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 recognized as a premier destination in Montreal, celebrated for its refined take on Syrian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Many diners describe the food as exceptional, highlighting vibrant flavors, high-quality ingredients, and creative presentations that elevate traditional dishes into an unforgettable dining experience. While the atmosphere is frequently praised for its beautiful, ornate decor and warm, celebratory energy, the level of service is consistently noted as a primary strength, with staff often described as professional, attentive, and highly knowledgeable. Although the restaurant is considered pricey and some patrons have noted concerns regarding the cost relative to portion sizes or inconsistencies during particularly busy shifts, the majority of visitors view it as a must-visit institution. Whether opting for the curated tasting menu or à la carte selections, the consensus among many is that the combination of exquisite flavors, top-tier hospitality, and immersive ambiance makes it a standout culinary landmark.
So me & my partner really wanted to go somewhere special but different for our one year anniversary. We're from Vermont so we thought that the cuisine would be a wonderful detour from what we usually have available. Our experience however, was not very good, & I don't think we'd come back again. To start, we got seated & we knew we wanted the tasting menu, which is 7 courses, so we ordered that & we each had a cocktail. They whisked the menus away & we were excited. Then the first course came, then the second, by the third we were both finished with our cocktails & were politely waiting for our server to come back to ask for a refill. I was facing the restaurant & I watched him stop by other tables except ours. I tried to make eye contact with him, to no avail, it seems he was uninterested in helping us anymore, as he refused to even look our direction. At the point of the fourth course my partner had been waiting on a water refill for 15 minutes. 15! I finally just started staring & trying to flag waiters down until one (very nice) man came over & asked if we needed something. We asked for a wine menu, ordered. & then were promptly left alone again. Then when dessert came around, (we made this reservation 3 months in advance & put in the notes it was our anniversary) the person who came said "its somebodys birthday" Which while it would be fine if that was the only blunder, but when you've been dismissed the entire night & had to fight for a water refill it Definitely feels on purpose & rude. & then we had to fight again to get the check. I just felt like if you're spending $500 on a dinner youd think they could keep the water refilled. Let alone notice that your cocktail is empty & ask if youd like another. Or at least CHECK IN & make sure everything is going fine. I don't know if it was because we looked younger than their usual clientele, or if that is policy to leave you to your devices after ordering a 7 course meal. But we will not go there again. & it's so disappointing because the food was phenomenal!! But I would never recommend anyone go there. It felt like we weren't their target clientele, & I got the impression that we weren't welcome.
I've eaten here three times so far, & hope to return again! It is also currently my favourite restaurant of all time. The food is delicious, unique, & iconic. I have not had the pleasure of trying the tasting menus, but there are some regular menu items on it that I have loved. A shoutout for the cocktails is needed, & I recommend either the Aleppo Gin Sour or Damascus Blinker. As far as food goes the hummus is remarkable, & the option with the shawarma is a meal on its own. I also recommend the Sour Cherry Kebab & the Samke Harra. The food service is organized around sharing plates, & they run a tight ship replacing platters & utensils. Staff have always been helpful & kind. Not to mention the restaurant itself is gorgeous & has an intimate atmosphere despite its density. Overall, it's worth the price to try at least once. You will probably find yourself wanting to come back!
Apr 13, 2024
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.
As a Chef & food business owner, I know a little bit about food & customer experience. It's hard to find a place that hits all the points. Thank you Damas! Food taste, textures, aromas & visuals were all outstanding. We sat at the bar, our favourite spot to mingle & socialize with others. Sebieh was our bartender & server. We've met him here before. What a super incredible human! Grateful for all the hard work that went into executing a perfectly seamless experience. Until next time! ❤️
The vibe & food were so beautiful & despite being busy, the servers were so attentive & kind. Made us feel like we were the only customers there. I live near LGA & would strongly consider a day trip to Montreal just for this restaurant (if the plane tickets are cheap lol) Might be my favorite restaurant ever.
had: baba beet mutabbal mouhamara yalanji shish borek friki bamia moujaddara shish taouk first of all- yes very expensive plate prices but unlike most in this range these are big boy & girl portions. so its not SO bad. mezze were some of the best ive had. truly elite stuff. sauteed lamb mains were interest. chicken taouk, while fresh & all, was really boring & kind of a damper in otherwise good meal. so i guess order the interesting stuff. nice place.
An absolutely amazing place for a casual dinner with friends or celebratory feast. We had the degustation & the kitchen deftly avoided the food allergies, & the sommelier made some great replacements for the red wines to help my wife avoid the migraines. Amazing service team, really delicious food. Would highly recommend, & visit again!
