If you’re fortunate enough to have experienced a meal in the Middle East, you know all about their warmth, ambiance and extravagance. Whether it’s on a terrace accompanied by an afternoon tea, or sipping Arak in the evening, the “joie de vivre” can’t be missed.
Having successfully recreated the magic, our chef Joe Awad and his team have put together a menu featuring traditional flavours reimagined with a modern flare.
Our friendly and attentive staff will make you feel as though you’ve walked through the fabric of time to the other side of the world. Prepare your tastebuds, they’re in for an amazing experience!
SHAY earns high praise for its vibrant atmosphere, flavorful modern Lebanese cuisine, and consistently attentive service, with guests noting generous portions and standout items like mezze dips and lamb dishes, shakshuka and baklava pancakes; brunch shines with creative twists such as shawarma eggs Benedict and labneh, while cocktails and a lively DJ vibe add to the welcoming, upbeat experience and make many say they will definitely return.
Absolutely gorgeous restaurant serving contemporary & revisited Lebanese/Middle Eastern dishes conceived to be shared. Apart from creative, the food is of excellent quality. Unfortunately, I was alone so I couldn't try as many dishes as I'd have liked. In any case, the fatoush-inspired tuna tartare is a must have. The lamb kebab, although very good, was a bit stronger in terms of taste, so it became a bit too much for only myself. They have a large selection of cocktails too. The Apricot Margarita with Zataar & Sumac was very good (although I would've preferred it to be sour instead of sweet). The one thing that could be improved is the by-the-glass wine selection.
We have been coming to Shay since its opening & have always loved it. This time was different. We wondered if there was a new chef & asked the server. When she asked us why we were wondering, we explained that the food tasted different. We even told her that one of the dishes we ordered was very oily (the roasted broccoli) & would to eat it. She took it away without asking if we wanted to substitute it. We were hoping not be to charged for it but it was on the bill. She confirmed that there was a new chef in the kitchen, & informed the manager of our comments, but he did not seem concerned. Even the music that we usually love & creates a cool ambiance was not the same. The owner usually greets us warmly & exchanges a few words with us when we come, but he was unfortunate not there that evening. Overall, a disappointing experience at a place we used to love. We will not be coming again.
A lot of of friends told us to go to Shay & I have to say they were right. It didn't disappoint.
The restaurant is beautiful. It's small & cozy but there was a great ambiance & vibe
The staff was so knowledgeable. They guided us though the menu & even offered suggestion. They were friendly & checked up on all throughout the night.
What can I say about the food...it was fresh & delicious. I enjoyed every dish we ordered.
My husband & I had a wonderful evening- celebrating our wedding anniversary- & we can't wait to return with friend
I highly recommend this resto!!!
The shawarma benne was amazing & the perfect portion. Serving staff were very attentive at keeping water filled. I enjoyed the ambiance on the outdoor terrace. All my friends dishes looked excellent as well!
Best restaurant in Montreal! Perfect for a celebration. We brought so many people there & everyone loves it. It was for a birthday, & the staff was perfect, very attentive. The lamb is to die for & we tried the octopus which was delicious too. Merci beaucoup Shay!
I wanted to try this restaurant for a long time. I decided to make a reservation for brunch to celebrate my 24th wedding anniversary. Food was good. Service & ambiance were great! Now my husband's food was a little cold. Mimosas were ok but not too cold. We ordered a side of potatoes which came with ketchup, we ordered an extra ketchup & when we received our bill it was extra $3. Really? For ketchup? On the reservation they asked if is an special occasion & I wrote it was my wedding anniversary, usually restaurants do something. Don't get me wrong I'm not expecting not to pay but at least acknowledge, why ask in the first place?
Aug 13, 2023
🍽️
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.
Repas délicieux dans une ambiance festive & raffinée. Idéal pour une sortie entre amis. Nourriture méditerranéenne style libanaise (mezza, salades, grillades).
Delicious food & excellent service. Our waitress, Mina gave us great suggestions which we took & enjoyed.
Very nice ambience. Thank you for a great evening.
Jul 6, 2023
🍽️
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.
Phenomenal food coupled with an amazing wine selection, topped with the best ambience in Montreal. Impeccable service from Olivier & his team, this is the place for an amazing time in Montreal.
Had high expectations going in, & the food was good but nothing outstanding, I think this is a great vibes spot.
Mouhammara dip was good, nice & flavourful & spicy, but the pita bread tasted plain, cold & store-bought.
Brussels were solid, good combo of pomegranate & almonds. Lamb kebab was overly salty & not all that spiced or unique in flavour, good with the potatoes. The accompanying tomatoes & onions were pretty depressing.
Our server was amazing ! Ambiance is very nice. Food is good! Lamb chops were smaller than other restaurants of similar quality & slightly over cooked. Starters were. Dry good. Fatouche salad is good but not amazing
