If you haven’t tried a Montreal smoked meat sandwich yet, you’re in for a treat!
And while there aren’t a lot of spots in Victoria to grab the specialty, CNN recently released a list of the top 25 sandwiches in the world, and we’ve got some Canadian representation!
In honour of that list, we wanted to highlight some local restaurants that pay homage to the legendary Montreal smoked meat sandwich.
The sandwich is a phenomenon in Eastern Canada, with restaurants like Schwartz’s Deli and Lester’s Deli gaining worldwide recognition for their takes on it.
We’ve asked you for suggestions for where we can get our own West Coast version of this Québécois classic, and you didn’t disappoint.
Here are the best spots to get a Montreal smoked meat sandwich in and around Victoria, plus a couple of honourable mentions from the community:
Broughton Street Deli
Broughton Street Deli does one of the most faithful versions of this sandwich in town. The eatery is a traditional East Coast style deli, complete with that red brick aesthetic typical of Montreal and a food-court-style ordering counter.
The Montreal smoked meat sandwich is their claim to fame, served on rye bread with mustard and some coleslaw and potato chips on the side.
If you’re looking for the real deal, Broughton Street Deli is the place to be.
- Where: 648 Broughton Street
- When: Monday to Friday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Village
Victorians know all about The Village.
Known mostly for their breakfast, The Village restaurants have quickly become one of the hippest spots in town for brunch.
Their sandwich menu is under-appreciated, though. The Village Beef Dip features Montreal smoked meat, horseradish aioli, arugula, crispy fried onions, melted swiss cheese and an au jus that is to die for.
A little different from the traditional sandwich, but incredibly delicious nonetheless.
- Where: Multiple locations
- When: Varied hours
The Roost Cafe
The Roost Cafe in North Saanich is a favourite for locals, or anyone looking for a bite to eat on their way to the airport or ferry terminal.
Located on a beautiful acreage in the heart of North Saanich’s pastoral landscape, much of the food made in the cafe is grown right on the property.
The Montreal smoked meat sandwich is highly lauded. It comes served on their fresh artisan bread, with mustard, swiss cheese and mayo.
Get it with a little sauerkraut for an extra kick!
- Where: 9100 East Saanich Road
- When: Daily – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pagliacci’s
Pagliacci’s is one of Victoria’s most storied establishments and has been a pillar of the community for decades, opening their doors all the way back in 1979.
Locals know them mostly for their pasta dishes, but the restaurant has been reinventing itself lately and now features a lunch menu with a delicious “Victoria smoked meat” sandwich.
Served with mustard, swiss cheese and a pickle, the twist in this one is that it comes on a pretzel bun.
Try heading down on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for some live jazz!
- Where: 1011 Broad Street
- When:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dagwoods Cafe
This one’s for the Westshore foodies!
Dagwood’s Cafe is beloved in Langford and the Westshore. They’ve made a name for themselves as a cozy cafe with tons of baked goods and homemade delights.
One of the longest-standing items on their menu is the Montreal smoked meat sandwich, which had some community members raving.
Try it out on your next post-hike lunch!
- Where: 662 Goldstream Avenue
- When: Tuesday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
La Belle Patate
La Belle Patate is authentic Montreal through and through.
They’ve reduced their menu to focus primarily on poutine and not as much on sandwiches, however they still feature a Montreal smoked meat poutine that will have you nostalgic for “La Métropole.”
Why not mix two traditional Montreal dishes into one?
- Where: 1215 Esquimalt Road
- When: Monday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Buzzy’s Luncheonette on Saltspring
And while this location isn’t in Victoria, this one’s for our friends on Saltspring.
Community members were insistent that Buzzy’s has the best Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich in the Capital Regional District.
Their “Old School” version of the classic sandwich is placed on marble rye with mustard and tangy slaw.
The restaurant advertises itself as a Montreal Jewish deli and has been open since 2017.
The next time you find yourself on Saltspring, give this place a try!
- Where: 149 Fulford Ganges Road, Saltspring
- When:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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