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.
As a Syrian American who lived in Syria, I've eaten a lot of Syrian food in my life, & this was genuinely some of the best I've had. The food was incredibly authentic, but also refined & thoughtfully prepared. Syrian cuisine is known for bold, powerful flavors, & the kitchen managed to preserve that intensity while adding an impressive level of subtlety & complexity. Every dish felt elevated without losing what makes Syrian food so distinctive.
We did the tasting menu, & it felt like a highlight reel of the classics I grew up eating with familiar dishes & flavors, but reimagined in a thoughtful & creative way.
George was our server & was fantastic throughout the meal. He even shared some of the history & stories behind the food & drinks, which made the experience that much more special. Highly recommend, especially if you're looking for Syrian food that feels both deeply authentic & genuinely elevated.
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.
Damas isn't just a meal; it is an absolute culinary experience. From the moment you walk into the dining room, the ambiance is stunning with warm lighting & elegant Syrian motifs.
The food is extraordinary. The mezze is served with their warm pita. I loved that the dishes are shareable, which allows you to try & taste different things on the menu.
The service is just as impressive as the food. The staff is attentive & knowledgeable about the menu. The drinks are on a whole different level; unlike traditional drinks, they feature a unique twist with a Middle Eastern touch.
Whether you live in Montreal or are just visiting, this is an institution you cannot miss. Highly, highly recommended.
Have been many times in the past & had excellent memories of it. However, we were very disappointed this time. The tasting menu I cannot recommend. If that menu really showcases the best they have I would be even more disappointed A really peculiar mixture with heavy lamb dishes quite delicate fish & underwhelming salad Perhaps the thing that killed it was being kept waiting nearly an hour between courses. At some point of wondering why you are really hungry having spent a fortune & being in an apparently excellent restaurant for two hours already you start to lose interest & instead regret making the decision to come. Just as we were planning to leave without paying the food arrived, no explanation, no recognition of the fact that we had been sat there for an hour with nothing to eat since the first entrée, , but once you have started doing the mental calculation of where you will go next, & so the evening has become broken Someone came to apologise which was appreciated & they gave us a couple of drinks for free & a bottle of wine but members of our group are still swearing about being paying so much for very ok food Maybe we hyped it up too much, & our memories are somehow inaccurate. But sadly, we will never go back. We just don't have time to spend nearly $250 a head a leave feeling unsatisfied. Apparently we were just unlucky. Most people still seem to like the place & I guess if you've never been it's worth a shot but don't get the tasting menu.
Brunch menu was so rubbish
Food was below average
MeZze felt like it was taking flavour away from my mouth - didn't even think that was possible. & so expensive for what you get. Do not recommend
Je suis allée chez Damas pour mon anniversaire & tout était absolument parfait !
Nous avons choisi le menu dégustation & quelle belle expérience ! Du début à la fin, les saveurs étaient au rendez-vous : une petite bouchée délicieuse pour commencer, tartare de veau, salade fattouche, crabe, poisson, boulettes de viande… & j'en passe ! Chaque service nous faisait découvrir quelque chose de différent & tout était vraiment excellent.
Mention spéciale pour le cocktail à la coriandre, juste parfait !🍸
& un immense merci à Daniel, notre sommelier, qui nous a littéralement fait voyager à travers les vins tout au long du repas. Ses choix, ses explications & sa passion ont vraiment ajouté quelque chose de spécial à l'expérience.
Une soirée mémorable pour mon anniversaire, autant dans l'assiette que dans les verres. Nous avons adoré & je recommande Damas sans hésiter !
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The ambiance is absolutely stunning, beautifully designed, warm, & inviting, creating the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable meal. Our waiter, Nick, was absolutely outstanding. His knowledge, attentiveness, & genuine hospitality elevated the entire evening & made the experience truly unforgettable.
If you're visiting, I can't recommend the tasting menu enough. Every course was beautifully presented, perfectly paced, & absolutely delicious. It was the perfect way to experience everything the restaurant has to offer.
I'll be referring everyone I know who visits Montreal to come here. It's the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression, & I can't wait to come back.
Nous sommes allés à ce restaurant en novembre dernier & je peux garantir que c'est un des meilleurs restaurants que j'ai été des dernières années.
Tout d'abord le serveur nous a aidé quant au choix de la bouteille de vin pour accompagner nos plats. Il était très sympathique & souriant.
Pour la nourriture, pour la plupart des plats, nous avons découvert de nouvelles saveurs & des nouveaux mets. J'étais agréablement surpris par la qualité de ce qui nous était servi.
Nous en avions beaucoup entendu parler avant d'y aller pour la première fois & nous n'avons pas été déçu.
