The Best Jewish Delis In Montreal

There are many world-class Jewish delis in Montreal, a city where smoked meat sandwiches are a must-try foodie experience. Jewish culture in the city is integral to its past and present, with particular roots in the Mile End, Outremont, and Côte Sainte-Luc neighborhoods. Here is a sample of some of the best, and most famous, Jewish delis in Montreal.

1. Schwartz’s Deli

Deli, Restaurant, Canadian, French

Schwartz’s Deli is one of the most famous foodie institutions in Montreal. Located on St-Laurent, there’s almost always a long line to enter. The wait is not usually too long, though! Customers typically order the classic smoked-meat sandwich with a side of fries and a black cherry soda. The deli has a retro vibe to it and boasts an 80-year, celebrity-endorsed history of being a beloved city landmark.

2. The Main Deli Steakhouse

Restaurant, Dessert Shop, Deli, European, Mediterranean, Steakhouse, Fast Food

The Main is a classic, old-school Jewish deli located right across the street from Schwartz’s. They have a wider variety of options on their menu, however, including different Jewish staples such as potato latkas and verenekes, and matzoh ball soup. Established in 1974, The Main also offers smoked meat poutine and smoked meat burgers.

3. Wilensky’s

Deli, European, Fast Food, Canadian

If you’re interested in time travel, then head over to Wilensky’s in the Mile End. This deli has been operating since the 1930s, serving up the famous Wilensky special (grilled salami on a kaiser roll, and don’t forget mustard!) with a hand-mixed old-fashioned soda. The décor makes it feel like a museum, which adds to its charm, and the prices are budget-friendly. Wilensky’s was listed in Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Best Sandwiches From Around the World” in 2012, and the little deli has also been featured in The Mind of a Chef PBS series with Anthony Bourdain and David Chang.

5. Reuben’s Deli

Deli, Restaurant, European, Fast Food, Pastries, Vegan, Vegetarian, BBQ

Casual and quick, Reuben’s Deli sits in downtown Montreal. On the pricier side of the city’s Jewish delis, portions are generous, and you can enjoy items such as chopped liver, juicy burgers, BBQ pulled pork poutine, Bolognese spaghetti topped with smoked meat, and more. Unusually, despite the emphasis on smoked meat sandwiches, there are also vegetarian options here.

6. Lester’s Deli

Deli, European, Fast Food, Vegetarian, Vegan

Located in the Outremont neighborhood, Lester’s is another great choice if you don’t want to wait in line but still want a retro-themed Jewish deli experience. Whether you go for some smoked meat poutine, a brisket sandwich or, of course, a smoked meat sandwich, you won’t be disappointed. Rumor has it that Leonard Cohen was a regular at this spot.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.