Lester's Deli — Restaurant in Montreal

Stepping into Lester's Deli, you're hit with the kind of expectation that only comes from the promise of Montreal's famed smoked meat! The smoked meat sandwich, let's be clear, is VERY GOOD. It's the kind of flavor explosion that makes you wonder if the chef isn't a Michelin-starred maestro hiding in a deli. The meat is so tender, so richly infused with flavor and spices, it's like the culinary equivalent of a symphony orchestra playing in your mouth, with every instrument perfectly tuned. But then, there's the bread… Oh, the bread. It's the understeer in our gastronomic joyride, the unexpected disappointment that leaves you yearning for a bit more grip on the culinary road. It's as if, in the midst of creating this smoked meat opus, the chef suddenly decided, "Let's just dial it in with the bread it’s like pairing a world-class actor with a backup dancer who can't find the beat.

And the fries. Where do we start? Calling them "awful" is a kindness. They're the culinary equivalent of attending a concert only to have the speakers blow out during the first song. Burned, flabby, and tasteless, they're a travesty, an affront to potato lovers everywhere. It's as if someone in Montreal decreed, "All fries must henceforth be as appealing as a rain-soaked weekend in the beach." It's not just Lester's; it's a city-wide conspiracy against the humble spud. I wonder if there's a secret society dedicated to ruining fries, meeting in dark alleys and exchanging soggy, burned potatoes as tokens of membership.

In sum, Lester's Deli serves up a smoked meat sandwich that could easily become the stuff of legends, if only the bread and fries rose to the occasion making this a place worth...

Well at a loss for words and saddened to have found out during my visit that the owners had sold the place. I did my best to give this place a try, but it was a disaster from the moment I walked in.

Each time I visit Montreal for business, Lester's Deli was one of my stops. It was eclectic, the food was great, but what made it special was the people. They remember you and make you feel like family.

This time I walked in and chaos on the floor with the waitress and the guy cutting the meat yelling. I walked to the counter to place the order and stood there for 10 minutes in front of her before the guy cutting the meat said just give me your order. Food handling was a disaster, and too many people in and out of that kitchen. They actually took the karnatzel with his greasy hands and called a guy from the kitchen to grab it gave it to him, like how you would hand a baton in a race. Seriosly, put it on a plate and give the plate to the guy to cook.

To the meat chef, please wear those black gloves when you have cuts on your fingers.

To the new owner, you place is legendary, DO NOT let it go down by hiring the wrong staff. Owning this place means you running it, not just collecting the money. Not once while you were watching this disaster unfold did you step in. You just stood in the corner eating your lettuce wrapped tuna sandwich and you let customers walk out. Its a shame and hope to...

UPDATED AFTER RESPONSE FROM RUDE NEW OWNER: A new KING has been Crowned! A very pleasant surprise, and great atmosphere. Small home town feel with big portions and the perfect brisket. The staff was great, and service was fast, and most importantly, the place was clean!

The meat was flavored perfectly, and the best part no dripping fat like you see at other places. Each bite was full of vibrant flavor. The poutine had the best cheese curds I have ever had in my travels.

This place is a hidden gem that should be getting more attention than the other two places in Montreal. It is now my NEW Go-To Place for authentic Montreal Smoke Meat.

If you want the best in the world, you need to visit Lester's Deli.

The comment as I picked up my order was "you will be back" and they were soo right! Thank you guys, for the incredible food experience!

UPDATE BELOW TO OWNERS RESPONSE: First off Yes you do cook the Karnatzel and the way you handled the food was horrible.

You saw the customer in front me leave, and you not once stepped in. The heavy set guy behind the counter with the bandages on his hands tried to step in.

If you want to keep the legacy of the restaurant, you have to...