Indulgent culinary treat of the present era
In the heart of Montreal, a new culinary gem has emerged. Chef Benji Greenberg, formerly of Joe Beef, has opened Yans Deli, a modern reinterpretation of traditional Jewish deli cuisine with a fine-dining approach and family-first philosophy.
Located at 5345 Ferrier Street, Yans Deli is easily accessible by car, especially for those traveling on Highway 15. The restaurant is named after Greenberg's wife and offers a warm and playful atmosphere, designed by ISSASTUDIO, featuring hidden Lego figures and weekend football on the TVs.
Greenberg, the son of a Romanian father, draws heavily on his heritage and culinary travels in Europe for the menu. Dishes include veal schnitzel with quail eggs, house-smoked fish, black and white cookies, and unique party sandwiches featuring bluefin tuna. The deli also offers steak of the day and dry-aged cuts, complemented by cocktails curated by general manager Alyssa Shahin.
The interior of Yans Deli boasts comfortable leather chairs, a rich menu, natural light, and a butcher counter. A photo of the old restaurant Ben's can be found in the dining room, paying homage to a Montreal tradition.
Many of the recipes at Yans Deli put a twist on Eastern European street food, with the menu also featuring sandwiches, a daily egg and meat dish, smoked fish, a brunch formula, a caviar tasting formula, matzah ball soup, smoked meats in the parking lot, a kids' menu, and desserts for both kids and adults (sundae or the "Papanasi," a beignet served with sour cherries and cream).
The paper place mats at Yans Deli feature handwritten recipes from Greenberg's grandmother, offering a touch of nostalgia with each meal.
Before studying cooking at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Greenberg skipped classes to work at the now-closed downtown restaurant Le Mas des Oliviers. His journey in the culinary world also includes a stint as a chef at Joe Beef.
With Yans Deli, Greenberg is not merely reviving traditional deli but reimagining it for contemporary diners and the next generation. The liquor license at Yans Deli is eagerly awaited by manager Alyssa Shahin, who signs the cocktail menu.
Yans Deli is positioned between Orange Gibeau Julep and Royalmount, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in Montreal. The deli is open Tuesday to Sunday. For those seeking a unique dining experience that combines the best of traditional deli cuisine with modern techniques and flavours, Yans Deli is the place to be. As Greenberg himself sums it up, "I really love food."
- At Yans Deli, named after Chef Benji Greenberg's wife, one can find a fusion of traditional Jewish deli cuisine and a refined dining approach, offering a diverse menu that includes dishes like veal schnitzel, house-smoked fish, unique party sandwiches, and desserts for both kids and adults.
- The interior of Yans Deli, strategically located between Orange Gibeau Julep and Royalmount, features comfortable leather chairs, a butcher counter, and paper place mats with handwritten recipes from Greenberg's grandmother, offering a nostalgic touch to the contemporary dining experience.
