Balbastik offers a remarkable dining experience featuring authentic and flavorful Mauritanian cuisine that consistently delights visitors. The menu highlights include incredibly fresh and well-seasoned sandwiches, refreshing house-made drinks like hibiscus and kefir lime, and unique popsicles that are perfect for any occasion. Guests frequently praise the warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by thoughtful decor and a genuine sense of hospitality. With generous portions, high quality ingredients, and very reasonable pricing, this restaurant stands out as a hidden gem that leaves diners feeling well-cared for and eager to return.
I got a baobab popsicle on a hot day & the vegan tajine another time. The hibiscus drink is delicious & the owner gave it to me on the house. the prices are really reasonable
2026: the vegan sandwich is sooo good. Kind of reminds me of my childhood. The owner is really friendly
I'm not usually a huge hibiscus fan but their hibiscus drink is super delicious & refreshing! Lovely atmosphere with really cool fabrics as wall paper, fun table coverings. Would totally come back again & next time I want to try the baobob fruit popsicle!
I had an amazing experience at this Mauritanian restaurant! I tried the meatball sandwich, & it was absolutely delicious-flavorful, perfectly seasoned, & really filling. To go with it, I had a hibiscus drink (bissap), which was so refreshing & balanced the meal beautifully.
What really stood out, though, was the staff. They were so generous & welcoming that it truly felt like being back home in the dessert, surrounded by warmth & hospitality. The atmosphere is inviting, & you can tell they care deeply about making every guest feel at ease.
If you're looking for authentic flavors & a place where you'll be treated like family, this spot is a must-visit. Highly recommend!
Aug 25, 2025
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Came in with a group of 4 people for lunch, we were served quickly & with a smile. Excellent atmosphere & flavourful food. Hibiscus bev is a must (Beef sandwich pictured).
Truly the best sandwich i ever had. Generous portions, feels homemade, incredible bread & sauce, so comforting. & the owner is a gem! Also the hibiscus mint lemonade is absolutely insane
Good vibes, nourriture délicieuse & prix plus que raisonnable. J'ai choisi le sandwich au boeuf & on m'a offert une délicieuse limonade hibiscus/menthe les deux étaient 🤯.
L'homme qui m'a servi & gracieusement offert la boisson a été très gentil. Options végétariennes qui ont l'air très bonnes aussi.
Wow! La nourriture est toujours super bonne, plusieurs options véganes. Les portions sont généreuses & les prix assez bas. Le pain est fait maison & c'est l'un des meilleurs que j'ai jamais mangé! Il est toujours servi frais & chaud, il est moelleux, mais l'extérieur est un peu croustillant. Le service est très chaleureux. On nous a offert la première fois des glaces au baobab à la fin de notre repas. Une autre fois, je suis arrivée 30 minutes après la fermeture & on m'a vu essayer d'entrer. On est venu m'ouvrir & on m'a préparé le sandwich que je voulais, tout en m'apportant un jus d'hibiscus pour patienter!! Ça parait que les proprios ont à coeur les gens de leur communauté. J'adore cet endroit :)
Balbastik - Fresh West African Flavors & Warm Hospitality
I had the pleasure of visiting Balbastik yesterday, & it was a memorable experience from start to finish.
Balbastik is owned by a kind & passionate man from Mauritania, & you can feel the love & care he pours into every detail-his culture & music are truly at the heart of it all. The bread is made fresh in-house, & it makes all the difference-especially in their Spicy Beef Meatball Sandwich, which quickly became my favorite. The meatballs were flavorful & satisfying, with just the right amount of heat. The sauce, made with eggplant, tomatoes, & onions, had a beautiful balance of savory & sweet, thanks to a light drizzle of honey that tied it all together.
To sip alongside everything, I had their housemade juice with orange, mint, hibiscus, & lemon-it tasted like sunshine in a glass. I also couldn't resist trying their homemade baobab popsicle, a refreshing & unique treat, perfect for a hot day. & to finish? A classic mint tea-sweet, aromatic, & the perfect comforting end to the meal.
Beyond the food, the décor is warm & inviting, transporting you straight to Mauritania. Traditional music fills the space, creating a calming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Everything at Balbastik is made with heart, & it shines through in every bite. Whether you're stopping in for a quick meal or settling in for a cozy visit, it's a place that welcomes you with open arms & leaves you feeling nourished in every way.
✨ I spotlight my favorite local gems on TikTok @foxy.appetite & IG @foxyappetite-& Balbastik is officially on my list.
I was invited to visit as part of a collaboration-sharing my genuine experience above.
The best sandwiches! Gone back several times during my time in Montreal & it never fails to impress me. The rich flavours, the tenderness of the meat (both chicken & beef), & the wonderful soft bread are so just so good. Fresh mint tea & hibiscus juice available too. Owner is so kind as well. Going to miss this place a lot
