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.
Very good food, but the experience is too loud for the price tag. Honestly, was expecting a better customer experience. The service over-talked, one looked at women with his side eye, & distance between clients was too thin.
Honestly, Way better options in Montreal at this price.
The food was honestly just average, especially considering the price. The service was good, but not amazing. What really surprised me was the price - $220 for a mixed grilled plate for two people! 😳 I have never seen a grilled plate for two cost that much. At that price, I expected the food & overall experience to be exceptional, but unfortunately, it wasn't. Very expensive for what you get, & I personally wouldn't recommend it based on the value.
The food is great but the portions are very small for the price. Also the service doesn't provide much value. The restaurant was almost empty but We had 3 different persons to take our orders. First, nobody came to give us the menu so we had to ask for it. We wanted to sit inside but it was so freezing because of the AC so we had to sit outside surrounded by the heavy rains. The lady said that it was not possible to adjust the AC. Then lately I asked twice some lemon but it never came. & at the end, we asked for the bill but the guy came back without the bill, too busy to dress the tables. So we had to ask at another one. Anyway the food is okay but experience is terrible, it looks like it's the first day for the all team.
Damas was absolutely exceptional & worth every penny. Yes, it is a high-end, premium price point-but when you pay a lot & actually get world-class food, it is completely justified.
The top-tier service & incredible food blew us over so much that we came back twice in one trip-once for brunch & again for dinner. Every single dish was flawless. The brunch ribeye was the best ribeye I've ever had.
If you're in Montreal & want a truly premium dining experience where the quality actually matches the price, Damas is a must-visit.
Got the tasting menu (party of 4). We had a new waiter that didn't really know the menu. We had to ask for cutlery & sharing plates. Random staff were dropping off the plates with no explanations & the courses seemed disorganized & rushed. Some plates were difficult for us to divide & the portions were small (we had to cut a piece of meat into 4 & portion out sauce). Our waiter never checked up on us. Towards the end of the meal, a new staff member asked what we thought of the bread (at this points we realized they had forgotten to bring it). No one refilled our waters. Based on recommendations, I guess it was an off evening, but this is completely unacceptable given the insane price... Definitely in the bottom 0.1% of restaurant experiences...
Damas was quite the experience.
Take a look at the pictures for an impression of the ornate interior.
Lots of love in every detail.
But of course the food is the star, once you have made peace with the price tag of $160 for the six course (9 items) tasting menu, which gives you an amazing tour of Syrian flavors as interpreted by Damas.
Everyone of these comes with a thorough description by the server that gives you the details.
I discovered something I had never tasted before, a caper berry I thought was a pickled pepper.
I'm not a food expert & this was unforgettable. Try a smoked cocktail, which you can also get without alcohol.
Our server, Nick, was a local foodie who happily answered my hundred questions. At the end he gave us a list of recommendations for other places to try, for experiencing the amazing Montreal food scene.
Come & be impressed!
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.
One of the most overrated & overexpensive restaurants I have been to. The food is hit & miss some plates are good but mostly are under average. Definitely not recommended. If you want a good experience for the price there are many other choices.
Our server Ayoub (hope I spelled it right) was phenomenal. Very friendly & knowledgeable with some great recommendations!
Service was excellent, quick & efficient but did not make you feel rushed at all.
Food was amazing! Highly recommend the lamb dumplings & the lamb kebab.
Décore is top notch as well, just unique & transformes you to a different country.
A tad pricey but well worth it for the great experience.
