Damas centers its culinary identity on authentic Syrian preparations that highlight traditional Levantine techniques. Diners encounter an expansive array of mezze including velvety hummus and smoky baba ghanouj alongside expertly seasoned grilled meats. The kitchen prioritizes high-quality spices and fresh produce to construct complex, layered flavor profiles characteristic of Middle Eastern heritage. Signature dishes such as fattoush and kibbeh exhibit a commitment to meticulous preparation and bold, aromatic herbs. The interior design mirrors the cultural vibrancy of the region through intricate textures and warm, ambient lighting. This establishment represents a significant destination for those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared with technical precision. Each plate emphasizes the rich, diverse culinary landscape of Syria while maintaining a focus on structural balance and traditional ingredient sourcing.
Damas is widely celebrated as a premier culinary destination in Montreal, offering an exceptional Syrian dining experience defined by vibrant, authentic flavors and meticulous presentation. Guests frequently praise the stunning, elegantly designed atmosphere, which serves as a warm and inviting backdrop for shareable dishes like the signature hummus, tender lamb racks, and flavorful mezze. The service is consistently highlighted as a major strength, with professional and knowledgeable staff members often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable visit through thoughtful menu guidance and attentive care. While some diners express differing opinions regarding the pricing and portion sizes, many view the premium cost as justified by the high quality of ingredients, the complexity of the culinary craftsmanship, and the overall immersive experience that keeps patrons returning for special occasions.
We visited Damas for a 40th birthday & it was a fantastic experience.
3 of us had the tasting menu which we all really enjoyed. The thought & detail put into each dish is really paramount & as someone who appreciates food really elevated the experience.
1 of us was pregnant & the team at Damas could not have been more accommodating without making her feel like a burden. Great care was taken in each of her dishes (non tasting menu) to ensure she was safe.
The staff were friendly & attentive without being overbearing. The team also provided a birthday card which was a really lovely touch & meant a lot.
Highly recommend this restaurant & the tasting menu.
Takes dishes I used to eat as a palestinian kid at home to new heights. I know its authentic syrian but all levant cuisine is similar so it brough back many memories. The falafel & hummus was so smooth & packed with flavour. The fatoush was one of the best I ever had, it shined more than expected. The Mulokhia with cofit duck was great but the slightly burnt garlic taste, although some like it, was not my favourite but im only nit picking at this point as it was also really good & the duck was cooked to perfection. The cocktails were unique & so good that I would chugg it unconciously if I wasnt paying attention. The kunafah for dessert was also very nice. I want to come to try new dishes.
Honestly one of the best if not THE best, novel (to me), unique, & interesting dining experiences of my entire life. If you can splurge on the tasting menu (with the classic wine pairings), DO IT. The dishes are composed of flavour combinations I don't think I'll ever come across again, but to put those flavours together in the way that they did was nothing short of incredible. So unique & so delicious.
We had a fantastic time at this restaurant. One of the top food experiences in Montreal thus far. The flavours are deep & unique, & very delicious. You can appreciate the use of high quality ingredients & expertly curated dishes.
The lamb was the best dish we tried.
We ordered several dishes & they were all fantastic. This restaurant is on the Amex platinum dining list, so you can use your annual $200 credit here.
We had high chairs, & the group was great with the children. The service is fantastic, your water will always be filled, & you can appreciate the attentiveness of the staff.
Ambiance:
The restaurant is very large, nearly 4 whole rooms. It's beautifully decorated, quite warm & inviting. I wouldn't say it's cozy, nor would I say it's an overtly elegant vibe.
Service:
Friendly but distant. Food was explained as it came, but none of our servers seemed particularly passionate about the food. Plates were changed with each service. Nothing that added or detracted from our visit.
Food:
What can I say about the food? Damas offers elevated middle eastern cuisine that would wow those who have not had very much of it. The mezzes were good, but not better than mezzes served by any good Syrian (or Lebanese or Jordanian) restaurant, including a breakfast spot. The hot mezzes were good, but not ground breaking. Flavours were not elevated, they were just solid representations of the standard (cumin, Aleppo pepper, yogurt, etc.) Most damning was the meat - we ordered the filet mignon medium rare & received it medium, the lamb medium & received it well done. At a restaurant charging these prices, this was quite unacceptable.
Furthermore, for a restaurant charging these prices & presenting itself as being high end, the pace at which our dishes came out was overwhelming. We ordered a total of 10 dishes. We received our cold mezzes as a pair. Very quickly after we began to eat, 3 hot mezzes appeared. & very shortly after that, another 4 hot dishes! There was no pause between plates, which made us feel very rushed & anxious about the food becoming cold. We would've appreciated more thoughtful coursing of the dishes & more time to enjoy each dish, without it becoming cold.
Overall, Damas offers a decent dining experience at what feels like rather exorbitant, fine dining prices. Service & ambiance are nothing to write home about. The food is not the best representation of the true breadth & depth of Syrian cuisine, but it may wow those who are not from the region.
Very different middle eastern food, good ambience, wonderful service & great dessert.
We had the tasting menu, most of the things where kind of different, with a variety of taste.
I don't eat seafood, they were happy to accomodate my requests.
The kibbeh & the main course lamb were outstanding dishes, others were also good, but these 2 standout.
The dessert was also very different, never had something like that ! Must go place in Montreal
Lamb tartare is out of this world. I remember fish dishes were much better in its first location in Montreal. Service was good though. Seating by the bar is a good option for intimate, quieter dates.
Everything in this place makes you want to come back as fast as possible. The food menu is varied & the taste is so good. The service is impeccable whether at reception or at the table. The waiters know the dishes & help you understand the differences. I highly recommend.
The dishes were high quality & the service was fantastic. Our server, George, was attentive, kind, & very helpful in guiding us through the menu options. The food was served quickly, & everything was excellent.
We ordered the baba ghanoush as a starter, followed by the eggplant lamb kebab & the lamb shank, all of which were delicious.
It's on the pricier side, so it's a great choice for a special occasion.
Amazing atmosphere & the staff were very attentive to details. The food… my god the food was phenomenal. We had the rack of ribs & the braised ribs as mains, with lamb dumplings & spicy potatoes as apps.
They also gave us complementary dishes for the delay in the service, (which we didnt mind at all) but just the attention let us know what kind of establishment Damas is.
Would highly reccomend, even if its a bit pricey. It is worth it. I will definitely come back!
