Reviews describe Hayat as a standout for authentic Middle Eastern flavors with generous sharing portions, praising dishes such as baba ghanouj, fattoush, lamb shank, short ribs, soujouk, and muhammara, plus baklava pancakes and Syrian ice cream as highlights. The atmosphere is repeatedly praised as warm and stylish, with a lively vibe and a pleasant terrace, making it a good pick for dates, celebrations, or casual meals. Service is commonly noted as attentive and friendly, though some reviews report variability and longer waits during busy times and changes in management that affected consistency. Reservations can be necessary, as seating options vary between bar and table, and some guests would prefer to book a table in advance. Prices are sometimes described as high for the portion size, though many feel the quality justifies the cost. Overall the place is seen as a top halal fine dining option in the area, with standout drinks, hospitality, and a strong sense of care from the staff.
Found this place completely on a whim while looking for something a bit healthier, & I'm so glad we ended up here. They're vegetarian-friendly, which was a huge plus. I ordered the fattet batinjan with Impossible meat & it was genuinely incredible, one of those meals you keep thinking about after.
We sat at the bar since we didn't get a table, & honestly the service there was amazing. Kerry was so nice & fun to talk to, which made the whole experience even better. The overall vibe of the place was great-warm, lively, & just a good energy. Everyone in our group loved what they ordered.
Highly recommend saving room for the Syrian ice cream. Absolutely worth it. Would 100% go back.
Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. The service was top-tier, & I especially want to shout out Otis-he went above & beyond. He was professional, friendly, & genuinely cared about making sure everything was perfect. You can tell he takes pride in his work, & it really shows. Because of Otis, this was one of the best customer service experiences I've had in a long time. Highly recommend-ask for Otis if you can!
Jan 2, 2026
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Incredibly delicious food ! The service was amazing, from being greeted at the door, attentive service on water & cleanliness, & the best of all was our server Hajar. She treated us like queens!! Highly recommend a lovely place for the family & date night. You have to try the Baclava pancakes!!!
I just had my bridal shower at Hayat Restaurant, & everything was perfect! The food, décor, & ambiance were amazing, so elegant & beautifully done. A special shoutout to our waitress Hajar, she was absolutely the best! So kind, attentive, & made the whole experience even better. I'll definitely be coming back with my family, & I highly recommend everyone to visit Hayat Restaurant!
The food was very well prepared & presented. The service was also top notch. I would highly recommend Hayat for anyone looking for upscale Middle Eastern food.
Our experience at Hayat in Montreal was exceptional. The food was delicious with generous portions, & the chef clearly knows his craft - every dish was beautifully prepared. The service was outstanding, with attentive & warm staff who made us feel welcome. The restaurant was spotlessly clean, & the atmosphere struck a perfect balance between elegance & comfort. Highly recommended!
The service we received from Valeri was outstanding. She demonstrated great professionalism, attention to detail, & excellent hospitality. We truly appreciated her efforts & highly recommend this place.
Amazing food! we enjoyed it a lott! Super good & authentic with a touch of western fusion. Valerie was our server & she was super sweet, welcoming & overall anazing service & soirée. Highly recommend
Apr 25, 2025
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Hayat in Montreal, overlooking the old port waterfront, offers a beautiful dining experience with both outdoor & indoor seating. The fusion of food was so delicious that I could only take two photos before it was all gobbled up. The staff were attentive, & Nathaniel's exceptional service truly stood out. He carefully listened to our preferences & recommended dishes that perfectly suited our tastes. The food quality was outstanding, with generous portions, & the dessert is an absolute must-try! Highly recommended!
I don't usually go to Middle Eastern restaurants (to avoid getting disappointed as a Middle Eastern person). We we were heading to a different restaurant which did not accommodate us so we ended trying to Hayat & they were very welcoming & accommodated us despite being very busy. It probably was one of the best (if not the best) Middle Eastern/Syrian food we had in North America. Everything we ate was great including the eggplant kebab, shish tawook, soujouk, fattoush, shrimp, ice cream, desserts, & others. The portions are good in size. This was not your usual Middle Eastern restaurant. The food presentation was great, & the chef's amazing culinary skills & touch were very clear. The service was great & food arrived quickly, despite being busy. Highly recommended.
Absolutely everything was perfect with this restaurant. I had gone with my family of 9 last night & Nathaniel was our server. I haven't received such amazing service in a very long time. Thank you for having us again. We will definitely be returning!! I highly recommend the short rib & Baklawa Pancake.
We had the best time here for a late lunch. We had our pups with us & they were so good to let us sit on the patio. The food was excellent. Highly recommend any of the appetizers. Valerie made the experience perfect.
Aug 21, 2024
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We sat outside & had a party of 7. Our waiter was friendly & was a joy to interact with. We had cocktails & the Beirut beer which were all fantastic. We shared a variety of dishes but the ribs were an absolute delight. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for Lebanese food.
Hayat truly offers a fantastic dining experience with its great vibe & welcoming atmosphere. The moment we walked in, we felt the positive energy. The highlight of our visit was the exceptional service provided by Valerie. She was incredibly nice & respectful, always approaching our table with a warm smile. Valerie's knowledge of the menu was impressive, & her helpful suggestions made our meal even more enjoyable. The star of the evening was undoubtedly the ribs plate, perfectly complemented by a creamy sauce that left us wanting more. Overall, our experience at Hayat was superb, & we will definitely revisit again. Highly recommend this gem!
The nicest terasse in the old port. My friends & I had a great time & cant wait to come back. Highly recommend sharing so you can try everything. The cocktails are amazing & the server Chris really knew his menu & even convinced us to try our first lebanese wine which everyone loved. Cant wait to come back
Highly recommended!! The food was amazing! The portions were smaller than we are used to in America but the quality was fantastic. We got the eggplant kebab short ribs & shish tawook & all were amazing
Great Mediterranean fusion menu different than any restaurant you'd find in Montreal. Chef Gaby was super friendly & gave us great pairing tips. The burrata dates appetizer is a must-try - highly recommend this place.
