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.
Je conseille vivement ce restaurant ! Nous y avons passé le réveillon & nous avons eu le droit à 3 succulents services avec des portions plus que généreuses! Merci pour cette explosion de saveurs ✨ Gros merci à toute l'équipe, en particulier à Khalid & au barman Rouhid! Nous reviendrons sans doute très prochainement.
Jan 1, 2024
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Kal was the most amazing bartender ever!! Would really recommend to come just for him! He treated us like royalty!! Also, food was amazing!! Come here now!!
5 etoiles d'autant plus qu'on est arrivé avec des attentes (trés) élevés & on n'a pas été déçu! Rou, notre serveur, était de bons conseils & de bonnes compagnie. Le service impecc. Le restaurant etait plein, bonne ambiance & la cuisine surprenante de l'entrée au dessert!
Service aimable, courtois & efficace. Par contre, pour être à la hauteur des plats que nous avons dégusté (& adoré), il faudrait que les serveurs connaissent ce qu'ils servent & les vins de leur carte. Hier, sur ce point, c'était au meilleur brouillon.
A charming relatively new restaurant with a great modern twist on the Levant cuisine. The place is super ambient & they have great cocktails & food. I really enjoyed the muhamara, fattet bitinjein, kibbe nayye (beef tartare) & the lamb shawarma taco was out of this world. If you have a sweet tooth, I definitely recommend the baklava pancakes, they are to die for!
Dec 30, 2023
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Nous avons eu une excellente expérience au Hayat. Le service était excellent & personnalisé. La nourriture & les cocktails étaient simplement délicieux & les goûts étaient bien balancés. Nous y retournerons définitivement.
Whole experience was great! A bit of a wait even though we had a reservation but the staff were wonderful drinks & food was amazing & vibes were immaculate
Dec 29, 2023
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The food was good but nothing impressive . Maybe the expectations were too high from the fact the chef used to be at Damas so it's easy to compare to Damas ...
food was incredible & our server was amazing!
only comments:
-the table by the door is COLD. we were able to move so it didn't impact us at all but you might want to put up a curtain or something
-one of our guests was gluten intolerant & while she was able to order some fries to eat instead of the pitas we had (& she enjoyed that), some gluten free pitas/pita chips might be nice
Our party of eight thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience at Hayat. The food & service was exceptional. Found the restaurant as we looked for a vegetarian experience for our teens. They have said this was their favorite meal ever.
