A multi-cylinder reciprocating compressor has a plurality of compression chambers and a plurality of discharge valve devices associated with the respective compression chambers. Each discharge valve device includes a valve reed for opening and closing a corresponding discharge hole formed through a valve plate, and a retainer for regulating the lift of the valve reed. The retainer includes a stopper surface inclined with respect to the valve plate as viewed in cross section of the retainer, and the stopper surface has one side edge and the other side edge located remoter from the valve plate than the one side edge. The discharge hole is positioned such that the center of gravity of the cross section thereof is shifted from the center of the valve reed in the width direction thereof toward the other side edge of the stopper surface.