Lester's Deli

Superb! Amazing food, great prices even for today's standard.
Must go if you are around

Notre première fois, restaurant assez petit, mais rempli de vieux souvenirs physique sur les murs. Très bon sandwich à la viande fumée, belles frites croustillantes, accompagné d'une salade de choux et de cornichons.

À l'heure des repas, ça doit être la folie. 14h00 c'était parfait pour nous!

Unique in the world, Lester’s smoked meat is simply the best.
If you’re visiting Montreal, you must go and try one of their delicious sandwich with fresh cut fries.

Perfect smoke meat treat.
There no messing around here. Very to the point, but they are still willing to help the newbies figure out the best way to share their plates ;)
I won't want a thing to be changed.

Came in w/o reservation with a group of 10. Place was empty, waitresses had a hissy fit that we came in unannounced even though the place was empty. Pretty rude about it so we took our business elsewhere.

De passage à Montréal, nous avons été déjeuner le 18 juillet dans ce restaurant à la décoration d'un autre temps. Quelle belle découverte! La viande est délicieuse, de vraies frites maison, nous nous sommes régalés. Cependant tout cela n'aurait pas eu la même saveur sans l'accueil chaleureux de l'équipe et plus spécialement de Sandra, une personne lumineuse qui est vraiment aux petits soins pour ses clients. Merci pour cette belle expérience. (Merci pour la découverte de la Cott).

Their old-fashioned smoked meat is a classic of the genre in Montreal. Still a favourite after all these years.

Excellent smoked meat and fries fresh tasty and generous, Montreal top 3 institutions! Ordered via ubereats, fast service as well, Allez y les yeux fermés vous allez vous régaler

Standard Montreal smoked meat. Did not live up to my expectations. Was no better than store bought deli meat. Received the lean end of the brisket, did not have much bark. Lacked any depths of flavor.

Très bon service et le smoke meat est vraiment excellent. Le personnel est vraiment sympathique.

Très bon mais trop dispendieux considérant la quantité. Après avoir déboursé 32$, pour un sandwich +frites + un soda (tx et tips inclus). J'avais encore faim! Pourtant, je ne mange pas de manière excessive!

It's a nice spot with a very traditional old school retro ambiance. The service is great with very friendly staff. This was my first time at a place like this, so I can't compare with other delis, but everything was delicious, fresh, and tasty. Prices were elevated in my opinion, but it was worth it. Hope to be back soon to try more things from their menu.

We came from Ontario to see a concert at the Bell Centre and did tons of looking for the best smoked meat sandwich. I was told that Lester’s would be the best and boy it did not disappoint! The sandwich was piled high with meat and the fries were also so good. We came at about 4: 30 on a Thursday and we were the only ones inside so I think we got really lucky to have a chill experience. Loved the atmosphere of all the stuff collected covering the walls and food was top notch. Would definitely recommend!

This was our first visit to Montreal and we actually showed up at closing time, the owner was so generous he actually delayed leaving and wrapped up 4 specials and suggested a picnic area around the corner. Even after a short walk, the food was hot, plentiful and absolutely delicious! Thanks so much for the amazing service, we loved Montreal and will definitely come again!

I drive by Schwartz almost everyday and see a line and wonder why.

Now to me Lester's is the HEAVEN of smoke meat! Now if you're visiting the city and want to try our world famous smoked meat I'm sure you're going to be told Schwartz but make sure to try Lester's too and you make your decision. I believe in to each their own but when something is good its GOOOOOOD and that's Lester's on Bernard street to me hands down!

Les portions compte tenu du prix ne sont pas généreuse. Le cheezeburger et la poutine était bonne mais l assiette de smokemeat était petite.

Très bon mais trop dispendieux considérant la quantité. Après avoir déboursé 32$, pour un sandwich +frites + un soda (tx et tips inclus). J'avais encore faim! Pourtant, je mange pas de manière excessive!

Just ordered 10 lbs. Mario brought us some this summer and was AWESOME! All the golf buddies can't wait!

I ordered a club sandwich with tuna to takeway and I didn’t check my food, I’ve got a smoked meat sandwich and fries but I don’t eat meat. I guess I enjoyed my 17$ fries. The staff was nice tho

La viande n'a rien de très spécial mais le service est agréable. La viande gagnerait à être davantage fumée.

Lester's Deli really is a nice place to visit. We tried the smoked meat sandwich (of course!) and it was very good.

The decor is a large collection of amusing items across several decades, all piled on a wall, opposite the big deli display full of meat and mustard, pickles and spices.

The staff was friendly and good, and the food really did taste great - the smoked meat is so much better than sliced stuff you'll get in other sandwiches. I guess the only reason I didn't mark 5 stars is because I expected the sandwich to be a bit bigger and maybe the look of the fries wasn't wonderful (although the texture and taste were excellent).

I am telling friends visiting Montreal to check out Lester's - I am glad we stopped by!

Delicious comforting food, nice people, inviting atmosphere. A perfect place to take a visitor, and they definitely have the best hot dog

Darn good smoked meat, really simple and great service. This was exactly what I was craving and didn’t have to wait in a long line to get it. Great humour and friendly vibe. I will definitely be back, and will be dreaming about this sandwich when I leave Montreal.

Excellent! Le meilleur sandwich de Montreal/Canada/North America/world. Schwartz c est rien à coté. J y vais à chaque fois que je passe à Montreal. Et comme le dit R. Charlebois, je reviendrai à Montreal.et donc chez Lester!

Wow, it was juicy, made fresh and given with a smile! Thank you for this delicious best Montreal smoke meat I ever tasted, I can’t stop eating it when I got it. I loved it so much that I want to visit again when I go back Montreal —- it is a super must try for everyone! Theeee super best! Thanks:)

Friendly staff. You feel welcomed almost immediately. Service was good and fast.
The little one loved their trick Mustard bottle.
Smoked meat - DELICIOUS
Poutine - no regrets
A lovely nostalgic feel to the whole place.

After trying Schwartz’s deli, I wasn’t really satisfied the Montreal smoke meat experience, so I decided to try another place that I came across in my research, Lester’s Deli. I didn’t feel like having more bread, so we just ordered a poutine with smoke meat (this is our second lunch after Schwartz’s, and 2 bagel places. Yes, we are foodies).

I found Lester’s smoke meat had more flavour than Schwartz’s, that’s confirmed my suspicion that Schwartz’s is over hyped.

I think both are real close in terms of taste, I think Lester’s deli should get the same praises as Schwartz’s. Plus the decorations are better at Lester’s.

The staff was incredible, the food was exceptional, the prices were very fair for the quality & the people working made sure our experience was memorable. You have to go there if you're visiting Montreal.

If you want smoked meat and away from the tourists and not stand in line for a bloody hour. This is the place to visit and ive tried Schwartz, this one is just as good and better tasting because I'm not shoulder to shoulder with everyone else, and without that 1hr line up it is a godsend for parents with kids!

Ce restaurant a le même âge que moi et je n'y avais jamais mis les pieds, quel dommage! Le smoked meat bat Dunns, Scwartz et Deli snowdon! Toute une expérience et un voyage dans le temps avec le décor! Miam

Last time I was here was pre covid. The owner was very friendly and was very helpful with choosing the packaged meat to take home.

Had a smoked meat poutine this visit. Best combo hands down

The best thing about Lester's smoked meat is that it's not overwhelming like other places. Recommend to visit this place if you're around the area

Ordered a nice smoked meat sandwich and got some goooood crunchy pickles with a vinegar coleslaw. Really classic Deli in the heart of the mile end.try and have a seat, and ask for an extra squirt of mustard. Also the fries were so secretly good, I devoured them.

Wanted to try it for a while now and I can say I really liked it. As a smoked meat lover, it tasted great. Service was also very good.

The smoked meat sandwich was delicious! Waitress was delightful. Charming deli with original decor. Highly recommend.

Le service était impeccable, mais je suis très déçu de la nourriture. Je m'attendais à de la viande fumée faite sur place ou à tout le moins par eux, mais le camion de livraison d'une marque connue est venu livré la viande fumée pendant que j'y étais.
Le prix est le prix d'un produit artisanal, pas industriel. Ce commerce vie sur sa réputation et non sa nourriture. C'était correct, sans plus.

Cozy atmosphere and the salami is favorable. Strongly recommend to eat the salami sandwich with the pickles!

Large Smoked Meat is a classic. Fantastic service in an historic Montréal (Outremont) restaurant

J'ai été bien servis, en français, malgré l'anglais très bien ancré dans le cartier, je vais y retourner assurément car j'ai aimé le service et j'ai même pris un kit pour la famille question qu'ils ce régale également a leurs tour! Montréal c'est une ville bilingue et le service en français est nécessaire pour garder les 2 langues bien vivante!

C est la place à smoked meat à Montréal,
Billy le proprio s occupe de vous et vous sert les meilleurs plats de ce restaurant, la viande n est pas sec mais juteuse.
Merci beaucoup Billy
Pierre Fafard et son bouvier des Flandres

Super nice workers that are serving the best smoked meat (and most delicious fries). When you walk in it’s like you’ve been a local for years. Definitely a must try when visiting Montréal

If you haven’t stopped here yet, you must! Recommended by a local and we are so happy it was part of our foodie Montreal journey. 10/10!

Stopped by here with my wife on a whim and I'm glad we did! The smoked meat was phenomenal and the staff were all great. Will definetly be coming back the next time I'm in Montreal.

While most travel sites will steer tourists to either the "world famous" Schwartz's Deli, or to its lesser known (but better smoked meat) counterpart across the street Main Deli, the true deli champion is Lester's Deli. The meat tastes better and has better consistency.and it's hand-sliced thinner too. All the counter staff and wait staff are super friendly, and will tell you everything you need to know about preparing your own smoked meat should you decide to purchase a pound or two to bring home (pre-sliced and vacuum packed).

Attention! Le caissier ne porte pas de masque. Je trouve ça vraiment irrespectueux pour le client qui s’efforce de porter un masque et respecter les règles. Le masque est toujours obligatoire à l'intérieur je vous rappelle, alors s’il vous plait faites un effort pour respecter les mesures sanitaires parceque honnêtement ça ne donne vraiment pas envie d’y retourner.

Pour une expérience old fashion, une équipe qui se donnent corps et âme depuis 1951. Une fois dans votre vie, vous devez absolument y faire un saut. L'essayer une fois, c'est l'adopter, je vous le garanti. Au plaisir de vous servir, à très bientôt. Xxx

Cooked to perfection. Definitely number 1 in Montreal. The meat is juicy, not over spiced and they know how to cut and serve it, unlike other great restaurants that scoop up the extra junk that falls. You get the best here!

What can you say about Lester’s? When you look up “FANTASTIC old school deli” it should transport you to lovely Bernard St.and into a comfy seat here.

Look. Everyone can argue all day about which delis are better. Lester’s is amazing. The real question is what do they do better than the other classic delis in our world-class city?

1. The people who work here. So so wonderful. Always friendly and welcoming. It’s a joy to walk in.

2. The smoked meat. It’s to my tastes. I like it a little salty and smoky. That’s what I get here.

3. The cheesecake. I love the consistency. As classic as deli cheesecake gets.

4. The cole slaw. Perfect balance of sweet and tart. Always crunchy.

That’s it. It’s truly a can’t-miss. Please pay them a visit!

Hands down this is the best in Montreal for smoked meat. Gets busy at lunch time, but the line moves fast. It’s always the best when you get the hot smoked meat, but they also have vacuum packed which travels well. They ship also!

They have the typical sides like pickles and coleslaw. The pickles have serious bite.

If you want to take out and avoid the line, go early in the morning.

I absolutely loved their dishes and service, fantastic location nearby to my home. The employees are always very kind. Will come visit again.

What an absolute joke of a restaurant, you walk in and the staff is yelling at each other in front of clients. Food is way overpriced, I got a small smoked meat sandwich, fries and a drink for 21$.

First time Lesters customer. Im a big fan of club sandwich and that’s what I ordered but was disappointed because it was deli meat turkey rather than turkey breast. It was basically a cold cuts sandwich. If you enjoy sliced turkey you will likely enjoy. Their pickles and coleslaw were definitely 5 star, but the fries were not my style. Soft and not crunchy. Typical poutine fries I guess. Service was great. I guess it’s just what your expectations are for a classic club. Next time I would get smoked meat because that seems to be their specialty.

In a city with the world's best smoked meat, Lester's smoked meat sandwich cannot be surpassed. Theirs is tender, juicy and well-accompanied by fries and pickle.

Love the atmosphere of the deli, staff are amazing. Friendly tip: ask for your preferred cut of meat (low fat, medium, or fatty) i also like to break tradition and aff the cheese slice. To me it take the smoked meat to another level

Pretty good smoked meat sandwich, and interesting atmosphere that oozes history. One of us wanted something else on the menu other than smoked meat though and it was really disappointing. So if you just go for the fabled smoked meat, then you'll probably be satisfied.

The service there was great. I had very high expectations for my first smoked meat etc experience.and from this place. It didn't meet my expectations on how well others talked about it. But it a good place to check out.

This place has the best smoked meat I've ever eaten. It'll be a quest to find somewhere that will come close!

Mon fils voulant essayer cet endroit, je l’ai suivi. Endroit petit d’environ 50 places assis à l’intérieur. Nous avons été servis par Sandra, serveuse au sourire contagieux et avec des yeux très accrocher qu’on ne peut oublier. Pour 20.04$ j’ai eu droit a 1 frite, 1 Smoke meat et un breuvage. Je suis habituée avec les enveloppes du super marché et certain resto Delicatessen, alors oui, le gout est vraiment différent, mais il ne m’a pas accroché. Cela me surprendrait que j’y retourne malgré la gentillesse du proprio et des yeux de Sandra. Par contre mon fils, lui a beaucoup aimer

Their meet was delicious, we came back for second time, the owner greets you, fast service, meat just melts in mouth it was so good. I wish we had them in Brooklyn NY.

Wonderful brother and sister owners. Had the best smoked meat here of my trip, better than all of Dunn/Main/Schwartz/Snowdon

Great local deli place! The meat is different than other smoked deli places (it's less smoked) but still really amazing!
This is going to be my go to smoked meat place next time I come. No line and lots of seating!

Down to earth deli with excellent food and good prices. The roast beef sandwich knocked my socks off!

TELLEMENT DÉLICIEUX et que dire du service.qu'il est impeccable. J'avais demandé un sandwich sommes meat très maigre et je n'aurais pu faire mieux. Frites sublimes, très propre et décor vintage réussi! J'y retourne d'ailleurs dans quelques jours car je salive encore rien que d'y penser!

Alright after several trips to Montreal, and several visits to both Snowden Deli & Lester's. My husband and I declare our winner to be Lester's! The meat is perfect everytime, packed with flavor, and I even like the meat a bit fattier because of how darn good it is. The service is chipper & they go the extra mile, along with delicious food keeps us coming back!

Just recently went to Lester's deli during my first trip to Montreal.what a treat! Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by the very friendly owner and seated at table. We all ordered the smoked meat sandwich and it was delicious! She made sure our sandwiches arrived with just the right amount of juiciness the way a traditional smoked meat sandwich should be and even gave us tips on how to tackle the large sandwich. And as soon Billy saw my phone come out to take a picture, he was right there, ready to take a picture for us. The owners also chatted with us while we were there, giving us a little bit of the history of the place. And as a treat at the end of our meal they brought us a piece of carrot cake (which was also delicious and HUGE) to welcome us to Montreal. Overall, the whole experience of having my first smoked meat sandwich was Amazing!

Bons smoked meat et frites. Par contre c'est un peu cher. Il y a plein d'articles qui nous ramènes très loin, années 50-60-70

So rude. The inside was nearly empty with multiple empty tables and two empty booths. We were a party of three. When we asked to sit at a booth an angry voice cried out NO from behind the counter and we were surrounded by three staff forbidding us a booth. The manager said he could not let us sit at a booth because “two parties of 6 might come in. ” I don’t see how six could sit at one of their booths anyway, they are clearly made to accommodate 3 or 4. I notice that the management themselves responded to a similar review explaining that a party of 2 could not take a booth in the empty restaurant because these were reserved for parties of 3 or 4. I guess this policy has since changed to exclude parties of 3 as well. So rude. We left.

Family-run deli serving up excellent smoked meats and other traditional fare. Limited seating inside, but quick, courteous service and excellent value. Further from the touristy parts of MTL than Schwartz's so less chance of line-ups. Eat in and admire the old-style decor and tchotchkes.

Little pricey, but it just might be the best smoke meat in Montréal. The smoke meat sandwich was one of the best I had, the smoke meat poutine has a generous amount of smoke meat, the fries are home made and not too greasy but crispy enough (they have vinegar in vaporizer bottles which is a brilliant idea I've never seen before), even the pickles are perfect.

Service is awesome. Kids are welcome: they brought mine color pencils and a drawing sheet for the world before are meal, and they gave them a little toy as we were leaving.

I also have to mention the decor: exactly what you'd expect from a deli opened in 1951. Including celebrities signed pictures, huge draw by hand menus over the counter, old pictures of the restaurant, etc.

If you want the real Montréal smoke meat experience, forget about the dry meat and overcrowded Schwartz, and go to Lester's!

Great smoke meat. We are from Chicago and tried the “ big three” smoked meet shops and Lester’s is the best. Very friendly waitstaff and counter people. We loved it so much that we are bringing back 2 lbs to share at home. That’s for the great meat.

Ordered a smoked meat sandwich & smoked meat poutine to go and it was SO GOOD. Worth the price, there's a good reason why it's been there since 1950s!

I went by today, after maybe a 10 year hiatus. The fries were perfect (and much better than I remembered). The service from the woman at the cash was amazing. She made sure I got the medium-fat even after I ordered without specifying and then realizing my error. The meat was great. I am posted this even before tasting the pickle. Also, despite them rushing and giving me great service, I had the chutzpah to say I was double parked (implying I was in a rush and they were going slow, but they weren't!).