On the far edge of Canada--about as west as the map allows--you wouldn't expect to stumble into a love letter to the east. Yet tucked into the rhythm of downtown Victoria, a few steps from the grand columns of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, sits a deli that feels like it took a bite out of Montreal and carried it across the entire country. Broughton Street Deli doesn't pretend to reinvent anything. That's the point. It's a place that understands the quiet dignity of doing something simple--really well. The Montreal smoked meat arrives the way it should: thin-sliced, warm, and stacked with reckless generosity between bread that knows its job is simply to hold the miracle together. Each slice is tender, smoky, and rich, the kind of meat that folds onto itself like velvet. Then comes the mustard--made in-house, sharp and bright, cutting through the fat just enough to remind you why this sandwich has survived generations. Take a bite and for a second you forget you're standing on the Pacific. It's a small culinary miracle: the farthest west of Canada faithfully channeling a food tradition born nearly 4,000 kilometers away in Quebec. But the sandwich isn't the whole story. Behind the counter is a husband-and-wife team who've been running this place for nearly two decades. The kind of couple that greets regulars by name and first-timers like they've been expected all along. There's a certain immigrant grit to the place--work hard, build something honest, send the kids off to get the education you never had. The quiet, proud arc of a family business that didn't just survive but became part of the neighborhood. And they're not slowing down. You see it in the rhythm of the room. Regulars drift in for "the usual." Newcomers get a smile and a gentle nudge toward whatever the owners think you should try today. Sit long enough and the place turns into a little theatre of Victoria life. Don't skip the sweets. The cookies and butter tarts are homemade--real homemade, not the marketing department kind. And the peanut butter cookie, somehow both indulgent and gluten-free, has picked up awards that make sense the second it hits your mouth. So slow down. Grab a seat. Let the sandwich drip a little mustard on the paper. Talk to the owners. Talk to the stranger next to you. Watch the steady parade of locals who clearly know they've found something good. Because in a city surrounded by marble halls, political speeches, and the formal gravity of the legislature, sometimes the most genuine place in the neighborhood is a deli counter quietly serving one perfect sandwich at a time. CHEERS!!! read more

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When we walked in, it was like we were being welcomed into an old friends house. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming even though we were the only people there. The setting was amazing and it seemed like we were in a fun local restraunt (which we were) The food was amazing too and I selected the avocado Benedict but with an English muffin replacing the waffle. Amazing! Favorite deli ever, no words can describe how amazing and delicious this place is. read more

Broughton Street Deli - Menu - Delis Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

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Great food served by an even better staff. Very polite when taking orders and very bright with attitude. Great lobby to eat in with lovely decor. Loved the experience and would recommend eating with them. read more

Broughton Street Deli - no crumbs - Delis Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

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It was one of those early morning that I left the home without breakfast. After completing some early morning errands I was happy to see their sandwich board and decided to give it a shot. Glad I did. Upon walking up to the enterance, I noticed a couple tables outside which was perfect considering it was a beautiful morning - sun shining and warm. Once inside, the owner was very welcoming and the menu was easy to read. Looking around, the establishment has excellent covid safety measures in place while keeping it casual and preventing any awkwardness. We're all adapting to this new normal so it really a pleasure to be able to enter an establishment without feeling like covid is right there ready to attack you. Please keep in mind, the owner has all the covid safety measures in place, yet the restaurant is still very inviting. As for the food, I order a club sandwich with fries. One the best club sandwiches I've had in a long time. Fresh bread, fresh ingredients quick from time of order to time of food being placed in front of me. Even though I chose to sit outside, the owner still made the effort to come out there to ensure I was enjoying the meal and had everything I desired. I've walked by the sandwich board that he has on Douglas St @ Broughton St so many times yet haven't ventured in there before. Not sure what it was about this morning, but I'm glad I did and will definitely be back when I'm in Victoria. read more

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I used to live in Montreal but haven't been back for many decades. I pretty much lived on smoked meat sandwiches at the now defunct Ben's Deli. So when we inquired at the visitors center and they told us about this place, it was a "must visit". They tout their sandwiches as being"authentic Montreal smoked meat sandwiches"... no idea if they owners have actually been to Montreal but they are not authentic just like I have so far been unable to find a Philly Cheese steak sandwich outside of Philly that was close to authentic. But that said, it wasn't a bad sandwich. Piled high with meat and tasty enough although I think it spent too much time in the steamer and not enough time in the smoker. It was much more of a boiled meat sandwich.... but it was very lean which was good. Around $25 USD including the tip for two sandwiches which I guess is about right for a high priced burb like Victoria. read more

Whoever said this was 3.5 stars is wrong because the sandwiches were not bad at all! They had good sandwiches, delicious drinks and the service was great! Support the local businesses :) read more

I ordered Montreal Deli. The order arrived completely wrong. the Deli said they'd make it right. Apparently, this their idea of extra meat and extra sweet. read more

The Vietnamese baguettes (Bahn Mi) are excellent here. Also the soups are so good. The husband & wife owners are truly wonderful people who care so well for their customers. This is one of our favourite places to eat in Victoria. read more

A fabulous, family-run business with an interesting blend of choices on their menus. Dishes range from Montreal-style and Deli sandwiches complete with non-greasy fries, there is lasagnas, and some Vietnamese delights like their refreshing and belly-filling vermicelli. Everything there is Fresh, and you'll see the proof if you step in just after their opening time for coffee!! Amazing soups daily made. Daily specials near the end of the week and the weekend. All of their sandwiches are made right in front of you, and of course with your choices of ingredients. I particularly love their Vietnamese style baguette. It is a superb little spot to duck into when you want a rest from treading along Government street, or along Wharf while catching the sights, or even after a busy round of shopping near Douglas. Quiet, quaint, and warm atmosphere brought to you by a hard-working husband-and-wife duo. The prices are very reasonable and make you come back a second time for more. Congrats to Diem & Ton ... and Yum to their cuisine! read more

The Broughton Street Deli is an essential part of the downtown lunch scene. The friendly owners remember everyone who walks in the door, even if they've only been there a few times. And they happen to make by far the best Vietnamese Sandwich I've tasted in Victoria. And not only do they have the standard meat variety, but they have a delicious barbecue tofu version as well. It happens to cost about twice as much as your average Vietnamese Sandwich anywhere else in North America (or about 10 times as much as a Vietnamese sandwich in Saigon), but the added cost is worth it. Their baked goods are also quite good as well. Try the gigantic cookies. read more

Seeing as this place is two doors down from work, it makes sense that I frequent this place for lunch. + Pastrami sandwich: not bad at all, excellent with the Russian mustard + Club sandwich: get it on whole grain with avocado -- full of crunchy goodness + Chicken noodle soup: fits the bill This is a sandwich joint with pretty limited/regular options, but it does what you need it to do for lunch! read more

Recommended by a local (along with the wine shop next door). The people were really nice at both places! My husband had the meat omelette with Montreal smoked meat and I had a Vietnamese sandwich called Banh Mi. They also have fun clocks on the walls! Excellent food and nice people! read more

Broughton Street Deli - The meat omelette (top) and Banh Mi sandwich (bottom). Happy! - Delis Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

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My husband and I stumbled upon his place while looking for a little bite for breakfasting Victoria. The owner was there and we had a nice chat and the menu looked amazing. He promised fresh delicious food and they did not disappoint! My husband grabbed a breakfast sandwich that was really tasty and we headed out. When lunchtime rolled around we brought our three kids back for lunch. We ordered the house special. It's essentially a corn beef (sliced thin) sandwich with coleslaw and potato chips. It was off the hook!! My daughter ordered the chicken Bahn Mi, my husband got the tuna sandwich and the split pea soup and of course we had to try the poutine. Everything was absolutely amazing!! If you are ever in Victoria this deli is an absolute must!! read more

Oh Broughton Street Deli, my sweet little lunch mistress. Barely noticable from the street, inside they hold a tasty little secret. Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, paninis, soups, baked goods, and friendly staff. Try their veggie sandwich on marble rye with their curry vegetable soup. You won't be disappointed. read more

I had a Reuben which was excellent but think charging $1.25 for a pickle is a bit much!

I try to come in for a special treat once a month or so -- the outstanding Smoked Meat Sandwich. It is about a half pound with a nice big sour Kosher dill pickle, some ripple chips and some tasty slaw. Bread is always fresh and perfect light rye. Closest to Montreal quality I've had in Victoria. The only other close in Victoria is at La Belle Patate. Love the location right around the corner from my office. Service is very fast and friendly as well, which I appreciate. The room is clean and sits approximately 20 people or so. I always take mine to go. The only reason I don't come here more often is the price. $16.10 for lunch including drink. Great for a special rare treat though! Will be back in a month or two! read more

Just came here for a lunch break to try out and got a turkey wrap. The man at the counter raved about how they use super fresh produce but I was fairly disappointed with how small and unsatisfying my meal was. They also forgot to make my co-workers fries. Overall not a great experience. Would have been better off going to subway read more

Atrocious customer service. We thought we were getting a soup and sandwich combo because they had pictures of the "combo" all over the menu next to the price. When the food arrived it was just the sandwich/chips. When we asked about the soup the owner started arguing with us. He was yelling at us while walking all over the restaurant, ranting and telling us we didn't read the menu properly. Very unprofessional, misleading, and honestly just felt super ridiculous over something as small as a side soup. We were looking for the combo and willing to pay more but the owner was more preoccupied with correcting us rather than realizing we were willing to pay for it. This place was totally empty except for us and now we know why. Also the "Montreal" smoked meat sandwich was subpar. This guy was worse than the Seinfeld soup Nazi. No soup for you! read more

While the service is excellent, I didn't find the food to be anything special. I want to go back because they are so nice, but might opt for some of the other options in the area that are a little more creative with their food. For those looking for a simple lunch, this would be a good place to stop. The food may be simple, but it is relatively good. read more

Thoroughly impressed with the ambiance, en pointe poutine with excellent service. Not so excited by the price, but I was celebrating, and I sure got my money's worth. $10+ for poutine with smoked meats, but let me tell you it was everything I ever wanted from poutine. They let me hang out and read the paper, had a nice sign about their values and getting to know your neighbors, and I think they had toys for kids. Definitely plan on going back. read more

Broughton Street Deli - Poutine with smoked meats. Yum. - Delis Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Visiting Victoria, we ate breakfast here two days. Each day we ordered different things and all the food was excellent. The chai is awesome! We thought it was neat that the locals came in with their own coffee cups. The owners were very nice and provided helpful information about the city. We will definitely go back on our next trip to Victoria. read more

Horrible food! Owner paid to have my original review taken down. Question why this place only has 10 Reviews! This place is an absolute dump, owner is rude and cheap. Do not eat here. Get a Montreal smoke meat sandwich in Montreal! read more