5 editor picks across Canada.
5 jewish deli restaurants worth the trip across Canada, editor-ranked. All cuisines in Canada.
Schwartz's has served Montreal smoked meat since 1928: beef brisket marinated in the house spice blend, smoked, steamed, thinly sliced and served on rye.
OrderThe famous smoked meat on rye bread with mustard, and a cherry soda to wash it down.
TipTo avoid the queues, aim for off-peak times, sit at the counter, or share a table.
Centre Street Deli on Bay Street is the 2024 downtown outpost of the Thornhill original since 1988, Montreal-style smoked meat hand-sliced over light rye.
OrderThe classic smoked meat sandwich on rye with mustard and a pickle.
TipOrder the lean-and-medium mix; pure lean dries out fast. The Thornhill original is at 1136 Centre Street.
United Bakers at Lawrence Plaza is the city's reference kosher-style dairy restaurant since 1912, no-meat menu with blintzes, smoked fish and split-pea soup.
OrderThe split pea soup with a potato latke and applesauce.
TipKosher-style, not certified kosher. Closed Saturday and most Jewish holidays. The Ladovsky family has run it since 1912.
Lester's Deli has served Montreal smoked meat since 1951 at 1057 Avenue Bernard in Outremont, including a hearty plate with all the fixings.
OrderThe plate of famous Montreal smoked meat served with all the fixings.
TipNo reservations are needed at the Montreal location on Bernard Ave.
The Pickle Barrel at Yonge and Eglinton has run the Toronto-based deli chain since 1971, smoked meat sandwiches and Jewish-deli classics on the 2nd floor.
OrderA smoked meat sandwich on rye with deli pickle.
TipMultiple Toronto locations. The Yonge-Eglinton branch the most-visited, on the 2nd floor next to Cineplex.
