If there is any food that Montreal is most noted for worldwide, it is our Montreal Smoked Meat – which is unlike any smoked meat anywhere else around. Period. What’s that old lyric? Often imitated but never duplicated…Here at Notable, we wanted to make sure you knew the best spots across the city to find it…or at least, our favourite restos to grab a sliced-thin-piled-high bite of smoked meat heaven.
Schwartz’s Montreal Deli
Schwartz’s is coined Montreal’s best Hebrew Delicatessen, and this is no word of a lie. This Jewish Style deli without fail serves up the best and freshest smoked meat in town. Additionally you can order their roasted chicken, smoked turkey, and crispy fries, and everything tastes better with their Old Dill Pickles. Word to the wise, do not order your smoked meat lean: not only will they give you a dirty look, but it’s also far from as good as when you order it medium or regular. Expect long line ups for the restaurant, but if youère happy to carry out they have recently opened a take out window directly next door. It’s just as good! 3895 St. Laurent.
The Main
Located directly across the street from Schwartz’s, The Main serves up very underrated smoked meat that is most definitely worth trying. Although it usually stands in Schwartz’s shadows, there are many smoked meat aficionados who claim it to be better than its more popular counterpart. Best part is there is more room to sit down and enjoy your food, and there is rarely a line up (it is also open until way past 3am for your late night after the bar cravings). 3864 St. Laurent.
Snowdon Deli
This Cote-Des-Neiges neighborhood hot spot has been around for almost 50 years, and is a no frills type of spot that just knows how to serve up authentic deli food. One of the most notable sandwiches they sell is their smoked meat, and it holds up as one of the best in the city. Don’t expect much of an atmosphere, this is the type of spot you go for the food and the food alone. 5265 Decarie.
Image courtesy Creative Commons.