Damas

Damas brings the flavours of Syrian cooking to an elegant dining room on Avenue Van Horne in Outremont. Chef and co-owner Fuad Alnirabie opened the restaurant on Avenue du Parc in 2010; after a fire in 2015 destroyed the original space, Damas reopened on Van Horne later that year. It has since been ranked among the best restaurants in Canada.

How to get there

Damas is on Avenue Van Horne at the edge of Outremont and Mile End. Outremont metro station (blue line) is within walking distance, and the 161 bus runs along Van Horne. The area has plenty of cafés for a pre-dinner stroll.

What to order

Build your meal around shared mezze such as hummus, muhammara, fattoush and kibbeh (the pistachio-fried version is a standout), then move on to charcoal-grilled kebabs and slow-cooked dishes. The Friki, a braised beef short rib with smoked eggplant cream, is a signature. A multi-course tasting menu is available, and brunch is served on weekends.

Atmosphere

The large dining room, with just over 100 seats, features intricate tilework, high ceilings, lanterns and an open kitchen in rich red and gold tones. In summer, a terrace of about 70 seats is one of the most sought-after reservations in the area.

Plan your visit

Damas is a dinner destination, and weekend reservations go quickly, especially for the summer terrace. The tasting menu is the best way to discover the range of the kitchen if you are a group. Avenue Van Horne and nearby Avenue Bernard are lined with cafés and shops, and Outremont’s quiet, tree-lined streets are pleasant for an after-dinner walk. A sister counter on Van Horne, Folfol, offers a quicker, more casual version of Syrian flavours.

Good to know

• Nearest metro: Outremont (blue line); bus 161 along Van Horne
• Neighbourhood: Outremont
• Cuisine: Syrian, Middle Eastern
• Budget: $$$
• Terrace: Yes, in season
• Best for: Group dinners, celebrations, sharing plates
• Tip: Reservations recommended on weekends, especially for the terrace

Why it is on our list

Damas shows how rich and varied Syrian cuisine can be, and it has become one of Montreal’s reference tables for Middle Eastern food. See our guide to the best restaurants in Montreal for more top tables.

Hours, menus and prices change often. Confirm opening hours and reservation policies directly with the restaurant before you go.