SumiLicious Smoked Meat & Deli

SumiLicious Smoked Meat and Deli is a small, no-frills deli in a plain shopping centre on Steeles Avenue in Scarborough, and an unexpected entry in the Michelin Guide. It holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide Canada, and the guide lists it as good for families and for eating like a local.

The story behind it explains the food. Owner Sumith Fernando spent nearly two decades learning the craft of Montreal smoked meat at Schwartz's, the famous Montreal deli, before developing his own recipe. His brisket is halal, which makes this style of smoked meat accessible to diners who might not otherwise be able to try it.

The process is long. The brisket is marinated for days in a spice blend that is kept secret, smoked for hours and then finished in a steamer. The result is served in the classic way, sliced thinly and stacked on soft rye bread with yellow mustard, with a peppery crust on the meat. Poutine, made with Quebec cheese curds and gravy, is the natural side order.

Opening hours are short and built around lunch and early dinner. The Michelin Guide lists SumiLicious as closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 11am to 7pm from Wednesday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Bookings are handled by the restaurant directly, though most people simply come in and order.

The deli presents itself as bringing smoked meat from Montreal, which it calls the smoked meat capital of Canada, about 500 kilometres away, to the Greater Toronto Area, using its signature blend of spices. A Big Ole Smoked Meat Poutine combines the two house specialities in one dish. Note that the deli states that only its smoked meat, chicken and steak items are halal, so ask if you need to check other dishes. The deli says it uses only the highest quality deli meats, and the smoked meat remains the reason to make the trip.

The deli suits smoked meat fans, families and anyone curious about a Montreal-style sandwich without travelling to Montreal. Prices are at the budget end of the Michelin Guide scale. It is in Scarborough, well away from downtown, so plan the journey before you set out.