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.
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.
The food is perfect, which is all that matters. You can see the portion decrease from previous years (especially with the kibbeh nayyeh 😞) but my god does it taste amazing. We also had a lovely server who went out of her way to make sure we enjoyed our experience. If you're craving exceptional Syrian food, you must come to Damas 🤍
This place is a hidden gem.
The food is incredibly, authentic, & packed with flavor. The staff is so welcoming & treats you like family. If you want genuine Syrian hospitality & delicious food, you have to try this place. Highly recommend!
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!
First time trying Syrian food & I was completely blown away with the food. It was fresh, aromatic, healthy & absolutely delicious.
Service was absolutely amazing. Tessie our server was phenomenal. She explained the components of each dish. Made some really good recommendations. Even though it was a fixed menu, accommodations were made based on individual preferences.
The wait staff were absolutely fantastic. Every time we completed a meal, the servers came by to switch out our dishes, cutlery & clean any crumbs off our table.
Overall an amazing experience & would definitely recommend this restaurant as a must stop when visiting Montreal
We visited Damas for the first time last week, & it completely lived up to its reputation. Syrian cuisine has always been my favorite, & this restaurant took it to another level. The food was exceptional, & the service was outstanding. The waiters & sommelier were very knowledgeable & helped make the experience even more enjoyable.
A special thank you to Mark, the manager, who was kind & accommodating in finding us a great table on their beautiful terrace. I highly recommend Damas & will definitely be back.
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.
My goodness I have no words to express how amazing this was. It was my first time trying Syrian cuisine & I loved it. From the waiter (Theo) to the meals, recommendations, wait staff ensuring we had all we need. Thank you! 10/10 🙌🏾