Hayat is often described as a standout Lebanese and Syrian restaurant in Montreal's Old Port, with elegant decor, a warm atmosphere, and a lively yet comfortable vibe. Reviews praise generous portions, fresh ingredients, and a variety of signature dishes such as baba ghanoush, shawarma, hummus, fattoush, lamb shank, and baklava pancakes. Service is repeatedly highlighted as a strength, with many noting attentive and professional staff and a welcoming front of house, though a few guests mention occasional slower moments or seating that could feel more intimate. Bar and patio options add to a flexible dining experience, suitable for dates, celebrations, and casual meals alike. While many describe consistent quality and a memorable overall experience, some reviews mention the price and portion sizes being out of balance. Overall, Hayat is seen as a top choice for authentic Middle Eastern flavors in Montreal, offering delicious food and a warm atmosphere, with room for improvement in service consistency and value.
Went by the other day with some family from out of town. Food was amazing, service was great. Kelly did an amazing job serving us. Atmosphere was phenomenal. Would definitely recommend to other people. Would absolutely make another appearance.
Aug 11, 2025
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5 star came by with my group of friends & had an amazing experience. Food was great & staff was incredible we were served by kelly & she was amazing! definitely recommend
Restaurant vraiment à essayer. Service impeccable ( merci Nathaniel) . Belle diversité & de la qualité. Viandes cuites à la perfection & fondantes en bouche . Le bon endroit pour découvrir la cuisine & l'hospitalité du Liban , je recommande .👍😋🤩👏🏼
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!
It's my favorite Lebanese restaurant in town ! Located in the heart of the old port, both the terrace & the interior of the restaurant have a very a very beautiful design & esthetic (ideal for a date). Everything tastes fresh & authentic, & the positions are very generous. It is my second time going to this restaurant au both times the service was perfect & very efficient. I especially recommend this place for all the pistachio lovers out there, it's incorporated in many meals with great taste! I recommend trying the Muhammara, the beef eggplant appetizer & main course, along with their lamb shank!
La cuisine n'a rien de spécial. Très peu de choix, les plats manquent de saveur & les portions sont vraiment petites - j'ai été surpris par la quantité. Le serveur, un jeune homme, était sympathique, mais les autres membres du personnel, non. Le propriétaire ou le gérant (je ne sais pas exactement) était carrément arrogant. Il n'y avait aucune ambiance.
Franchement, 150$ pour ça, ce n'était pas mérité. En sortant, on avait encore faim 😏. Je n'y retournerai jamais & je ne le recommande pas. Shay est largement meilleur, autant pour le choix que pour le goût.
Jul 2, 2025
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Beetroot hummus was fresh & tasty (7.5/10). Soujouk stood out-flavorful & juicy (9/10). Short ribs were tender but needed more depth (7.5/10).
Service was a bit slow but friendly (7.5/10). Good value for Old Port (8/10).
Syrian ice cream was creamy & unique (8/10).
Definitely recommend
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.
We dined at this restaurant after our Airbnb host recommended it. This restaurant by far exceeded my expectations. The food was amazing. All our dishes that we ordered were perfect. The bartender (Otis) was very quick & had a wonderful personality.
We could see the chef working in the kitchen & he looked so passionate about all the dishes they were serving. We chatted with him afterwards & you could see & hear how much passion & love goes into his dishes. This restaurant will not disappoint! Make a reservation because it was quite busy & we got lucky for a couple seats at the bar.
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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J'y suis venu avec mon conjoint & nous avons tous deux adoré la nourriture ainsi que l'ambiance. Je recommande d'essayer les crêpes baklava comme dessert c'était excellent
Un excellent restaurant où la nourriture est à la fois délicieuse & copieuse. Le service est chaleureux & attentionné, ce qui rend l'expérience encore plus agréable. Nous avons passé une très belle soirée & nous reviendrons avec plaisir ! Je recommande vivement sans hésitation
Avec un groupe d'amies nous avons récemment soupé dans ce restaurant & l'expérience a été plutôt agréable, jusqu'à ce que tout tourne au vinaigre. Dès notre arrivée, le service était impeccable : le personnel était attentif, souriant & très professionnel, vraiment un point fort. La nourriture, bien qu'initialement délicieuse, a malheureusement causé une intoxication alimentaire quelques heures après le repas pour la moitié de la table. C'est vraiment dommage, car l'atmosphère & le service étaient parfaits, & les plats étaient savoureux. Peut-être que nous sommes mal tombées vu tous les avis positifs. Cela aurait pu être une expérience culinaire sans faute. Je recommande prudence avant de s'aventurer ici, malgré un service irréprochable.
Nous avons passés une excellente soirée entre mère & fille. Le service était impeccable. Je recommande vivement si vous voulez une bonne cuisine libanaise & passer un bon moment!
Food & service was excellent. I had lamb shawarma with humus & I liked it. I recommend you try the eggplant beef as appetizer & the Sumac smash cocktail.
