Schwartz's Deli

Schwartz's Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen is not just a restaurant — it is a Montreal institution and one of the most iconic food experiences in Canada. Founded in 1928 by Romanian immigrant Reuben Schwartz, this tiny, no-frills deli on Boulevard Saint-Laurent has been serving what many consider the best smoked meat in the world for nearly a century.

The experience starts in the line. On any given day, a queue stretches down the sidewalk, and this is part of the charm. Kids watch through the window as the counterman slices mountains of perfectly smoked brisket by hand. The anticipation builds with every step closer to the door. The line moves faster than it looks — do not be discouraged.

Inside, Schwartz's is tiny and packed. Long communal tables fill the narrow room, and your family will almost certainly share a table with strangers. Service is fast and no-nonsense — the waiters have been doing this for decades and they do not linger. This is not the place for a leisurely meal. You order, you eat, you leave satisfied.

The smoked meat sandwich is the star and the only reason you need to be here. Thick slices of brisket, cured for 10 days in a secret blend of spices and smoked in the original brick smokehouse, served on fresh rye bread with yellow mustard. That is it.

No fancy garnishes, no trendy additions. Just perfect smoked meat. Order it 'medium' for the ideal balance of lean and fatty — this is the standard recommendation for newcomers and kids.

For the full experience, add a side of fries (crispy and satisfying), coleslaw (tangy and fresh), and a cherry cola in a glass bottle. The entire meal for one person runs about $20 CAD, making it one of the most affordable iconic food experiences in Montreal.

For families, a few practical notes: the space is very tight, so strollers are not practical inside (fold and store before entering). There is no kids' menu, but the simple food appeals to most children — smoked meat, fries, and cherry cola is a combination that few kids reject. High chairs are not available, so very young children sit on laps or in the booth.

The restaurant is open until 11 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends, so a late visit after an evening walk on Saint-Laurent is perfectly doable.

Schwartz's is on Boulevard Saint-Laurent in the Plateau neighborhood, surrounded by other iconic Montreal food destinations. After your smoked meat fix, walk up the street to St-Viateur Bagels for dessert, or cross to explore the Plateau's beautiful residential streets.