SumiLicious Smoked Meat

Tucked away in a nondescript Milliken strip mall, SumiLicious is the closest you’ll get to a Montreal deli experience without booking a VIA Rail ticket. Chef Sumith Fernando spent nearly twenty years at Schwartz’s before opening this spot in 2018, and he brought the entire playbook with him. The brisket undergoes a ten-day marinade, eight hours in the smoker, and a final three-hour steam, resulting in a halal-certified product that has consistently earned the place a Michelin Bib Gourmand. It’s a serious operation that doesn't bother with pretense, focusing entirely on the craft of the meat.

Order the signature smoked meat sandwich on rye with yellow mustard and don’t overthink it. Most people round out the meal with a poutine—using actual Quebec cheese curds—and a black cherry soda. It’s a counter-service, no-frills setup, so don't expect a reservation system; just show up, grab a seat at the bar or a table, and eat quickly. The kitchen shuts down by 7:00 PM, so don't roll up late expecting a late-night fix. If you’re eyeing the chicken sandwich, be prepared for a short wait if you haven't called ahead.