Kazamaza
4629 du Parc Avenue | Website
I really can’t pick a favourite dish at this Mile End address. Set in a funky yet simple decor complete with brick wall, Kazamaza is a vibrant restaurant serving traditional mezes as well as mains and grilled meats. Try their cherry kebabs and the delicious omelette with kawarma (lamb confit) served at brunch.
Damas
1201 Van Horne Avenue | Website
Damas has to be one of my favourite spot for Middle Eastern food, specifically Syrian in this case. All the mezza are fresh and delicious but try some of the house specialties like the eggplant fatteh or the moloukhiya.
Sumac
3618 Notre-Dame Street West | Website
Located in Saint-Henri, this bustling spot serves Middle-Eastern inspired dishes such as the best falafels and delicious kefta made with the freshest ingredients and served with their homemade bread. Try the garlic labneh with dukka, fresh mint and paprika oil.
Alep and Le Petit Alep
199 Jean-Talon Street East | Website
I have been a fan of Le Petit Alep for years. I head to this little bistro located across the street from the Jean Talon Market when I am craving a spicy terbialy kebab (filet mignon in a spicy sauce) or one of their daily specials. Its big brother Alep serves the same menu in a more upscale atmosphere. If you’re a wine fan, both restaurants have two of the best wine lists in the city.
Rumi
5198 Hutchison Street | Website
Rumi serves food inspired by the Silk Road, happily combining the cuisines of the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa for a true culinary trip to exotic faraway lands.
Byblos Le Petit Café
1499 Laurier Avenue East | Website
Known for their impeccable feta cheese omelette served for breakfast daily, Byblos is a cozy café with a varied menu of delectable Persian specialties that include spreads, rolls, couscous, sandwiches and desserts.
Omnivore
4306 Saint-Laurent Blvd. | Website
Whether you’re an herbivore, an omnivore or a carnivore, Omnivore is a great spot to know. Located on the Main on the Plateau Mont-Royal, the grill specialist uses maple charcoal for all the grilled meats and the freshest ingredients for their many salads and spreads. The Omnivore grocery store and catering business just opened up at 54 Marie-Anne West for all your take-home needs.
On the go
Crazy Falafel
759 de la Côte-Vertu Blvd. | Website
A bit out of the way, I always head there for the French fries sandwich, which consists of fresh fries topped with garlic sauce and coleslaw, wrapped in pita bread and slightly pressed.
Chez Fourna
977 Sainte-Catherine Street West | Website
Chez Fourna specializes in one of favourite Lebanese street foods, a manouché (a round dough topped with zaatar, a mix of wild thyme, sumac, sesame seeds and salt).
