Amara propose une cuisine libanaise authentique axée sur des profils de saveurs traditionnels et des ingrédients de qualité supérieure. Le menu met en avant des sélections de mezzés classiques incluant un houmous onctueux, un baba ganousch fumé et des falafels croustillants préparés avec des mélanges d'épices aromatiques. Des assiettes de viandes grillées proposent des brochettes de tawook marinées et des kaftas assaisonnées servies avec du riz parfumé ou du pain pita chaud. La cuisine privilégie des techniques ancestrales qui produisent des textures riches et une acidité équilibrée pour chaque plat. Des salades de légumes frais agrémentées d'une vinaigrette citronnée accompagnent des feuilletés savoureux farcis aux épinards ou au fromage fondu. L'espace fonctionnel se concentre sur la livraison d'assiettes cohérentes illustrant les piliers de la gastronomie levantine par des méthodes de préparation précises.
Amara propose une expérience culinaire contrastée suite à son récent changement de propriétaire et ses rénovations. Si de nombreux clients vantent la fraîcheur et la saveur du shawarma, la générosité des portions et l'accueil chaleureux du restaurant, d'autres expriment leur déception face à la hausse des prix, à la diminution des quantités et à une qualité devenue inconstante. La majorité des avis présente l'établissement comme une destination propre, conviviale et authentique pour la cuisine libanaise, bien qu'une partie de la clientèle reste critique quant aux récents changements opérationnels et à certains problèmes occasionnels lors de la préparation ou de la livraison des plats.
Absolutely loved my experience at Amara! The food was incredibly fresh & full of authentic Lebanese flavors. Every dish was perfectly seasoned, from the creamy hummus to the juicy grilled meats. You can really tell everything is made with care & high-quality ingredients.
The atmosphere was warm & inviting, & the staff were so friendly & attentive without being overwhelming. It made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
If you're looking for delicious Lebanese cuisine & great service, Amara is definitely a must-try. I'll 100% be coming back!
I used to come to Amara all the time when I was younger, so I was excited (& a little nervous) to try it again under the new ownership.
Yes, there's a new owner. & yes, the portions are a little smaller than what I remember. But honestly? After one bite, I didn't even care. The food is incredible. It reminds me so much of the food we eat back home in Lebanon-simple, authentic, & full of flavor. You can really tell everything is made with quality ingredients & a lot of care.
People get so caught up in portion sizes, but for me, it's never been about the quantity-it's about the quality. I'd rather have an amazing meal than a huge one that lacks flavor.
The new owner has really brought new life to Amara. The restaurant feels refreshed, the menu has some great new options, & most importantly, they stayed true to authentic Lebanese cuisine. If you haven't been since the change in ownership, I'd definitely recommend giving it another chance. I know I'll be back.
It pains me to leave this review. Amara was a titan of Lebanese cuisine in Montreal. It had the best plates, best portion sizes , best potatoes & garlic sauce... The list goes on. Been a regular for over 10+ years, it was such a staple for my friends & I.
Tried it after the ownership change & I was unpleased. I gave them the benefit of the doubt, maybe they haven't fully established themselves.
My second takeout order felt more of the same. The Amara we once knew is gone & it hurts.
The portion sizes have gotten smaller which is apparent from the takeout container. The prices however increased, partly due to the Reno's done in store & ownership markup. Double dipping by reducing size & increasing price.
The potatoes are awful. They used to be the best part of the meal. They are now over seasoned, at times spicy at times salty. It's so hard to find one that's just right.
The loose chicken also seems to be cut thinner, used to get larger pieces on the plate, nowadays it feels like I'm getting minced paper.
Whatever the case, I will always cherish the memories created at Amara & the countless meals it provided. I genuinely hope that I can edit this review one day to put it back as a 5 star, but until then I'm sorry Amara.
