The Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Montreal: Our suggestions
The term Middle East has its origins after World War II and today refers to a group of countries that varies according to the approaches used by historians and geographers. In its broadest sense, the Middle East encompasses countries grouped near the Asian, European and African borders.
Despite the plurality of definitions given to the Middle East, one thing is certain: this region of the world is culturally one of the richest and offers one of the most delicious and original cuisines! Israeli falafels, Turkish keftas, Syrian lahmacuns, Armenian lahmadjoune; one can find in Middle Eastern cuisine a great variety of dishes and recipes that vary from country to country.
Throughout the vastness of the region and with all the particularities of each country, one discovers a cuisine rich in aromas, textures and spices. The dishes found in the cuisine of Middle Eastern countries are full of freshness, flavour and colour! The seasoning of the ingredients is also characteristic of this type of cuisine; there are many spices, vegetables, fine herbs, nuts and dried fruits.
Thanks to all the cultural diversity found in Montreal, the city offers a culinary scene of choice for tasting the many unique flavours of this region of the world.
Here are our suggestions for the best Middle Eastern restaurants to visit in Montreal.
Damas
Damas opened its doors in 2010 and is now one of the most prestigious Syrian restaurants in the metropolis. The space at Damas has something sublime about it and is truly warm; as soon as you step through the door, you feel welcomed, transported, and charmed. On the menu, you can savor exquisite specialties with exceptional flavors and spices, such as fish, charcoal-grilled meats, or fattoush salad. Damas will take you on a journey to traditional Syria through its music, dishes, the enticing aromas from the kitchen, and the warm hospitality of its friendly owners. Photos : Vesia Photography
Montréal
KazaMaza
KazaMaza translates more or less as “jumble”, “here and there”, and “mixture”, and it is indeed a mixture of very good things that we enjoy here. This friendly address offers delicious Middle Eastern dishes perfect for sharing. Kazamaza’s chef prepares with precision dishes with exotic flavours and tastes; tender shanks, amazing hummus, crispy kebabs, sumptuous fattucca salads, and much more. Photos KazaMaza
Montréal
Restaurant Alep
Open for several decades, Alep restaurant is located on Jean-Talon Street, just steps from the market. Now a Montreal institution, this establishment offers a traditional menu featuring the authentic flavors of Syria and Armenia. The house specialties have changed very little over time; here, dishes consistently stand out for their textures, flavors, and aromas. Be sure to check out Alep’s excellent wine list!
Montréal
Daou
Daou is a renowned restaurant in Montreal that serves excellent Lebanese specialties. The menu features simple and authentic Middle Eastern flavours in their dishes that are perfect for sharing. There is a wide selection of hot and cold appetizers, seafood and grilled meats. Everything here is fresh and delicious. The atmosphere is simple, unpretentious and very family oriented. Note that Daou also offers excellent catering services and has multiple locations in the city.
Montréal
Le Petit Alep Bistro
Neighbouring its big brother, the delicious Alep restaurant, Le Petit Alep is much less expensive, but just as delicious and generous with its Armenian and Syrian fare. Soups and salads with Middle Eastern flavours, hearty and delicious mezzes, pitas, chicken or lamb kebabs, falafel and other gourmet delights are on the menu. You are sure to be satisfied during your tasting and guaranteed to be full at the end of your meal. Be sure to pair your meal with some amazing wine – they have a very nice wine list. The service is always attentive, and the warm, friendly atmosphere also adds to the pleasure of dining here. Photo : Alison Slattery
Montréal
Aux Lilas
Located on Avenue du Parc in the Mile End, Aux Lilas is a warm and unpretentious Lebanese restaurant serving delicious traditional dishes. A quiet Lebanese spot where you can leisurely enjoy all the flavors this country has to offer on your plate. In February 2025, Aux Lilas celebrated its 45th anniversary—an achievement well worth highlighting!
Montréal
Omnivore St-Laurent
Located on St-Laurent Boulevard, Omnivore offers a delicious Lebanese-Montrealese menu for vegetarians AND carnivores. With a counter to order your meal and a few tables, the small establishment invites you to taste dishes with good ingredients and the most delicious spices, sauces and textures. The address is warm and unpretentious, and the quality-price ratio of its products is unbeatable. Omnivore offers a catering and grocery service, located a little further on Marie-Anne Street, and is part of our list of the best healthy vegetarian addresses in Montreal.
Montréal
Sumac
Sumac is a small, unpretentious restaurant on Notre-Dame Street West that offers delectable Mediterranean cuisine at very affordable prices. The establishment was named in honour of the spice that is widely used in Middle Eastern cooking, often to flavour dishes without altering the taste of the food. With their counter style concept, Sumac offers Lebanese, Israeli, Egyptian and Syrian specialties that are well made and of high quality, all served in very generous portions. The place is one of our favourite places to eat “beautiful, well and cheap“, as well as those that offer an excellent catering service. The decor is clean and elegant; we love the little delicacies of this St-Henri address. Photo : Alison Slattery
Montréal
Rumi Restaurant
Rumi is a restaurant located in Outremont that offers some of the most delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in the city. The space is very colourful and warm and welcomes a varied clientele. The restaurant offers a traditional menu that leaves room for discovery and travel, savouring delicious simmered dishes, grilled meats, good salads and hot and cold mezes. The cuisine is comforting and features delicious flavours The establishment also offers very good brunches on weekends. Photo : Rumi
Montreal
Byblos Le Petit Cafe
Byblos le petit café transports you to Tehran. Byblos is like a family, a place that warms your heart and treats your belly; the founder Hemela welcomes you with a lot of love, along with her daughter Nina and her grandson Reza Laurent. The latter have now taken over the family business, a place where you can enjoy the best fine herb feta that exists. This is one of the best “beautiful, good, and cheap” restaurants in Montreal. Whether you order small comfort food stews, try the unforgettable weekend brunches or the traditional Sunday night only dish, you won’t be disappointed. (Be patient, service can sometimes be slow). Photo : Alison Slattery
Montréal
Falafel St. Jacques
Opened in 2015, Falafel Saint-Jacques is a little gem of a hidden restaurant-counter that offers delicious, original and affordable vegetarian Middle Eastern cuisine to its customers! This establishment is part of our list of the best healthy and vegetarian addresses in Montreal! The specialty here is the excellent falafels they serve; they are moist, fresh and tasty – among the best falafels in the city! Everything here is fresh, generous and delicious. A must try! Photo : Alison Slattery
Montréal
Falafel Yoni
Falafel Yoni is a beautiful falafel counter that opened in Mile End in April 2018. Yoni Amir and Daniel Maislin offer a simple and unique offering; the best Israeli falafel in town in our opinion! Our favourites include the falafel pita, the Sabich sandwich and their refreshing mint lemonade. We like this place for its beautiful decor, its very friendly staff and especially for its inexpensive delicacies. This establishment is a great address to discover and is part of our list of Mile-End addresses where to eat lunch for less than $10. Photo : Alison Slattery
Montréal
Garage Beirut
Opened in 2011, Garage Beirut restaurant offers authentic Lebanese cuisine in downtown Montreal. Located in a small space on Mackay Street, the establishment welcomes you in a simple and unpretentious decor. We come to Garage Beirut to taste typical Lebanese dishes, all fresh and colorful. An address to discover!
Montréal
Khyber Pass Restaurant
Khyber Pass opened its doors on the Plateau Mont-Royal over 20 years ago. This Bring Your Own Wine restaurant welcomes guests to enjoy authentic and delicious Afghan cuisine in a warm and uniquely styled setting. In the summer, a refreshing terrace awaits.
Montréal
HENI
Heni, which means jovial in Arabic, invites us on a journey through the SWANA region (Southwest Asia and North Africa) with an inventive menu crafted with mastery and excellence, showcasing Quebec’s local ingredients. Nestled in Petite-Bourgogne, the restaurant offers a unique experience and a new concept that blends sophistication with conviviality.
Montréal
Lulu Épicerie
As soon as you step into Lulu Épicerie, you’re immediately struck by the aromas and atmosphere that transport you straight to the Levant. Rooted in tradition yet undeniably modern, this grocery-counter spot is sure to charm lovers of Lebanese street food. It’s among our top recommendations for affordable eats and also features on our list of Montreal’s Best Sandwiches to enjoy.
Montréal
Fenêtre Sur Kaboul
Ouvert in April 2014, this restaurant, with its highly exotic decor, offers a cuisine that is just as captivating. From the moment you step inside, the Afghan flag, along with carpets, evocative photos, and illustrations scattered throughout the space, make it clear that you are no longer on the Plateau Mont-Royal but in the heart of Afghanistan’s capital. From soups to desserts, including small appetizers and main dishes, the Afghan cuisine served here will refresh you in the summer, warm you in the winter, and delight you all year round.
Montréal
Restaurant Au Tarot
Au Tarot is another hidden gem close to us, and we’re always happy to share it with you. This restaurant has been serving delicious, carefully crafted cuisine for a long time. In this case, the hidden spot is at the corner of Marie-Anne and Berri streets, and it has been around since 1979—quite a milestone for our beloved city. Behind its modest facade, you’ll find delightful dishes that proudly represent Maghrebi cuisine: sumptuous couscous, generous tajines, and crispy pastillas.
Montréal
Dunya
The young and dynamic team at Dunya is reinventing Lebanese cuisine by focusing on simple dishes executed with great finesse. Falafel fans love their vibrant, colorful plate—served without pita and therefore 100% gluten-free—while the sandwich version (this one with gluten!) is also a hit. Everything is prepared right before your eyes, and their falafel fryer, featuring a beautiful copper cylinder imported from Tripoli and adorned with calligraphy, adds a theatrical touch to the experience.
Montréal
Falafel Freiha
An unusual spot run by an authentic Lebanese artisan who lovingly prepares only falafels. At Falafel Freiha, you’ll enjoy falafels and nothing but falafels. You can choose between a plate or a sandwich, and that’s it. It’s also possible to buy your falafel balls by the dozen.
Laval
Café chez Téta
The menu at Café chez Téta was created based on the traditional Lebanese oven used to make man’ouché, a very popular dish in Lebanon. This flatbread is mostly found in villages, often prepared by older women in a very traditional manner. The charming café offers six topping options, representing the most classic choices of Lebanese cuisine. All dishes at Café Chez Téta are homemade with a lot of love. The team works exclusively with basic ingredients, then creates their own homemade blends.
Montréal
Darna Bistroquet
Darna Bistroquet — “Darna” means “our home” in Arabic, and this concept of home is central to the owners. The restaurant’s approach is based on sharing small dishes. The menu evolves weekly, depending on seasonal ingredients. The dishes served here are heavily inspired by Moroccan and Mediterranean culinary heritage.
Montréal
Avesta
Located in the heart of Montreal, Avesta, founded in 2006 and later taken over by two brothers, stands out for its warm ambiance and decor that transports you straight to Turkey. The name Avesta refers to an ancient Turkish religious book, a nod to the country’s rich cultural traditions. With dishes inspired by Turkish culinary traditions, generous portions, and reasonable prices, Avesta is a truly friendly and welcoming spot.
Montréal
Avesta
Situé en plein cœur de Montréal, Avesta, fondé en 2006 et repris par deux frères quelques années plus tard, se distingue par son ambiance chaleureuse et son décor nous transportant en Turquie. Le nom Avesta réfère à un ancien livre religieux turc, un clin d’œil aux riches traditions culturelles du pays. Avec ses plats inspirés des traditions culinaires turques, des portions généreuses et des prix raisonnables, Avesta est une adresse conviviale et vraiment accueillante.
Montréal
