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.
I had a fantastic experience at Hayat! The minimalist atmosphere is a winner, & the staff's friendliness made us feel well taken care of. The Muhammara had a smoky touch (3.5/5), Baba Ghanouj was a mind-blower (5/5), & Hayat fries' seasonings were delicious (4.5/5). Although Shish taouk was a bit disappointing, the dippings saved the day (4/5). Overall, great place with phenomenal flavors!
Good food overall although I felt that the Shawarma Tacos could use a lot of improvement. From my experience I always felt that Beef meat with the relevant Shawarma spices tastes much better than Lamb meet. Also the way it was served, it was very difficult to access the taco wraps at the bottom & the end result was very messy. Service was excellent...
I know you're a new business but the prices felt high for what was served, & some of the portion sizes/distributions were a little confusing (ex: not much falafel in the falafel salad, but a TON of cauliflower in the cauliflower salad). Additionally, I do have to let you know that I almost did not make the reservation because of your strident cancellation policy. Though I knew I would not cancel (we made the reservation a few hours ahead), it feels important to point out that we are still in the era of Covid, where people could get sick the day of their reservation & be reluctant to cancel--putting others at risk--due to a $50 per person cancellation fee. I understand a strident no-show fee, but requiring a full two days cancellation with such a high tariff for cancelling was incredibly off-putting. For me, this means I would only make a reservation at Hayat day-of, & if I were planning an event that required advance preparation (a large group, a special event) I would not be willing to book with you. I hope that you will reconsider this draconian policy as you work out the kinks of being a new business. I know it harms businesses when people cancel last-minute, but a policy this strident will prevent the reservation in the first place, which presumably hurts more.
We just stumbled on this place on a recent trip to Montreal. We started with two appetizers & a special that were outstanding. We were a bit let down with the main courses, however. There beat salad special was the best I have ever had. Very vegetarian friendly. The drinks were phenomenal as well. Rue (most likely misspelled), our server was very attentive & professional. The service all around was excellent.
Excellent de A a Z avec mention spéciale au barmaid (desolé mais j'ai oublié son nom) & au chef qui est venu nous parler & nous a offert le dessert. Quelle expérience incroyable!
Excellent sur tous les points; nourriture, cocktails, service, attention aux détails! Mention spéciale au barman, super sympa & qui fait de succulents cocktails.
Nice place, but should put a double door, because everytime the door gets opened, it's freezing & uncomfortable. Also the food is overpriced. Too expensive for the small quantities. Some of the dishes were excellent like the Armenian sausages or the tomato feta salad, but others were « passable ». Like the cheese borek (still doubting its phyllo paste. The cheese was pretty basic (minimal amount of Akawi & maximal of mozzarella). The shish taouk was way too expensive for 2 mini brochettes, no fries nothing. I think for the price of the menu, you should significantly increase the portions, the sides & improve the taste. Thank you
Hayat Restaurant offers a warm & inviting ambiance that sets the perfect tone for a delightful dining experience. The food, a symphony of flavors, is a true delight for the taste buds, delivering a savory & memorable culinary experience. The impeccable service provided by knowledgeable staff adds another layer of excellence, with their skillful recommendations enhancing the overall satisfaction. A visit to Hayat promises not just a meal, but a sensory journey worth savoring.
Went there for a meeting with my business partner, we had the best middle Eastern meal we've had in a while. Seeing Lebanese & Syrian food in such an elevated but still rustic presentation was great. what was even better was the quality of the food. It was sublime. Service was great & the staff was lively & made us feel like family. We had drinks afterwards at the bar where I had my first ever tequila espresso martini. Its a must have.
