To the outside world, Montreal’s culinary soul is compressed into a singular, iconic image: a mountain of spiced, hand-sliced beef brisket wedged between two humble pieces of rye bread. Tourists line up for blocks in the biting cold of the Plateau just to experience that specific, tender saltiness of a smoked meat sandwich.
It is a legendary legacy, certainly, but it is also a beautiful distraction. While the world looks at the steam boxes, the city’s true gourmands are looking toward the back of the room, past the deli counters, where a different, more primal ritual is taking place.
If you truly want to understand the city’s appetite, you have to move away from the sandwich board and toward the intense, orange glow of the charcoal pits.
If you are searching for the best deli in Montreal, you aren’t just looking for a quick lunch; you are looking for the sophisticated, high-heat theater of the grillade.
What are the Grills at a Montreal Deli?
In the world of Montreal gastronomy, Grillades represent the tradition of open-flame and flat-top grilling. Unlike smoked meat, which is a slow-process labor of love prepared days in advance, the grill is all about “à la minute” cooking.
The atmosphere in these institutions is a unique hybrid: it’s part casual neighborhood diner, part historic steakhouse, and entirely Montreal. It’s where high-quality AAA beef meets the unpretentious service of a classic deli.
The 3 Best Grillade Options You Must Try
If you want to experience the peak of this tradition, these are the three best grillade options currently found on Montreal’s most famous menus:
1. The Aged Rib Steak (The King of the Grill)
The bone-in rib steak is the gold standard for meat lovers. Usually aged for 28 to 35 days, these steaks are seasoned simply to let the quality of the beef shine. At a top-tier deli, the ritual often begins with a “Starter Platter”, grilled salami and karnatzel (spiced dry sausage), to prime your palate for the main event.
2. The Hamburger Steak
This is comfort food elevated to an art form. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a massive portion of fresh ground beef, grilled to lock in the juices, and served without a bun. To eat it like a local, you must order it all-dressed, which means it arrives smothered in a savory holy trinity of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and green peppers.
3. The Marinated Grilled Chicken
For those seeking a lighter but equally flavorful alternative, the marinated chicken is a specialty. Whether it’s a Cajun spice rub or a Mediterranean herb marinade, the secret is in the long-duration soaking that ensures the meat remains tender under the high heat of the flame.
How to Order Like a Local
Navigating a deli menu can be intimidating, but a few simple rules will help you blend in:
- Steak Doneness: While you can order it how you like, “Medium-Rare” is the standard for a Montreal rib steak to ensure the fat renders perfectly without drying out the meat.
- The “All-Dressed” Request: If you are ordering the hamburger steak, don’t hold back. The toppings are half the experience.
- The Platter: Most grills are served as “platters,” which include a starter and sides. It’s a lot of food, so come hungry!
Best Sides for Grilled Plates
A grillade is only as good as its companions. To round out your meal, look for these essentials:
- The Potato: While fresh-cut fries are a deli staple, the classic steakhouse pairing for a rib steak is a fully loaded baked potato with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.
- The Refreshers: Balance the rich, savory flavors of the meat with a crisp garden salad or a side of creamy, vinegar-based coleslaw.
- The Garnish: No Montreal deli plate is complete without a signature oversized garlic or dill pickle to provide that essential acidic crunch.
Where to Eat the Best Grillades in Montreal
Finding the best deli in Montreal for grillades means looking for history. You’ll find the most authentic experiences in the heart of downtown, specifically at Dunn’s Famous.
Since 1927, Dunn’s Famous has been perfecting the art of the grill for nearly a century. This legendary institution is the primary destination for those who want the “Complete Platter” experience. Whether it’s a post-hockey game meal at 3:00 AM or a formal dinner in a red velvet booth, Dunn’s is where the sizzle of the Montreal grill becomes a flavor you won’t soon forget. With their 24/7 service and commitment to AAA-aged beef, they remain the undisputed masters of the grill.
Conclusion
The next time you find yourself in downtown Montreal, resist the urge to simply grab a sandwich and run. Step inside, take a seat in a booth, and listen for the unmistakable hiss of the grill. To eat a grillade is to participate in a century-old tradition that celebrates the bold, the savory, and the timeless.
Visit Dunn’s Famous today to experience the ultimate Montreal grillade. Whether you’re craving that legendary 14 oz Rib Steak or our world-class Smoked Meat, we’re open 24/7 to satisfy your hunger.
Points Clés
1. Beyond the world-famous smoked meat sandwich, Montreal’s historic delis house a “Grand Grill” tradition that offers a high-end steakhouse experience in a casual, historic setting.
2. The 14 oz AAA Rib Steak is the flagship grillade, aged to perfection and served as a multi-course event starting with traditional appetizers like Karnatzel and grilled salami.
3. The Hamburger Steak is a local comfort icon, grilled without the bun and smothered in the “Holy Trinity” of caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and green peppers.
4. The Cajun Chicken stands out through a rigorous 48-hour marination process, ensuring the meat remains incredibly juicy even under the intense heat of the charcoal grill.
5. Located on Metcalfe Street since 1927, Dunn’s Famous remains the ultimate destination for authentic grillades, offering the full “Complete Platter” experience 24 hours a day.
