Yans Deli: The Modern Deli That Brilliantly Celebrates Tradition

Yans Deli is the warm, welcoming new spot from Benji Greenberg, former chef of the legendary Joe Beef. This new restaurant reflects his personality—sensitive, inspired, rooted in tradition, and looking firmly toward the future. Housed in a former neighborhood café just steps from Décarie Boulevard, it’s poised to become a runaway success.

Yans Deli: A Story of Heart (and Food)

After seven years helming the vibrant kitchen at Joe Beef, Benji knew he didn’t want to simply recreate what he had already achieved.
“I loved what we did there. If I opened another dinner spot, I’d just try to do the same thing all over again. I wanted something else. Something completely different.”

That “something else” emerged as the idea for a modern Jewish deli—a concept sparked after a somewhat disappointing meal at the legendary Snowdon Deli. A friend remarked, “Someone really needs to open a proper deli in Montreal.” And just like that, the seed was planted.

A few months later, Benji traveled to Romania and Germany with his family, exploring the culinary roots of Jewish deli tradition. It was an emotional and flavorful journey, filled with memories of grandmother’s recipes, visits to Eastern European markets, and a strong desire to pass something on.

A Place for Everyday Moments (and Big Celebrations)

Yans Deli is a daytime restaurant, open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., designed for everything from a solo coffee to brunch with friends, a family celebration, or even a shiva meal.

Flooded with natural light from its large corner windows, the space is bright, accessible (easy parking, accessible restrooms, changing table), and deeply inclusive. Children are not just welcome—they’re cherished.

The décor, designed by Benji and his partner and general manager Alyssa Shahin, is both warm and playful: Lego sculptures, cozy booths, nostalgic objects, and a wall-mounted TV for Sunday games.
“I want people to feel like they’re at home—but with a little twist.”

With 45 seats, the restaurant offers an intimate and friendly ambiance, where every detail matters, down to the cabbage-shaped plates.

The menu—served all day, from breakfast through lunch—was created by Benji and his longtime friend Zachary Brown. It features classic breakfast fare and reinvented deli specialties, prepared with great care.

All dishes are made in-house with high-quality local ingredients. The approach is undeniably gourmet—without being pretentious.

The “Joel” tasting brunch, named after Benji’s father, is a true celebration of Ashkenazi tradition. Generous and shareable, it includes dips, chopped liver, eggplant salad, latkes, smoked fish, meats, and desserts. It’s a culinary journey balancing nostalgia and modernity, designed for abundant, joy-filled tables.

Yans Deli positions itself in a slightly higher price range, but never compromises on quality—and always aims to be accessible and inclusive.

The standout menu item is undeniably the “Joel” tasting brunch—a festive, generous, and well-balanced plate featuring dips, chopped liver, eggplant salad, latkes, smoked meats and fish, and desserts. A loving nod to Ashkenazi tradition, reinvented with care, for $75 per person.

No Compromise on Quality

Every dish is a statement: small plates, mains, sandwiches, soups, or the high-end caviar service—everything is prepared with attention to detail and a deep love of food. The steak counter features rare and premium cuts, with a daily rotating option. This is truly a gastronomic deli—meant to be shared, enjoyed, and savored, whether you’re dining solo or gathered around a platter with twelve others.

A Restaurant With a Story

More than just a culinary venture, Yans Deli is a life project. The name “Yans” is a nickname Benji gave to his wife, Jessica Byer—“the real boss. My anchor, my rock.” The “Chai” (pronounced chai) from Bonjour Chai on the menu is a nod to their honeymoon in India. Every detail is crafted with emotion, intention, and, above all, with people in mind.
“I want it to be a heartfelt restaurant where we cook for the people we love.”

Yans Deli is more than just a deli—it’s a place that feeds your body and your heart. It’s where brunch becomes a moment of transmission, and Eastern European Jewish cuisine gets a fresh, distinctly Montreal twist. A project fueled by family, friendship, culture, and a desire to share.

A dream Montreal deli—refined, welcoming, accessible—and most of all, full of soul.

Enjoy the discovery!

Written by Élise Tastet
Photography by Scott Usheroff

Last update: August 05, 2025

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