Delibee’s in Pointe-Claire is a pilgrimage-worthy stop for smoked meat purists. Philip Varvaro, the man behind the counter, honed his craft at his family’s storied deli, The Main, before bringing his expertise west. The result? A menu steeped in Montreal tradition, featuring house-made latkes, pierogies, and the city’s iconic smoked meat piled high on rye.

It’s a tight squeeze inside, so locals know the move: snag a seat at Mayfair Tavern next door and let your server bring the goods. Whether you’re going all in with their fries and slaw or grabbing a sandwich to-go, every bite reflects decades of family recipes.

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. For something heartier, there’s the rib steak or chicken combo, but locals swear by the poutine à la Schwartz’s as well—just so long as there’s a pickle and Cott’s Black Cherry served with it.

Since 1959, Les Aliments Felix Mish has quietly held down its corner of Ville-Émard with a split identity: part Polish grocery, part neighbourhood deli. The shelves are packed tight with imported preserves, chocolates, and spice blends, but the real draw is what comes out of the smokehouse. Run by Ron Mish—who took over from his father Felix in the ’80s—the shop now rotates through a global selection of housemade sausages, from Greek loukaniko to spicy Mexican chorizo. Still, it’s the smoked meat sandwich that makes this place something special. No steamer, no shortcuts—just seven to ten days of marination and slow-smoking that coax a depth of flavour most delis only dream about. It’s thinner-sliced, lower-stacked, and somehow bolder than the steam-bloated versions elsewhere. Mish’s smoked meat has fed everyone from Bell Centre headliners to regulars from the pool or the skating rink down the block. No gimmicks. Just craft.

Dunn's Famous Deli and Steakhouse is a celebrated chain of Jewish delis that started in Montreal. Established by Myer Dunn who immigrated from Europe in 1927, Dunn’s focus shifted to Montreal-style smoked meat over the years, cementing its place as a local legend. Myer's dedication to his craft and community defined the spirit of this spot, which continues to uphold Myer's vision with an authentic taste of Montreal's culinary heritage. It gets even better at their downtown location on Metcalfe, where they’re regularly open to slice up sandwiches until 5 a.m.

Aylwin BBQ has officially moved indoors with the launch of Aylwin Deli, a year-round counter at Atwater Market that channels the same smoked-meat swagger they built in the alleyways of Hochelaga. This time, the focus shifts from backyard barbecue to Jewish deli staples—though the wood smoke still lingers in the background. The menu keeps things classic but punchy: Montreal smoked meat on rye, Reubens, hot dogs, and a breakfast lineup built for cold mornings. Everything’s made in-house or sourced from their own farm and local producers, including a full grab-and-go fridge stocked with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked salmon to-go. It’s all served with the same DIY spirit and pitmaster know-how that made Aylwin a name in the first place—just with more mustard and a lot more coleslaw.

Since 1951, Lester's Deli has served its iconic smoked meat sandwiches with a dedication to tradition that has made it a well-known staple in the city. Founded by Eddy Lester, a Polish immigrant, the deli became renowned for its signature smoked meat, marinated in-house for 72 hours. The warm, retro atmosphere—complete with walls completed covered in nostalgia, decorations, and laudations, including photos of legends like Elvis and Leonard Cohen—has long been part of its charm.

In 2023, after more than 70 years in the family, Billy Berenholc, who has run the deli since his father’s time, passed the torch to restaurateur Kevin Fung. While Fung brings a new vision, expanding the Lester’s brand with ambitions for the future, the core of what makes Lester’s special remains unchanged. With Billy still involved as a consultant, the deli stays rooted in its tradition, continuing to serve some of the best smoked meat in the city.

Smoke Meat Pete, tucked away in L’Île-Perrot, has spent the last four decades perfecting the craft of smoked meat. Founded by Peter Varvaro Jr. after years of working alongside his father at Montreal’s Main Deli, this spot has become a cornerstone for barbecue enthusiasts. The star attraction? Smoked brisket marinated with a secret spice blend, then slow-cooked and smoked to tender, melt-in-your-mouth levels.

The menu doesn’t stop there—Southern barbecue classics like ribs and smoked sausages share the spotlight, each plate delivering hearty portions that leave no appetite unmet. Inside, the atmosphere channels the charm of an old blues joint, with live music every night adding an extra layer of energy.

Snowdon Deli isn't just a restaurant; it's an institution. For those in the know, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it's a delightful discovery waiting to happen. This iconic Jewish deli, with its vibrant matzo ball soup and cheese bagelach, transports you straight to the heart of classic Miami eateries, echoing the charm of places like Wolfie’s Rascal House. Outlasting local legends like The Brown Derby and Ben’s, Snowdon Deli stands as a testament to timeless taste and tradition.

A Montreal institution since 1954, Le Roi du Smoked Meat has been serving up some of the city’s best smoked meat for over 70 years. Located on St-Hubert near St-Zotique, this family-run spot is known for its nostalgic vibe, with many regulars returning for both the food and the memories. The atmosphere takes you back to the 60s and 70s, making every meal feel like a trip through time.

Not just about the smoked meat, though—Le Roi also offers a hearty menu that includes souvlaki, BBQ chicken, spaghetti, and of course, poutine. With large portions, great prices, and a menu full of comfort food, this place has earned a loyal following.

Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse has been a downtown Montreal fixture for over four decades, holding its ground in a city that takes smoked meat seriously. Family-run from the start, the restaurant is now helmed by the late founder’s sons, who continue its tradition of hand-carved smoked meat sandwiches and aged steaks. The menu is expansive—piled-high deli sandwiches, ribeye steaks, burgers, pasta, and even breakfast—catering to a mix of locals, business diners, and tourists refueling between shopping and sightseeing. Unlike the classic casse-croûtes, Reuben’s brings a steakhouse polish to the genre, offering a full bar and a dining room styled with Art Deco touches and jazz-era nostalgia.

Chenoy’s in Dollard-des-Ormeaux is the last link to a deli lineage that started on the Main in 1936, back when smoked meat was a neighbourhood staple rather than a branding exercise. This room—red booths, tiled floors, bottles lined up behind the bar—still carries that lived-in feel of a place that’s been feeding night-shift workers, families, and anyone craving a plate of something salty and familiar for decades. The Sigounis family has kept the operation steady since the ’70s, expanding the menu far beyond smoked meat without drifting from the no-nonsense diner spirit. Between the endless parking, the late hours, and the accessibility upgrades, it’s built for real-world Montrealers: big groups, messy breakfasts, quiet solo lunches, and the kind of dinners where nobody’s rushing you out the door.

Since 1963, Gerry’s Delicatessen has been dishing out no-nonsense, well-executed comfort food in Hochelaga, with a particular devotion to smoked meat. A true neighbourhood spot, it’s the kind of place where the portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the regulars have been coming for decades.

The smoked meat sandwich holds its own, but twists like smoked meat spaghetti and poutines add to the appeal. Breakfast is another draw—eggs, pancakes, and home fries at wallet-friendly prices—all served in a laid-back, sports-bar-style setting, complete with TVs broadcasting games. It’s not about frills or reinventing the wheel here.

A St-Léonard institution since 1974, Jarry Smoked Meat is a go-to spot for Montreal’s signature deli fare. While their classic smoked meat sandwich on rye is a must, it’s their smoked meat poutine that steals the show—beefy, salty, smoky, and utterly decadent.

This no-frills, late-night diner is all about big portions and comfort food done right. Whether you’re grabbing a club roll, a Reuben, or just craving a greasy feast, Jarry Smoked Meat delivers. The décor is old-school, the booths are brown-pleather, and the vibe is pure throwback diner charm—exactly what you want from a place that’s been serving generations of Montrealers.

Zytynsky’s Deli has been part of Montreal’s landscape since the 1920s, first in Pointe-Saint-Charles and, since the mid-’80s, on Beaubien under the care of Angel Zytynsky. The shop reflects her family’s Ukrainian and Polish roots: shelves filled with pirojkis, cured meats, preserves, sweets, and the kind of pantry staples that draw shoppers from across the city. The sandwich counter is its own draw, serving simple, generous builds stacked with house charcuterie. It’s a small space with a steady neighbourhood rhythm, blending grocery-store practicality with the warmth of a long-running family venture.

For anyone looking for Eastern European staples—or a straightforward deli lunch—Zytynsky’s remains one of Rosemont’s most dependable stops.

Deli 365 sits at the crossroads of the Mile End’s shifting identity, run by a team that moved from catering into a full-time deli because they believed the neighbourhood still needed a place built around Montréal comfort food. The menu stretches far beyond the classics—schnitzel, shawarma, General Tao, baked salmon—but the through-line is the same: straightforward cooking shaped by the city’s immigrant traditions. The room pulls a wide mix of regulars, from long-timers looking for a familiar plate to students grabbing something quick between classes. It’s the kind of deli where the past isn’t treated as nostalgia but as a working blueprint, with smoked meat, soups, and hot plates carrying the weight of those earlier kitchens into a very contemporary Mile End.

Deli Boyz operates out of the Cavendish Mall food court, a spot that’s seen generations of Côte-Saint-Luc families cycle through for errands, groceries, and quick meals. The counter reflects that rhythm: kosher comfort food built for speed, from schnitzel and burgers to wraps, salads, and a smoked meat lineup that anchors the menu. It’s a practical setup—combos, add-ons, and more takeout orders than dine-ins—but it’s also a gathering point for neighbours who want something familiar without the fuss of a full restaurant. Their catering trays, especially the smoked meat platters, are a staple for local Shabbat tables and community events.