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 regarded as an exceptional destination for Syrian and Levantine cuisine in Montreal, frequently praised for its vibrant, expertly spiced dishes and refined atmosphere. Many diners highlight the tasting menu as a memorable way to experience a variety of authentic flavors, from signature fattoush and hummus to succulent grilled meats, all served within a beautifully decorated, upscale setting. While a majority of guests describe the service as impeccable, warm, and highly professional, there are occasional reports of inconsistent pacing or dissatisfaction regarding value versus cost. Despite some differing opinions on pricing and portion sizes, the restaurant remains a top recommendation for special occasions, with numerous visitors commending the staff for their attentiveness and deep knowledge of the menu.
Damas is not just a restaurant, it is one of Montreal's true culinary treasures. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere, the service & the attention to detail make you feel that you are somewhere special. The food is rich, elegant & full of soul. Every dish carries deep Middle Eastern flavors, beautiful presentation & real craftsmanship. You can taste the passion, the technique & the respect for tradition in every bite. Damas is the kind of place that reminds you why dining out can still be an unforgettable experience. Truly one of the best restaurants in Montreal.
Life changing experience. I have been to a lot of good middle eastern places around the world but this is by far one of the best. I did the tasting menu & every dish was incredible. I heard the guy next to me say that the food reminded him of his mom's cooking, that's how you know. I think my favorite was either the fattoush or the pastirma. If you sit at the bar you definitely gotta try to strike up a conversation with Amjad (not sure if I spelled his name right) - he's a really great guy.
I came from Toronto specifically to visit Damas because of its reputation. The restaurant itself is beautiful, & the atmosphere is definitely one of its strongest points. Parking, however, was difficult to find.
As a Lebanese person, I was most excited about the food, but unfortunately it didn't meet my expectations. Nothing we ordered had that'wow' factor or memorable taste that would justify the prices. The portions were also quite small for what we paid.
For a table of four, without ordering any meat dishes or alcohol, our bill came to over $500. In my opinion, there are many other Lebanese & Middle Eastern restaurants that offer better food & larger portions for half the price.
It feels like Damas is selling the name & the overall experience more than the food itself. While I can appreciate the ambiance, it wasn't enough to justify the cost for me. Unfortunately, this was a $500 lesson, & I won't be returning.
Jun 25, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
One of if not the best middle eastern restaurant on the continent. Fuad, Mark, Alex & his team took excellent care of us. & made sure all of our needs were met.
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
This is the best middle eastern restaurant I have ever eaten in North America.
I eat here every few years, whenever I come to Montreal.
I make it a point to come here.
It is absolutely worth the trip & the cost.
It is not inexpensive, but it is a dining experience worth every penny.
I would give it my very highest recommendation.
From the moment we walked into Damas, we knew we were about to embark on something special-but nothing could have prepared us for just how exceptional the experience would be. We have tried the tasting menu & it was absolutely the perfect choice!
The ambiance is warm & enchanting, beautifully combining elegance with the rich cultural essence of Syria. The soft lighting, the detailed décor, & the welcoming atmosphere set the perfect stage for an evening to remember.
But let's talk about the food-because this is where Damas truly shines. Every single dish was a masterpiece, crafted with such depth, authenticity, & care that we felt transported to the heart of Damascus. From the tender, aromatic lamb dishes to the vibrant & perfectly balanced mezze, every bite told a story. The flavors were bold yet refined, traditional yet elevated, & undeniably delicious. You could taste the passion & heritage in every element of the meal.
Special thanks to Alexander who guided us through the menu & made us feel at home throughout the evening. His hospitality added a personal touch that elevated the experience from amazing to unforgettable.
Damas has truly mastered the art of Syrian cuisine, blending tradition with fine dining in a way that few can. We left feeling full, grateful, & already planning our next visit.
Thank you, Damas, for an extraordinary night of food, culture, & warmth. You've set the gold standard for Middle Eastern dining in Montreal.
Everything is top notch. Service was extremely attentive. Food was incredible & flavorful, made with clean & delicious ingredients. I went here based on a recommendation & am very impressed & this is o e of the best middle eastern restaurants in North America. I ordered the course menu for $125 & loved it. Everything was perfect & Gabriel was a huge help.
