Schwartz's Deli

The story

Schwartz's Deli, Montréal – Legendary Smoked Meat Since 1928

Schwartz's Deli

Since 1928, Schwartz's Deli has occupied its original location on boulevard Saint-Laurent, serving what it calls the world's best smoked meat. Founded by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania, the deli has become a Montreal institution, a place where the city's diverse population has gathered for almost a century.

The restaurant's focus is singular. Smoked meat is prepared on-site the old-fashioned way: a secret blend of locally produced herbs and spices, a ten-day marinade, an overnight smoke, and a gentle steam before being sliced by hand. The result is a sandwich of tender, peppery beef that has drawn everyone from local workers to international celebrities.

The atmosphere is famously no-frills. Communal counter dining and tight quarters are part of the experience. The menu is straightforward: smoked meat sandwiches, plates, and classic sides like french fries, coleslaw, and pickles. For those who want to take the tradition home, smoked meat is sold by the pound, along with the deli's own spice blends.

In 2026, Schwartz's Deli received a Michelin Recommended distinction, a formal recognition of its enduring quality and cultural significance. For over ninety years, this singular restaurant has defined Montreal smoked meat for the city and the world.