Michel’s Montreal Smoked Meat

There are very few places in Western Canada that serve real smoke. Michel’s is fabulous. I will definitely return. If you have never had smoked meat try it here, this is the pinnacle of smoked meat establishments.

I vacationed in Quebec this last summer and took advantage of the Poutine and Montréal smoked beef, I had a couple of disappointments but for the most part it was amazing.
When I heard this deli had opened I was excited until I tried it.
Like so many restaurants that open in Kelowna, some people think they can get away with providing less than excellent service and food. «Michele’s Montréal» should live up to its name. I had poor service, small portions, people around us were not happy I did not finish my meal.

Delicious !!! We don’t eat bread so just had a side of meat with a side of slaw. Loved it

4^th update. Business is now closed. Lasted 6 weeks. I’ve heard that owner couldn’t make enough margin on smoked meat to make it work.
3^rd update! Original 2 reviews below
Thank you! So nice to see a platter on the menu now. Flavour of meat seems to have improved as well! Adding another star.
Portion size is still a bit inconsistent but better. Load up those sandwiches and keep working on the slicing. Keep up the good work!
(2^nd review)
I went back for a second time today now that they have been open for a while. Things have improved quite a bit so I’m adding another star.
poutine gravy is much better now. Thicker with better flavour. Still needs more salt but you can add your own. Fries were undercooked and do not seem to be hand cut anymore. Frozen? They put more curds on now but still way too pricey for what you get.
Sandwich was a little bigger this time but meat was still a dry and could use a bit more flavour. It’s also cold by the time you get it, even right out of the steamer. They still haven’t figured out how to cut the meat properly or quick enough to deal with the line. Portion size was all over the map. My partner’s sandwich had way more meat than mine. Bread is made locally but should be softer or put in the steamer for a few seconds. Meat texture is the way it should be and not stringy like some places around town that say they serve Montréal smoked meat. All things considered, still a significant improvement over my last visit.
Service setup is strange and like a fast food restaurant. Line up and then sit down and wait for your food. Very hard to give a proper tip.
All in all, it’s getting better. They still need to offer a combo platter and adjust some of the prices. $ 3 for a single pickle is insane. Make a bigger size sandwich and make sure it’s served hot.
(Original review) I fell in love with Montréal smoked meat during a visit to Montréal in 2013. I really wanted this place to be awesome but it wasn’t. Smoked meat was bland. No flavour. Not carved properly and portion was tiny. Poutine needed more cheese. Gravy was watery and had gross taste. Not Montréal style at all.
The décor was very nice. Restaurant was bright and open. Nice patio.
For this place to survive, the smoked meat portion needs to be larger and more flavourful. Also, make sure the person cutting it knows what they’re doing. Add a combo platter to the menu. Sandwich, fries, coleslaw and pickle. Fix the poutine gravy. Any powdered poutine gravy at the grocery store will do.
The prices are too high but people will pay if the quality and portion size is there.
I will go back and try again after they have been opened for a few months but only once more.