Montreal's Jewish community is one oldest in the city. With over 100,000 strong, some families can trace their Montreal lineage all the way back to the 18th century. This foundational community has contributed much to the Montreal cultural landscape! Montreal classics such as smoked meat and bagels are famous, with names like Schwartz's and St-Viateur echoing in the farthest corners of the world. Today, I bring you 12 of the finest and most authentic Montreal Jewish delis. READ NOW: Everything New Coming To Osheaga This Summer 2019 TL;DR We all love smoked meat and Jewish delis, so sit back and enjoy 12 of the best and most authentic Jewish delis in Montreal. These spots are sure to satisfy your craving for cured meats and most will transport you back to a simpler time, where all you needed to be happy was a slice of smoked meat on rye. Wilensky's Light Lunch View this post on Instagram The famous Wilensky’s Special, an all-beef salami and all-beef bologna pressed sandwich. Always served with mustard. Never cut in half. A true #Montreal classic. Our new travel series about this amazing city starts next Tuesday!!! Stay tuned. #wilenskyspecial #wilenskys #eatermontreal #canadatravel #travelgram #mlt #traveltuesday #mileend #chicagofoodbloggers #windycitybloggers #instatravel #travelblogger #bologna #salami A post shared by Maria & Nabol (@kimchiandbeans) on Jan 16, 2019 at 8:07pm PST Opened in 1932 by Moe Wilensky, this classic Montreal deli counter is known for 'The Special," a grilled salami and bologna sandwich with mustard on a kaiser roll. The mustard is compulsory. Again, you cannot call yourself a Montrealer if you haven't been to Wilensky's. Where: 34 Fairmount O. Website Snowdon Deli View this post on Instagram Club members only A post shared by Ariel Schor (@donlardo) on Apr 15, 2018 at 12:06pm PDT In 1946, the Morantz family established their Snowdon Deli in the West End and haven't looked back since. As yet another traditional Montreal Jewish deli that needs to be experienced, hurry up and go there. Smoked meat, matzah ball soup, you know what to expect. Where: 5265 Decarie Website Deli 365 View this post on Instagram Continuing my #Montreal #foodtour, this time at a newer place, #Deli365 just next to #Cheskies in #Outremont. I haven't finished my survey of #kosher #smokedmeat, but along with #Charcuterie Amsellem, this is the best I've had so far. So steamy and moist and flavorful. It was the highlight of my day. #deli #beef #smoked #meat #foodporn #food52 #delicious #foodgasm #sandwich #nomnom #nofilter #thefeedfeed #gastronogram #instayum #ajewsbouche A post shared by A Jew's Bouche (@ajewsbouche) on Aug 6, 2015 at 1:43pm PDT As a relative newcomer to Montreal's deli scene, Deli 365 is as classic and authentic as they come. Fusing the classic and the modern, Deli 365 brings you your classic deli fare along with poutine, chicken wings, and burgers. Come discover the new kid on the block! Where: 365 Bernard O. Website Cheskie's View this post on Instagram Who wouldn't like chocolate babka? #chocolatebabka #mmm #myfavoritefood A post shared by Mari (@atomoy) on Nov 3, 2016 at 5:44pm PDT Though not "technically" a deli, Cheskie's deserves a mention because it's one of the best and most established Jewish bakeries in the city. The chocolate babka is probably the best you'll find this side of Brooklyn. Other classics like lava cake, black and white cookies, and cheesecakes are to die for. Where: 359 Bernard O. Website Lester's Deli View this post on Instagram It’s best friends day! Celebrate it with your close ones at Lester’s Deli! Photo: @iggylai. . . . . #BestFriendsDay#montreal #mtl #mtlmoments #smokedmeat #smokedmeatlover #poutine #poutinelover #tasty #tastyfood #delicious #goodfood #foodie #foodporn #foodies #lestersdeli #deliciousness #mtlfood #mtlfoodies #we_love_smokedmeat #fortheloveoffood A post shared by Lester's Deli (@lestersdeli) on Jun 8, 2018 at 1:05pm PDT For over 60 years, Lester's Deli has been serving some of the finest smoked meat in the city. While specializing in bulk orders for restaurants and grocery stores, the deli is still open to the public and makes a mean sandwich. As yet another classic Montreal Jewish institution, it's impossible that you haven't eaten Lester's smoked meat at some point in your life. Where: 1057 Bernard Website Hof Kelsten View this post on Instagram Pickled salmon (like Bubbie used to make)+ eggs Benedict +buttermilk biscuit; saumon mariné, œufs bénédictines, petite pain babeurre 🥰 A post shared by Jeffrey Finkelstein (@hofkelsten) on Mar 23, 2019 at 10:05am PDT Again, while not technically a deli, Hof Kelsten is an awesome Jewish bakery that also serves brunch and lunch. Housed in a modern storefront on the Main, Hof Kelsten is probably Montreal's favourite place to get bread. Their borscht is a pleasant surprise and you'll also be amazed at the freshness of their bagels and lox. Where: 4524 St-Laurent Website Beauty's Luncheonette View this post on Instagram Beautys Bonjour A post shared by Beautys Luncheonette (@beautysluncheonette) on Apr 7, 2013 at 7:25pm PDT Since 1942, Beauty's Luncheonette has been serving the Plateau with some of the finest and most inexpensive breakfast and lunch. The diner still retains its original 1942 charm and holds up as one of the best choices for a messy breakfast. Their mishmash and bagels and lox are out of this world. Where: 93 Mont-Royal O. Website Fletcher's View this post on Instagram We’re not letting a little snow stop us, we’re ready for Klezmer brunch! Along with our regular menu we’ve got a Montreal Steak Spice Dip Plate - Mtl steak spice yogourt dip served with a sesame bagel, cucumbers, dill pickle chips and pickled red onions. Because there should always be chips at brunch! 🤗 A post shared by Fletchers - Espace Culinaire (@fletchersmontreal) on Mar 10, 2019 at 7:04am PDT Fletcher's is located in the Museum of Jewish Montreal and is chiefly known for delightful brunch and light lunch options. They skew towards modern Isreali cooking with gefilte fish tacos and sababa salad. Don't be deterred, however, they stay true to traditional Jewish roots and offer some of the finest Isreali dishes this side of Tel Aviv. Where: 4040 St-Laurent #R01 Website Bagels on Greene View this post on Instagram Cream cheese salmon bagel 🤤🤤🤤 Happy Monday !!! #bagelsongreene #bagels #restomtl #yummy #westmountresto #montrealfood #salmonbagel #mtlbagel A post shared by Bagels On Greene (@bagelsongreene) on Feb 25, 2019 at 10:32am PST A well-kept Westmount secret, Bagels on Greene makes awesome bagels and deli platters in a huge 4,000 square foot market space. While you're having a nosh, be sure to peruse through the store to get some groceries. They even have ready-made lunchboxes if you're in a rush! Where: 4160 Saint-Catherine Website Reuben's Deli & Steakhouse View this post on Instagram Craving a #Montreal classic? Our Big Bang Sandwich never disappoints. #ReubensDeliMTL A post shared by Reuben's Deli & Steakhouse (@reubensmtl) on Nov 21, 2018 at 6:29am PST We conclude our deli tour of Montreal with yet another classic Montreal institution. Reuben's Deli and Steakhouse is a little more upscale than most of the restaurants on this list, but don't let that distract you from the fact that they make some of the best smoked meat in town. Again, if you haven't gone at least once, who are you? Where: 1116 Saint-Catherine O. Website Schwartz's Deli View this post on Instagram A post shared by Schwartz's Deli Montreal (@schwartzs_deli_mtrl) on Apr 1, 2017 at 6:10am PDT I don't think Schwartz's needs any introduction. Since 1928, Schwartz's has been known for one thing: amazing smoked meat. Montreal is synonymous with Schwartz's and vice-versa. Can you even call yourself a Montrealer if you haven't been here? Where: 3895 St-Laurent Website The Main Deli & Steakhouse @noahsfizzyembedded via Right across the street from Schwartz's is The Main Deli and Steakhouse. People will literally get into fights over which one is better. This was Leonard Cohen's favourite spot. I personally prefer the Main because I don't like lineups, but it really doesn't matter which one you go to. Go to both! Where: 3864 St-Laurent Website
