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.
Probably my favourite restaurant in Montreal. Stand outs were the Rack of lamb, & lamb dumplings (Shish Borek). Even the ice cream with cotton candy was unique & memorable. Service was impeccable. Rack of lamb took awhile to come out but not an issue given how good the food was. Highly recommend
Couldn't say anything bad about Damas. The ambiance is incredible & the restaurant has so many cool details throughout. We loved the cold Mezze, shrimp, the braised lamb, & chicken dish. Everything blew us away. The flavor, presentation, & creativity is unmatched in Montréal. In addition our waiter Diego was extremely professional, kind, & knowledgeable on the food & wine. We loved the tea to end the dinner as well
This was my first time at Damas, the service was exceptional & the food tasted amazing. I ordered the lamb chop, the octopus & the kebabs. I highly recommend the octopus for seafood lovers & the lamb chops because it was the star of the evening. Over all the everything was delicious as well as a great experience.
Damas offers a brunch experience that is as curated as it is flavorful, blending influences from both Eastern & Western cultures for a unique culinary adventure. The restaurant operates on a set-price menu, starting at $55, with additional charges depending on your selections. While it would be nice to see an a la carte option, the structured menu ensures each dish is thoughtfully prepared & cohesive.
The coffee is a standout, beautifully brewed & aromatic, setting the stage for the meal ahead. The dishes themselves are vibrant, richly spiced, & layered with flavor, making for a wonderful introduction to Syrian cuisine. Each bite is carefully balanced, showcasing both boldness & nuance without ever feeling overwhelming.
The ambiance enhances the experience: warm wood tones, magical lighting, & cozy decor create a welcoming & almost enchanting atmosphere that complements the food beautifully.
Overall, Damas delivers a brunch that is flavorful, memorable, & culturally immersive. For those seeking a thoughtful introduction to Syrian cuisine with a touch of cross-cultural flair, it's a satisfying & elevated way to spend the morning.
We ordered the three most popular dishes - Fattouch salad, shish taouk (chicken) & rack of lamb. With several cocktails.
Let's start with the good. The cocktails are some of the best we've ever had before. We sat at the bar (I recommend) & were delighted by a performance of drinks on display. We had the Aleppo gin sour & the cherry sour & both were an absolute delight. Very well balanced, better than drinks at most exclusive cocktail bars in town, all using fresh juices & herbs. Truly a first class experience, much thanks to the bartender Amjad who saved the night for us for what was otherwise a very lackluster experience.
My fiancée had a reaction in her mouth to the fattouch salad where the roof of her mouth was burning but as far as she knows she has no food allergies.
The chicken was good, juicy & flavorful. I would recommend this dish. The rack of lamb was severely charred (beyond maillard reaction to pyrolysis) causing it to taste bitter & we only were able to eat a fraction of it. This is caused by cooking above 180C & the difference is instead of browning, simply burning the meat. Such a shame on such a beautiful piece of meat!
Other problems are the wait times. This is a very big restaurant with clearly a smaller kitchen that can't keep up. We were often waiting in excess of 20-30 minutes between each dish for the next to show up. Also, as many reviewers noted for the quality of the food the prices do not justify.
I would honestly only return to have their amazing cocktails. Unfortunately otherwise we were disappointed.
We had a great evening at Damas Restaurant. The food was excellent. We ordered baba ghanoush & fattoush as appetizers, & filet mignon & a lamb dish for the main course - everything was delicious & perfectly cooked.
It was Yalda Night, an Iranian celebration of the longest night of the year, so we asked for a red drink to celebrate. They brought us a lovely red beverage, which made the evening even more special.
Highly recommended!
Just visiting Montreal & enjoyed my stay at Damas. I wanted to support Syrian fine dining cuisine experience as I have not experienced something like this in Toronto.
Pricey restaurant but honestly flavors & textures were incredible. My favorite was the lamb dumplings. Great fantastic service as well. Everything went very well together it was very intentional when preparing the meal & menus. Will definitely return when back in the city God willing!
My wife & I went here on our honeymoon & the tasting menu was one of the highlights of our entire trip. There was a lamb dish so good that it literally made me laugh with delight. The service was fantastic, the atmosphere was so lovely, the food was UNREAL. They've also got a lovely drink menu, & their mocktail options are just as tasty as their cocktails. If you're in Montreal this is a spot you should not miss.
Nous avons opté pour le menu dégustation & l'expérience a été exceptionnelle du début à la fin. Le service était attentif & chaleureux, avec des explications précises qui ajoutaient encore plus de valeur à chaque assiette. L'ambiance complète parfaitement l'expérience culinaire. Je recommande sans hésitation!
