The best smoked meat sandwiches in Toronto
Montreal might brag about its iconic Schwartz's deli, but you’ll find plenty of places in Toronto serving towering smoked meat sandwiches smeared with mustard and served with a juicy dill pickle on the side. Here are a few authentic favourites where the deli sandwiches never disappoint.
Caplansky's Deli & Catering
356 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S6Zane Caplansky started out curing, smoking and hand-slicing briskets of beef in a pop-up shop inside the legendary Monarch Tavern. Today, his eponymous College Street deli has become a Toronto institution and has been featured on numerous television shows. Here, the “Rubenesque” sandwich is served with smoked meat, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. Look out for Zane cruising across the city in his signature royal blue food truck (she answers to the name Thunderin’ Thelma).
Corned Beef House
270 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1X6This Adelaide Street establishment has been serving up handmade, homemade Jewish deli food since 1978. The Montreal smoked meat sandwiches are available in three sizes: huge, gigantic and colossal. Wondering just how big that sammy really is? The meat is stacked approximately 8 cm high (that’s about 10 oz. of smoky, salty goodness) and served on rye bread and with an oversized dill pickle.
Katz's Deli And Corned Beef Emporium
3300 Dufferin St, North York, ON M6A 2T5For the smoked meat enthusiast – the one who’s tried ‘em all – a visit to Toronto’s corned beef emporium in North York is a must. Located a hop-skip from Yorkdale Mall, Katz’s Deli is a mainstay for pastrami, corned beef and Montreal-style smoked meat. Hosting a party? This old school spot (originally opened in 1970) offers deli trays and custom catering services to boot.
Big Crow
176 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 2E6Got a brunch-time hankering for some smoked meat? This heated, open-air Dupont BBQ joint hosts a grilled Rueben with brisket and it’s accented with mozzarella, sauerkraut and a pickle. Drooling yet? The dinnertime menu also includes a hot smoked Rueben and brisket platter, designed for sharing with pals.
Yitz's Deli & Catering
346 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M5N 1A2Black and white turn-of-the-century photographs and vintage movie posters contribute to the nostalgic vibe at this delicatessen on Eglinton West. The no-frills haunt offers a variety of sandwiches including Montreal-style smoked meat, corned beef, roast beef or tongue. Add a side of Yitz’s special fries to your sandwich.
The Centre Street Delicatessen Ltd Ont
1136 Centre St, Thornhill, ON L4J 3M8This popular Thornhill deli serves up traditional hand-cut smoked meat that packs plenty of flavour at an affordable price. The hot meat sandwiches are stacked on rye bread and come in a number of different varieties including classic smoked meat, corned beef or turkey pastrami.
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