include the rib steak, chicken combo, and their French fries.
Yes, it's a casual and welcoming environment, though seating might be communal.
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(The preparation of both is similar: A beef brisket is cured in spices for a week, then hot-smoked and finally boiled before being served.) Though others may question the claim, Schwartz’s boasts that it is the original home of smoked meat, serving it since 1928. Regardless of who was first, Schwartz’s is the most popular smoked-meat option in town. Order a sandwich, on rye with only yellow mustard to accompany the meat, and you’ll soon understand why the citizens of Montréal are so passionate about the dish.
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Montreal is synonymous with Jewish-style smoked meat and that’s down to Schwartz’s. The deli’s shared tables and neon lighting do no one any favours, but the atmosphere is one-of-a-kind and the queues around the block prove the irresistible flavours to be had. The classic order is of course a smoked meat sandwich (order yours medium juicy, with a side of fries, a half-sour pickle and a Cott’s black cherry cola), but habitués also love the affordable rib steak and the beef liver and onions.
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A Montréal-style smoked meat sandwich from Schwartz’s Deli is the quintessential city dish. Brought here by Eastern-European Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century and part-owned by the Canadian icon that is Céline Dion, the smoked meat at Schwartz’s is made without chemical enhancers and comes as fatty as you like (tip: don’t get lean). Order the sandwich with slices of meat piled high between two pieces of rye, or get a plate of cold cuts to share.
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Join the line at Schwartz’s Deli, which has been smoking brisket since Reuben Schwartz, an immigrant from Romania, opened shop in 1928. The narrow room festooned in old press clippings is perpetually crowded, and good cheer prevails at shared tables and counter stools. The substantial smoked meat sandwich (9.95 dollars) comes with a generous dousing of yellow mustard and is accompanied by a large dill pickle and a black cherry soda.
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Another classic restaurant in Montréal, Schwartz’s Deli is consistently one of the most highly recommended dining spots in the city. Schwartz’s Deli opened in 1928 and famously serves Montréal-style smoked meat ( viande fumée) along with home-made side dishes. Paired with a plate of fries, pickle and a black cherry coke, Schwartz’s smoked meat sandwich is a real taste of Montréal’s history and its Jewish heritage.
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There’s a lot of smoked, marinated, and steamed beef brisket in Montreal, but the sandwich from Schwartz’s will always be our favorite. It comes on rye with yellow mustard, and the meat is studded with black peppercorns and a secret mix of pickling salt and spices. The “medium fat” option strikes a good balance, and it goes well with a cherry coke, fries, and a half-sour pickle.
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Schwartz" Montreal Smoked Meat...again, you'll never found better. It's found on St.Laurent...close to Mount Royal. Closer to Crescent, Bar B Barn for BBQ Chicken & Ribs is great, but the menu is limited if you don't like Chicken or Ribs.
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Since 1928, Schwartz’s Deli has been a cornerstone of Montreal’s food scene, famous for serving up what many consider the world’s best smoked meat. Stepping into its original Saint-Laurent Boulevard location is like walking back in time, surrounded by the charm of the Plateau and the deli’s old-school presence. Founded by Romanian immigrant Reuben Schwartz, the deli sticks to tradition, marinating their smoked meat for 10 days with a secret blend of herbs and spices, then smoking and steaming it to perfection.The menu is as classic as it gets: smoked meat sandwiches piled high, turkey and salami options, and full plates of their famous smoked meat.
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Opened in 1928 by Romanian immigrant Reuben Schwartz, Schwartz’s Deli has become a Montreal icon, famed for its smoked meat and timeless, no-frills charm. Located on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, this bustling, narrow deli with its signature neon sign is a must-visit, drawing locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth smoked meat, marinated in a secret spice blend and smoked to perfection, Schwartz’s has stayed true to its roots for nearly a century, preserving the vibrant, authentic atmosphere that makes it a true Montreal staple!
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Schwartz’s est une institution incontournable de Montréal, qui offre un des meilleurs « smoked meat » en ville depuis 1928. Ouvert par Reuben Schwartz, immigrant roumain au siècle dernier, l’établissement a bâti sa réputation autour de son excellente viande fumée, préparée selon un long processus allant jusqu’à 12 jours. On aime comment ce lieu, par son décor n’ayant pas changé depuis 90 ans, nous replonge dans l’époque des années 20 à Montréal.
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It is made by salting and curing a beef brisket with spices, which is then left for a week to absorb the flavors, after which it is hot smoked to cook through, and then steamed to completion. It was introduced to Montreal via the wave of Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Schwartz's is the most popular deli in Montreal, established in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania.
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It turns out that a smoked-meat sandwich is not a pastrami sandwich; the smoke is a little less intense and the spices are like pastrami spices, but they pop individually—one bite is black pepper, the next, coriander. And maybe I like the whole thing better than New York’s Katz’s (he typed as gently as possible with his eyes closed and mouth pinched into an uncomfortable smile as he if were about to be punched in the face).
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Schwartz’s is an iconic deli in Montreal known for their world famous smoked meat, so naturally they’ve created the best combination I might have ever had: smoked meat on poutine. Thick pieces of shaven smoked meat sit on top of thick and crispy fries, with squeaky cheese curds nestled in between and hot brown gravy poured all over top. It was mind-blowingly good, especially after a long walk through the city.
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To finish off this trailblazing trip, Tony informs that no visit to Montreal is complete without a preflight pitstop at Schwartz’s Deli. Opened in 1928, the deli is known for its “pastrami-like magical substance” (Tony’s words, not mine), marinated for ten days in a secret blend of herbs and spices. Bourdain takes down a smoked beef sandwich – medium, not lean – along with a side pickle and cherry soda.
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Schwartz’s : A true Montreal institution, the Hubs ensures he makes a visit here on each and every trip. This time around we didn’t grab a sandwhich as usual but instead got our meat vac packed to bring back to Toronto. There’s always a line up and our double stroller would have been a tight fit here so I stood outside with the kids, enjoying the street festival while the hubs went in by himself.
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There’s a lot of smoked, marinated, and steamed beef brisket in Montreal, but the sandwich from Schwartz’s is a standout. It comes on rye with yellow mustard, but this thing is really all about the meat, coated with black pepper and a secret mix of pickling salt and spices. We like the “medium fat” option best, washed down with a cherry coke and a half-sour pickle, just for nostalgia’s sake.
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It’s one of the oldest, most renowned restaurants in Montreal, and it has the kind of zealous following that gives it weight as a genuine cultural icon for the city. The most famous things on the menu are the sandwiches. Schwartz’s Deli specializes in Montreal-style smoked meat that’s cured for 10 days before being cooked in a brick smokehouse and seasoned with secret spices.
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Schwartz is the oldest deli in Canada and has been serving its famously delicious smoked meat since 1928. Located on Saint Laurent Boulevard for over 90 years Schwartz is a true Montreal landmark. Steady streams of patrons visit this deli daily to enjoy their original recipe smoked meat made onsite with both dine-in or take out options available.
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The Michelin Guide Toronto features 74 restaurants, in total, and 27 types of cuisine. Among the city’s 17 Bib Gourmands is SumiLicious Smoked Meat & Deli, opened in Scarborough in 2018 by Sri Lankan-Canadian Sumith Fernando, who spent 16 years learning the tricks of the trade at Montreal’s Schwartz’s before setting out to perfect his own recipe.
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Centrally located in downtown Montreal, this Jewish deli is arguably the most popular spot on the list. It’s become a local landmark in the city and has welcomed countless celebrities and travellers from around the world since it opened in 1928. Still working out of their original location, Schwartz’s Deli has perfected their smoked meat recipe.
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Now this is definitely the best place to go for a traditional smoked meat, trust me. Their already delicious sandwiches come with a side of fries and an incredible Black Cherry Cott, which is easily one of the best soft drinks you’ll ever try. If you’re after an authentic Canadian meal, then Schwartz’s Deli is definitely the place to go.
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While in line for this classic deli, we spoke with a family who had driven four hours out of their way to grab a sandwich. If that’s not a testament to Schwartz’s tasty smoked meat, I don’t know what is. The servings are incredibly generous and the waiter snuck Ella a free sandwich after watching her devour one completely to herself.
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The general advice was to visit Schwartz’s Deli (established 1928), by far the city’s most famous purveyor. Or you could try Main Deli—nicknamed “the Main”—across Saint Laurent Boulevard if the lines at Schwartz’s are too long. I braved the line at Schwartz’s and left Montreal with good memories of one of its culinary staples.
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Lunch at Schwartz’s** The oldest Jewish deli in Montreal, famous for their smoked meat sandwiches, was on literally every Montreal Recommendation list we came across. To the point where we wondered if it was going to be too touristy. I’m glad we ignored that voice of doubt and endured the legendary line anyway.
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Start at Schwartz’s: a famous Jewish deli and a must-eat place in Montreal. Since 1928, Schwartz’s Deli has been serving its signature dish: smoked meat on rye bread topped with yellow mustard. Cured for ten days in the smokehouse before slicing, and making into sandwiches, the meat is very juicy and tender.
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For almost 90 years, Schwartz has proudly served as a Montreal institution. Reuben Schwartz, a Romanian Jewish immigrant, started it in 1928. People often have a discussion about who is primarily responsible for bringing this cuisine (Montreal Smoked meat) from Eastern Europe to Montreal.
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You have to eat smoked meat (unless vegetarian or vegan) if you come all the way to Montreal and there’s not better place to do so than at Schwartz’s Deli. This restaurant is an institution and it’s worth lining up for. What exactly is Montreal smoked meat or Montreal-style smoked meat?
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This is arguably Montreal’s most famous restaurant — and for good reason. Schwartz’s smoked meat, known around the world, was established in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz. The delicatessen counter has remained largely unchanged since providing clients with a side of history with their meal.
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A classic meat sandwich served at a place like Schwartz’s Deli, one of the best food places in Montreal, is a brisket sandwich, where they cure the meat for ten days and serve it on rye bread with mustard. The juice of the meat drips into the bread, leaving you with eyes rolled back.
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A post shared by Schwartz's (@schwartzsofficial) on Apr 3, 2020 at 6:45am PDT. A Montreal staple, Schwartz’s almost always has a line out the door, no matter the time of day or month of the year. Montreal is known across Canada, and beyond Canadian borders for its unique smoked meat.
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Your first foodie stop in this neighbourhood should be Schwartz’s Deli for the must-try smoked meat. In the Plateau, you should head to Bily Kun, a Czech bar with Czech beers and a great cocktail list. Restaurant L’Express is one of the best restaurants for timeless steak and fries.
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The very restaurant that made this dish so famous, Schwartz's Deli is a Montreal classic. You really can't come to this city without going here, which is why the line can get crazy long sometimes. They're open super late too so if you want to really avoid the lines, go at midnight!
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Home to Montreal's famed smoked meat sandwich: rye bread with a smudge of mustard and a steaming heap of specialty brisket prepared on-site daily. One serving is half a sandwich, so order extra if you’re starving and make sure to get a can of black cherry soda to wash it all down.
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Schwartz’s Deli is known for serving one of the best sandwiches in Montreal, and the good news is that they offer takeout options. The sandwich is delicious, and the meat melts in your mouth!. The most traditional dish at this place costs $10.25, but one is enough for lunch.
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One of the city’s most iconic restaurants serving up what many would call the best-smoked meat in the city, and even the whole continent. Have it as a classic Montreal smoked meat sandwich on rye bread with yellow mustard. Or put it on pretty much anything else on the menu.
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- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (7,404 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Deli, Canadian- Address: 3895 Saint-Laurent Blvd North of rue Prince-Arthur, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1X9 Canada- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Montreal is home to the best “smoked meat,” akin to pastrami. To make smoked meat, beef brisket is salted and cured with savory spices, then left to absorb the flavors for a week. After that, the meat is smoked and steamed until it is tender and melts in your mouth.
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Address: 3895 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1X9, Canada. For smoked meat sandwiches, no better place exists than Schwartz’s Deli. A Montreal institution, Schwartz’s is the oldest deli in Canada, slinging their famous smoked meat sandwiches since 1928.
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I still recommend Schwartz’s Deli to folks coming to visit Montreal for the first time, because everyone has to go once. However, if you’re not willing to stand in line (I don’t blame you) head to Snowdon Deli and get the smoked meat sandwich there instead.
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But it would be blasphemy to suggest visiting Quebec’s biggest city without trying a Montreal smoked meat sandwich. Montreal smoked meat is one of the most famous Canadian foods. It’s prepared much like the pastrami of New York.
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Listen, Schwartz's is worth a try—if only for the fact that Celine Dion's family owns a stake. Plus, you may as well have a meat-off while you're there. Where to find it: 3895 St. Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, QC H2W 1X9, Canada
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Shwartz’s is a true Montreal landmark and iconic restaurant in the city. It was founded in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania. The restaurant remains the simple, white-tiled room it has been for 90 years.
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World famous Schwartz's, serving the best smoked meat from the original recipe of spices since 1928. Imagine walking through the door and taking a step back 80 years into "Main Street" history in Montreal.
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The bistro style menu offers seasonal classics that include vegetarian and vegan options. Enjoy one of the signature dishes or a weekly special in the sun-filled dining room. 4269 Saint-Denis Street
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没有蜡ollingOne of the must-visit restaurants in Montreal, the main dish is smoked meat sandwiches. It symbolically puts four slices of bread full of smoked meat. The meat is tender and fragrant.
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One of the number one things you can’t miss in Montreal – even if you just have a few days – is eating a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli. Absolutely delicious, and very affordable!
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Have a beer or cider at Else’s and get a thick, smoked-meat sandwich at Schwartz’s. Catch an up-and-coming band or dance the night away to the city’s most eclectic DJs at Casa del Popolo.
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I've already checked out Schwartz and the 2 well known Bagel spots and had some poutine. At this point looking to scratch off some French restaurants off the bucket list.
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Schwartz’s Hebrew Delicatessen (3895 St. Laurent Blvd) is a landmark in Montreal. Be sure to allow plenty of time for your visit as the line is often out the door.
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Schwartz’s Deli is a local landmark which has been selling the famous sandwich since 1928. And it is without a doubt the best smoked meat sandwich in Montreal!
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Let’s start with Au Pied De Cochon which is known for its poutine with foie gras and Schwartz’s Deli for its notorious smoked meat sandwich.

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