We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Pancer's Original Deli

Claimed
Save
Share
COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking.Read more

Ratings and reviews

#167 of 1,308 Canadian in Toronto
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
US$4 - US$16
CUISINES
Deli, Canadian, Diner, Soups
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
View all details
features, about
Travel safe during COVID-19
Visit our Travel Safe hub to see how we're helping you make more informed travel decisions during COVID-19.
What you can expect during your visit
  • Face masks required for staff in public areas
  • Hand sanitiser available to guests & staff
  • Daily temperature and symptom checks for staff
  • Socially distanced dining tables
  • Staff required to regularly wash hands
  • Tables disinfected between guests
Read more
Updated 21-06-15 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Pancer's Original Deli
Updated 21-06-15 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Sponsored by: Pancer's Original Deli

Top 3 Reasons to Eat Here

1. The Best deli in Toronto
1. The Best deli in Toronto
"the best delis I’m the city, We’ve been going to Pancer’s for years"
rozp539
See reviews that mention best
2. We make our own meats!
2. We make our own meats!
"Everything here is freshly made from fresh ingredients"
cl1kker
See reviews that mention best
3. Montreal Smoked Meat
3. Montreal Smoked Meat
"This deli rivals if not exceeds in quality any deli in Montreal"
newfoodie2015
See reviews that mention Montreal Smoked Meat
Reviews (130)
Filter reviews
130 results
Traveller rating
65
46
7
4
8
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
Traveller rating
65
46
7
4
8
Show reviews that mention
All reviews pastrami smoked meat borscht matzo ball soup kishka fries extra spice cabbage fricassee mouth combo bowl
Sort and selected filters
Sort FilterEnglish
Updating list...
Reviewed November 22, 2022

Since I moved from Toronto 30 years ago I always come to Pancers when I visit. This time in I found out that they no longer make fricassee. A terrible tragedy. Seven years ago I was given hints as to how to make the Pancers...pastrami (by far the best on the planet). I would love to find the recipe for Pancers fricassee and share it with my friends in Winnipeg who have never heard of such a dish. A bucket list item in my opinion. Growing up in Toronto and playing BB baseball at Clanton Park. After the game going to Pancers and start off with a sumptuous bowl of fricassee followed by the most delicious pastrami sandwich ever (a little extra spice please). Life was perfect.More

Date of visit: October 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Restaurant's Favourite
Reviewed August 22, 2022 via mobile

My Standby Toronto Deli! I first found this Deli over 20 years ago and was thrilled to discover they are still here upon my return and survived the epidemic that closed so many restaurants. I am a creature of habit and the Pastrami is my...choice- Friendly staff and fast service- we need to support these local restaurants!More

Date of visit: August 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed October 31, 2022

This was within walking distance of where we were staying, and we were craving matzo ball soup and some smoked meats. It was ok. The service was lackluster and I believe it is because two servers were dealing with a packed dining area in a...cramped restaurant. Could have been were we got COVID but I'm not pointing fingers. It was just so mediocre. Wolfie's and Dave's would have been better choices had we had wheels.More

Date of visit: October 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviewed July 3, 2022

This is easy. Simply the best old fashioned style Toronto Deli. It might in fact be the only one left so we only hope it never closes. Outstanding corned beef and pastrami. Best kishka with a mouthwatering gravy! Love the cabbage borscht too. It’s a...Toronto icon.More

Date of visit: July 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded July 4, 2022

Thank you for your very kind words.

Reviewed June 11, 2022

Went on a Saturday and was seated right away. The waitress Michelle was outstanding, very polite and friendly. Got the Corn Beef Lean Combo. It was served quick and fresh. Fries crispy, but not greasy and I could barely fit my mouth around the sandwich....Still a very good place to get authentic Deli Corn Beef. Will be backMore

Date of visit: June 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded June 19, 2022

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments.

Reviewed June 28, 2021

I loved their corned beef, it was juicy and tasted great. I met their cashier called Sajeef, he was such a friendly guy to speak to over there. I must say he can crack some pretty good jokes. His smile can make you smile. I...would love to visit this place again to try out some of their other dishesMore

Date of visit: May 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded July 4, 2021

Thanks for the great review and rating.

Reviewed May 1, 2021 via mobile

We don’t have it often but when we do we always say “wow, that was really delicious” with four boys we have to order a lot of pastrami, coleslaw, pickles and the Motza ball soup - I’ve tried hard to replicate the coleslaw - and...it’s never quite as good! Lunch or dinner - always delicious!More

Date of visit: May 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded May 3, 2021

Thank you so much for your visit and for your kind words. We hope you will be back again soon.

Reviewed February 27, 2020

Clearly one of the best delis I’m the city, We’ve been going to Pancer’s for years.Typical deli with great smoked meats,

Date of visit: April 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded February 28, 2020

Thank you so much for your great comments. We do try to be consistent.

Reviewed February 11, 2020

I have been eating Pancer's Deli for over 50 years. Stan passed down a recipe for success! The family run Deli makes you feel like Toronto is still a small community. The food is outstanding; Pastrami or a Corned Beef Sandwich on Rye with Mustard,...a Kosher Dill Pickle, & Potato Salad...the ideal deli meal!! Parking is limited so choose your timing accordingly.More

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded February 12, 2020

It’s always nice to get a review from a long time member of our Deli family. Thank you so much for taking the time.

Reviewed February 5, 2020

My friends both had a pastrami sandwich; I ordered the Montreal smoked meat combo. Very tasty! The service this time was very good, and the total cost with tax and tip was below $50. Whether this is the best deli in Toronto I'm not qualified...to say, but it's certainly very good indeed and excellent value as well.More

Date of visit: February 2020
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded February 6, 2020

Thank you for your great comments. We really appreciate them. We hope to see you back again soon.

Reviewed January 31, 2020

The food and service were so good take out or sit in delicious corn beef sandwich. Pancer's always a wonderful experience. The food came out fast good size portions

Date of visit: January 2020
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded February 1, 2020

Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice review. We really appreciate it.

Reviewed January 1, 2020

i was visiting Toronto and someone planted the seed for having a great smoked meat sandwich so my friend suggested Pancer's. It was exactly what I was looking for. My sandwich was great and the pickles were delicious. A great unpretentious lunch. Highly recommended.

Date of visit: December 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded February 1, 2020

Thank you for such a great review. We are glad you found us and hope you will be back again.

Reviewed December 23, 2019 via mobile

This North York icon makes its own meats. Their corned beef is besgt in North America after Merricks of Long Island, New York. Everything here is freshly made from fresh ingredients, The soups and borsht are incredibly delicious. They also serve a large selection of...hot foods. They have a good range of svoury desserts. They are kosher style, but are not kosher. Love the pickles! EAT HERE!More

Date of visit: October 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded December 24, 2019

Thank you for taking the time to write such an insightful review. We really appreciate your comments. Thank you

Reviewed December 2, 2019 via mobile

When Katz’s Deli on Dufferin closed I was worried I wouldn’t find Deli food and experience that were as authentic. Well, now thanks to a friend I’ve found Pancer’s! I know, I know... others have raved about it, but I had to try it for...myself. And, the true test for me is always the quality of the Montreal Smoked Meat. At Pancer’s you can really taste the individual spices that go into the flavouring, and I really appreciated that the meat is lean and the fresh rye bread was overflowing. If you make your order a Platter, you get coleslaw and fries. I upgraded to sweet potato fries and you can make other substitutions at a cost. While delicious, the upgrade was my vain attempt to make the meal more heart-friendly, which certainly isn’t a reason to choose deli fare 😉 My friend had the turkey, and took half the sandwich and her regular fries home. Not me, I ate it all!! I’ve been twice, and plan on becoming a regular, as it’s close to where I now get my pedicure, the food is great and the service friendly. Oh, and if you can’t get there, they also do UberEats.More

Date of visit: October 2019
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded December 24, 2019

Wow, what a great review. Thank you for taking the time. We are very happy that you are now a new regular customer and a member of our Deli family.

Reviewed November 11, 2019 via mobile

Place was packed but got a table without waiting. There was four of us for a weekday lunch. Tons of great food options. Service was a little lacking by our waiter, but still a great spot and would be back for more.

Date of visit: November 2019
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mpancer, Owner at Pancer's Original Deli, responded to this reviewResponded November 12, 2019

Thank you for your kind words and we are glad you will be back. Hope to see you soon.

View more reviews
Best nearby
Best nearby hotelsSee all
Novotel Toronto North York
1,191 reviews
3.54 km away
Montecassino Place Suites Hotel
157 reviews
3.67 km away
The Willowdale Hotel Toronto North York
12 reviews
3.99 km away
Toronto Plaza Airport Hotel
370 reviews
6.82 km away
Best nearby restaurantsSee all
Sampaguita Village Restaurant
19 reviews
.41 km away
Bagel World
42 reviews
.47 km away
Paese Ristorante Bathurst St.
112 reviews
.13 km away
Best nearby attractionsSee all
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
585 reviews
2.16 km away
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre
11 reviews
1.34 km away
On The Town
14 reviews
1.93 km away
Don Valley Golf Course
17 reviews
2.32 km away
Questions & Answers
Ask a question
irenesZ6268RU
May 12, 2018|
AnswerShow all 3 answers
Response from Michael P | Property representative |
Yes but we only carry beer and wine
1
Vote
Suzanne D
June 25, 2016|
AnswerShow all 7 answers
Response from Michael P | Property representative |
Yes. Call 416-636-1230
0
Votes
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing

PANCER'S ORIGINAL DELI, Toronto - North York - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Pancer's Original Deli

Yes, Pancer's Original Deli offers takeaway services.

Yes, Pancer's Original Deli is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Pancer's Original Deli is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 3.5