If you’ve ever been to Montreal, or even thought about it, there’s a good chance someone has pointed you in the direction of Dunn’s Famous. And for good reason.
Since 1927, this iconic institution has been perfecting the art of smoked meat and Montreal deli culture. But if it’s your first time stepping into this culinary landmark, or you simply want to know what’s worth ordering, this is your guide.
Let’s walk through the dishes that define Dunn’s Famous, the ones that locals crave, tourists photograph, and regulars come back for again and again.
Don’t Skip the Starters
Before the sandwich arrives, set the tone with something from Dunn’s starter menu. Think crispy onion rings stacked high, golden sweet potato fries served with house spicy mayo, or classic potato pancakes for that perfect savory crisp.
Craving something even more old school? The garlic bread, especially when gratinéed, is buttery, warm, and exactly the kind of comfort you expect from a Montreal deli.
These are the kinds of starters that don’t just fill the gap, they build anticipation.
For the Little Foodies: Dunn’s Kids Menu
Even the smallest guests deserve a big taste of Montreal tradition. The kids’ menu at Dunn’s offers crowd-pleasers like chicken fingers and fries, all-beef hot dogs, grilled cheese, and even spaghetti with meat or tomato sauce.
Every kids’ meal includes a drink and a scoop of ice cream, because when you’re feeding a family, details matter. The portions are just right, and the atmosphere is as relaxed as the food is reliable.
Parents leave happy, kids leave full, and everyone wins.
The Smoked Meat Sandwich That Defines a City
It’s the reason most people walk through the door. A thick stack of hand-sliced smoked meat, marinated for 14 days and steamed to perfection, layered between two slices of fresh rye bread. You can choose your cut, lean, medium, or fatty, and for many, medium strikes the perfect balance: tender, juicy, just the right amount of richness. What sets it apart is the technique. The meat is sliced by hand, not by machine. Why? Because that’s how you preserve texture, bite, and depth of flavor in every sandwich.
Craving a real Montreal classic? Head to Dunn’s Famous today and sink your teeth into the smoked meat sandwich that’s been setting the standard since 1927.
If you’re a first-timer, this isn’t just a dish, it’s a rite of passage.
Smoked Meat Poutine
Now imagine that same smoked meat, juicy and aromatic, resting atop golden fries, squeaky cheese curds, and piping hot gravy. That’s the smoked meat poutine. This is Quebec comfort food turned all the way up, and Dunn’s makes one that’s worth the mess.
It’s not just indulgent, it’s balanced. The richness of the meat cuts through the creamy curds, while the fries absorb every drop of savory sauce. Locals love it after hockey games, late nights, or even as a shared appetizer to start the meal right.
The Reuben
The Reuben at Dunn’s isn’t just a menu option, it’s a standout. Swiss cheese melted into folds of smoked meat, layered with tangy sauerkraut and slathered in Thousand Island dressing, all pressed between slices of warm pumpernickel.
It’s the kind of sandwich that hits every note: salty, creamy, sour, and a little sweet. For anyone who thinks smoked meat only belongs on rye, this might be your new favorite twist.
The Smoked Meat Club Sandwich
If you’re the kind of person who wants a little bit of everything, the club is your move. Lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a generous helping of Dunn’s signature smoked meat, stacked between three slices of toasted bread. It’s massive, fresh, and satisfying.
Some say it’s the most underrated item on the menu. Others just quietly order it every time.
The Downtown Wrap
A nod to the fast-paced crowd who still want real flavor. The Downtown Wrap takes everything you love about a smoked meat sandwich, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, dill pickle, and honey mustard, and rolls it up in a warm tortilla. It’s easy to eat, packed with flavor, and ideal if you’re grabbing lunch between meetings or sightseeing downtown.
This is the wrap that keeps tradition in every bite but updates the format.
Smoked Meat Pizza
Yes, you read that right, Smoked meat pizza. Imagine a crisp crust layered with tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and slices of smoked meat. It’s not trying to be traditional, it’s trying to be delicious. And it succeeds.
This dish is especially popular with families or groups who want something to share that still reflects Montreal’s roots.
Strawberry Cheesecake Worth Saving Room For
At Dunn’s, dessert isn’t an afterthought. Their strawberry cheesecake is dense, creamy, and crowned with a glossy strawberry topping that actually tastes like real fruit. It’s big enough to share, but no one ever wants to.
Pair it with a coffee or a soda and reflect on the greatness you just consumed.
Before You Go: Don’t Leave Without the Goods
Here’s a pro tip: grab your favorites from the Dunn’s retail line before you leave, because once you taste them, you’ll wish you had extras at home.
- BBQ Kettle Chips: Rich, smoky, and addictively crunchy. These BBQ kettle chips are often the first items to sell out in stores.
- Dill Pickle Chips: The bold, briny flavor Montreal snack lovers rave about—grab a few bags if they’re still on the shelf.
- Dill Pickle Peanuts: Salty, tangy, and crave-worthy, these dill pickle peanuts are unlike anything you’ll find at your grocery store.
- Dunn’s Famous Dill Pickles: Crisp, sour, and made in-house, these pickles are the unsung hero of every smoked meat plate, and yes, you can take them home too.
- Popcorn and sauces: Depending on availability, don’t sleep on their dill pickle popcorn or deli-style mustard jars.
Conclusion
It’s not just the recipes or the portions, it’s the philosophy. Every sandwich, every poutine, every wrap is made with the care of nearly a century of tradition. Dunn’s Famous is a reflection of what Montreal deli culture stands for: authenticity, generosity, and flavor that stays with you long after you’ve left the table.
So if you’re wondering what to try at Dunn’s Famous, start with the list above. Then work your way through the rest of the menu. You won’t regret a single bite.
