SHAY

Middle Eastern restaurant · Little Burgundy

SHAY

Middle Eastern restaurant · Little Burgundy

5

1414 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3C 1K8, Canada

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Highlights

Gourmet Lebanese pub food: mezzes, mains, brunch & desserts  

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1414 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3C 1K8, Canada Get directions

shaymtl.com
@shaygriffintown

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1414 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3C 1K8, Canada Get directions

+1 514 937 2001
shaymtl.com
@shaygriffintown

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Reserve

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Last updated

Oct 3, 2025

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@eater

The Best New Brunches in Montreal | Eater Montreal

"Shay executive chef Joseph Awad experiments with traditional Lebanese flavours at this Griffintown restaurant — and his brunch menu is no exception. He serves waffles with shish taouk-spiced fried chicken, makes shakshuka with an amatriciana sauce, tops pancakes with whipped labneh, and pairs eggs with lamb shawarma." - JP Karwacki

https://montreal.eater.com/maps/best-new-brunches-montreal-restaurants-brunchs
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@eater

The Best Restaurants in Griffintown, Montreal | Eater Montreal

"New kid on the block Shay (pronounced “shy”—the Arabic word for tea) has already made a strong impression on diners in the neighbourhood, despite a late start that saw the modern Middle Eastern joint push its slated 2020 opening to 2021 because of lockdown measures. Shay does a great picnic basket, but it’s worth visiting the restaurant in person, if only to take the pressure off of having to decide between the selection of mezzes: from innovative takes on Middle Eastern flavours, like falafel bao buns and shawarma tacos, to classics like shish taouk and kibbeh nayeh." - Holly Tousignant

https://montreal.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-griffintown-montreal-meilleurs
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@eater

14 Brand-New Montreal Terrasses to Check Out This Summer

"Griffintown’s Shay Express (pronounced “shy,” which is Arabic for tea), does “gourmet Lebanese pub food,” so think a selection of mezzes like baba ghanouj and za’atar cauliflower; shish taouk hoagies, Philly cheesesteak shawarma and cherry kabab meatballs as mains; and Ashta cream donuts for dessert. They also do sharable platters and park picnic baskets, but now that on-site dining is permitted its terrasse on Notre Dame is where it’s at." - Joel Balsam

https://montreal.eater.com/maps/best-new-montreal-restaurant-terrasses-patios
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@eater

The Best New Terrasses in Montreal (Summer 2021) | Eater Montreal

"Griffintown’s Shay Express (pronounced “shy,” which is Arabic for tea), does “gourmet Lebanese pub food,” so think a selection of mezzes like baba ghanouj and za’atar cauliflower; shish taouk hoagies, Philly cheesesteak shawarma and cherry kabab meatballs as mains; and Ashta cream donuts for dessert. They also do sharable platters and park picnic baskets, but now that on-site dining is permitted its terrasse on Notre Dame is where it’s at." - Joel Balsam

https://montreal.eater.com/maps/best-new-terrasses-patio-montreal
View Postcard for SHAY
@eater

Best Picnic Baskets To-Go From Montreal Restaurants and Bars | Eater Montreal

"Newcomer Shay Express, whose team describes its offerings as “gourmet Lebanese pub food,” does a $65 picnic basket of cold items that’s fit to feed two to three people and includes shrimp rolls, labneh and tomatoes, fattoush salad, muhammara and Beirut cream pies." - Holly Tousignant

https://montreal.eater.com/maps/montreal-restaurant-picnic-baskets-boxes-kits-park
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Adrianna Wynia

Google
One of my favourite restaurants. Very nicely decorated, the food is exceptional, and the servers are great. The entire menu is filled with 5 star dishes - no matter what you order you will not be disappointed. Parking in the area is very limited and they are very popular so this is something to take into consideration. We had to park ~20 minutes walk away. The servers and bartenders are lovely and welcoming however the hosts have been a bit cold when we’ve gone in. I can understand this due to the volume of people they are trying to get situated however it is something to be aware of. If you haven’t been to Shay, you are missing out. Please do yourself a favour and go - you won’t regret it.

Andreina Colon

Google
Went to Shay for the first time to share with some friends, and Maxime truly maximized our experience! From his outstanding service to his nice smile, he made sure we had the best time. He was funny, kind, and patient — the perfect mix to make the evening feel effortless. His care added so much to an already amazing culinary experience. And the food? Absolutely delicious! Thanks to Maxime, we got the maximum out of our night at Shay. Definitely coming back and bringing family and friends to enjoy it too!

Avy-Loren Cohen

Google
Atmosphere was lovely. Music was way too loud. Seating is very comfortable and the place is very clean. Service is nice and Rachelle the manager is one of the best restaurant managers I have had the pleasure to experience. She is exceptionally professional and superbly customer centric. Food. The appetizers were excellent from the awesome olives to the hot pita wedges. The French fries are said to be home made. I do not believe this to be true as they did not have the texture or finish of a freshly crust home fried potato. They were dry and tasteless. I had to send back. At $11 way over priced. The hounds lamb was not worth the price nor tasty. The humous was good, but the lamb had lots of fat, very greasy, chewy like bubble gum, and overall we left most of it over as it was not pleasant to eat. The chicken kebab was dry and over cooked and lacked seasoning. The roasted patsies were excellent. The sauce was great but surprised it was made of mayonnaise. Not a place I would return to. Much better elsewhere.

Conner Jolly

Google
Upscale mediteranian food is always tricky for me because its always pretty good but so is the cheper steat Mediteranian as well. We endded up getting the roasted eggplant which had homemade chips on top, and a creamy white sauce. It was nicely cooked to the point where you could cleanly cut through the eggplant skin with just your fork and the mix of sauce and chips added a nice flavor and texture. It was on the pricy side but if that is what you are going for, it is a good option. The staff is friendly and were quick with waters. In general it seems like a good spot for a nice date.

Kristin

Google
We went for a birthday party with a large group for brunch to this restaurant. I have to say it was wonderful! The quality is exceptional and the servings were more than generous. I was pleasantly surprised because although it was middle eastern dishes that I am used to having at home, all the dishes were refined and perfectly made and presented with the utmost care. They used fresh produce and it showed in the taste, the way it looked. It was a touch of Lebanese, Syrian, armenian and North American. I would recommend this place 100% ! And the service…. Just perfect !

Cynthia Adaime

Google
Excellent experience for Brunch & cocktails! 👌🏻 From the unique menu to the explosion of flavors, the exceptional quality of service & staff recommendations. Everything was impeccable. If you're looking for a Middle Eastern inspired fusion cuisine, this is the place to go. Comfortable booths available for small groups, also nice idea for birthday celebrations. Just make sure to reserve in advance! Highlights on the menu: Shakshouka ; Lamb tacos ; Baklava pancakes ✨

R A

Google
We had a wonderful dinner at Shay. The drinks were good — I especially loved the Tipsy Gypsy and the Habibi Rita. The Shehzadi’s Summer was okay, but nothing special, more like a classic Aperol. Food-wise, everything was beautifully presented and flavorful. My husband absolutely loved the Mouhamara, and we all couldn’t get enough of the Batata Barra potatoes — definitely a must-try! The Armenian Kebab and Shish Taouk were both delicious. The only disappointment was the Habibi Fried Rice, which unfortunately nobody at the table enjoyed. I’d recommend sitting indoors — the outdoor seating just doesn’t compare. Overall, Shay is a fantastic spot for modern Lebanese food in Montréal, and we’ll definitely be back!

Nicole Kofman

Google
The food here was amazing! Everyone enjoyed it and had a lot of different options for everyone. Highly recommend the Shish Barak. Potatoes were great and came with a garlic aioli sauce. The Knafeh was sadly small, but delicious. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it. I feel like you can’t go wrong with the food options here. Would recommend to reserve in advance. Will be back!
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Judy K.

Yelp
The service is always great here. The food is delicious and they have a huge selection. The vibe is always good regardless of you come for brunch of dinner. The only thing, I wouldn't order a bloody Ceaser as it wasn't really good but every other cocktail and coffee we had were great!
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Rachel L.

Yelp
I came here for dinner on a weekday evening and the restaurant was really busy. The atmosphere is very nice and intimate. The entire restaurant is well decorated. Service was quick and really good as well! The menu was broken down into three parts - small appetizers, larger sharing plates and main entrees. My friends and I got a few different plates to share. My favourite was their fries and garlic (toum) sauce. The chicken was probably my second favourite. The food is good but nothing to write home about. The falafel was abit hard and overcooked. Overall, would come for the vibes and service but not so much the food.
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Conner J.

Yelp
Upscale mediteranian food is always tricky for me because its always pretty good but so is the cheper steat Mediteranian as well. We endded up getting the roasted eggplant which had homemade chips on top, and a creamy white sauce. It was nicely cooked to the point where you could cleanly cut through the eggplant skin with just your fork and the mix of sauce and chips added a nice flavor and texture. It was on the pricy side but if that is what you are going for, it is a good option. The staff is friendly and were quick with waters. In general it seems like a good spot for a nice date.
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Hanna P.

Yelp
The food was really good and would go back if I'm ever in Montreal. The lamb hummus and the eggplant was really yummy and were very good starters. I got the Armenian beef and the bread that came with it was honestly my favorite part. It had this tomato sauce on it and it was so flavorful. The lamb was good and the chicken was just ok. The waiter was SO nice and she was always happy to help and get us things. She also gave us a bunch of recommendations when she heard it was our first time in Montreal. The inside was chic and clean.
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Asil A.

Yelp
Get everything on the menu. You will not be disappointed. The service was impeccable and the food was absolutely devine. Definitely opt for reservations because it fills up fast and there could be a long (worth it) wait. The restaurant itself is very charming and clean. I would come everyday if I could.
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Lau M.

Yelp
My partner and I enjoyed the fantastic food and the delightful service. The atmosphere was busy, but the noise was not overwhelming- we thought the patio was just lovely.
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Elvis A.

Yelp
This is a solid place for brunch in a city which offers so much. So impressed was I with the brunch that had I not booked other spots in advance I would have come back here to try them for dinner. The main area is decent however the booth we were seated is tight not to mention the tiny steps ought be a safety hazard as very little room for mistake when one has the boots on. Plenty of offerings but I stuck with Shakshuka and Mouhumura. Other folks dinning added a baba ganough which I got to try and enjoy. I really liked my Shashuka and its one of the best I have had. Brimming with pronounced flavors and spices. Mouhamara was really good as well. Nice lingering sweet and bold flavors. A solid 4 stars and I will be back next visit.
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Mary V.

Yelp
Went to Shays to meet with work friends and ot was amazing. The service superb, The owners comearoind to see how all was being enjoyed. We had a couple of dishes and it was all so fresh and flavorful. The babaganoush was my favorite! The falafel plate so delicate and fragrant. The fatoush salad was just perfect. Anything you order? You cannot go wrong. Don't believe me. Well go and taste it yourself.

Jim Z.

Yelp
Shay was absolutely perfect! The service was great from a team of staff and Charles was our primary server. The Armenian beef kabobs, sumac french fries and the Mouharma humus were all AMAZING!!! Highly recommend Shay, they are on point from the front to the back of the restaurant!!
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Nancy H.

Yelp
If you want lebanese food with fancy ambiance, this is your place. The restaurant is very nice decorated and comfortable and the waitstaff is friendly. I had their house bloody caesar and it was a bit spicy and a bit too salty for me, but overall good. The fries were predictably great, thin and slightly greasy and spiced and salted nicely. The mouhammara was a bit too sweet for me, i was expecting something saltier. The lamb chops were flavoured nicely and I liked the tahini sauce it came with. Unfortunately they were underdone; lamb chops should be at least medium to medium well, and these were quite rare near the bone, which made for meat that was a bit too chewy. The potatoes on the side were tasty. The black cod was delicious, buttery and flavourful. It came with a lot of Chinese broccoli though, a bit too much in my opinion. The brussels sprouts were recommended to us, but we weren't big fans. They were a bit bland. There was a complimentary dessert offered since it was a birthday, and it was delicious - a baklava tiramisu that was creamy and delightful.
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Adriana S.

Yelp
We booked a reservation at Shay during our trip to Montreal. Situated in a little corner of Montreal close to Concordia that was a 10 minute walk from our hotel, it was the perfect place for a delicious dinner. Walking in, the ambiance and interior are beautifully decorated! I love love the upscale vintage vibe of the decor. Our server was Impeccable, she came to check on us several times and was on top of all of our needs. She also made some great food recommendations! Overall, service was a 10/10! Although I will note that it wasn't a very busy time of day. The food was phenomenal. Hands down, some of the best Lebanese food I've had. My father and brother are picky eaters, and they ended up getting the skewers and loved it, so there is def something for everyone. Our server recommended the octopus hummus plate, which I chose as a main course. It was delicious and very filling, and came with extra pita bread for dipping. I couldn't even tell I was eating octopus, it was well seasoned and plated. Overall, an amazing experience, my family and I would recommend making the trip to try Shay. A little pricier, but honestly worth it for the great food and ambiance. :)
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Shahanaz B.

Yelp
I read an article on MTL blog about Montréal's great Lebanese brunch restaurant; and it was very positive and I was very intrigued. Brunch is one of my favorite meals to have with my sister and friends. I went to Shay which I made reservations for a week ago. The restaurant is big, spacious and beautiful. The service initially was over the top, the waiter came by every two minutes, that's how I felt. Then by the end, when I wanted to order coffee and tea, and ask for the bill, it was hard to get the attention of our waiter. Food and drink wise; the presentation was lovely. I would not say that it was the best brunch ever because the taste wasn't beyond amazing. In the end, the tea was presented by the Turkish tea set, it was mesmerizing. I would definitely recommend for everyone to try the Lebanese brunch spot.
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Alesa W.

Yelp
Have come to shay twice now for brunch and it's amazing! We visited another very popular brunch place and had to wait 2 hours to get food, but at Shay we were able to make a reservation and get a nice table outside on their covered patio. The baklava pancakes are some of the best we've ever had, and the eggs that come in the shakshuka and other dishes are so creamy. Love! Want to come back for the dinner they also have here!
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Michael K.

Yelp
Wonderful evening. Modern Lebanese. Delish and beautiful presentation. Service was some of the best in Montreal. Bravo Shay. Awesome job all around. Place is booked solid. Reservations a must.
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Maria S.

Yelp
Outstanding service, food, ambiance Loved the food choices, cocktails Lebanese beer!! We were visiting Montréal and found this recommended Lebanese restaurant away from tourist area as we like, be sure to reserve because its very very busy for a reason. You will not be disappointed.
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Kenneth S.

Yelp
World class Lebanese cuisine (and we've eaten everywhere). Literally the best meal we've eaten (and likely will eat) in Montréal. The atmosphere is chic without pretense. Service wonderful, helpful, efficient and without flaw. The food is complex, simple ingredients prepared with passion. Every detail of our meal, every extra sauce or request accommodated with a smile, on a hectic Saturday night no less. If you have the opportunity, ask for Alizee as your server. She's the perfect ambassador for her restaurant's cuisine and a master of hospitality.

Jack S.

Yelp
We were visiting from out of town and discovered Shay. It was likely the best service I've ever experienced at a restaurant. Jose and the staff were so warm and friendly. The food was incredible too! Highly recommended!

Jose C.

Yelp
LOVED eating here. sabrina was incredible. if you're stopping by ask for her. she's the best.
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Rafael C.

Yelp
The restaurant is very good, I really liked the 3 different plates I tried plus the entrance, there's a nice music playing all the time and the staff are very kind.
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Diana L.

Yelp
Overall, I really enjoyed the food. It was refreshing and tasty. I especially liked the fried brussel sprouts. The service, however, will need some improvement. At the beginning, the waiter already told us we had the table for two hours which we acknowledged. During the meal, we constantly felt pressured that they wanted the table back which made us uncomfortable. We weren't able to fully enjoy our meal because of this.
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Eliana P.

Yelp
The decor and ambiance is really nice. Service was ok, nothing exciting but good.if you are looking for a fancy/trendy place, enjoy. The food though... ridiculously overprice for what it is. The babaganoush and mouhamara tasteless ( saddest thing as they are some of my favorite things). And to be honest, I can't even remember the main courses, because it was nothing special. Depends what you're looking for as an experience I guess!
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Tamara H.

Yelp
Fantastic first experience with 2 friends. This resto was bumping into a Thursday night and the food was delicious. Served in mezze style (small plates)? It's ideal for sharing with others so you try more! Great service too, very attentive. Not cheap but worth it if you're celebrating.

G R.

Yelp
Had dinner here and it was an amazing experience. Service was helpful and friendly while also hip, befitting the small, chic dining room. The cocktails were interesting but could be better, especially given the price. But the food was amazing. Creative fusion dishes full of flavor like the falafel bao buns. Desserts were excellent as well. Overall a fantastic dining experience.
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Lauren S.

Yelp
this restaurant is so good, it brought me back to Yelp after a 3 year hiatus just to write about it! I have been twice now, both times for dinner, and both times I have nothing negative at all to say. this may be the best restaurant in montreal right now; the service, drinks and food are all incredible. I have ordered pretty much everything off the menu during those 2 visits and everything tasted fantastic and was served hot and fresh. do yourself a favor and eat here, you won't regret it!
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Allie W.

Yelp
Visited Shay during our trip to Montreal and absolutely loved it. The restaurant is beautiful with a great outdoor patio and the service was top notch. Our drinks were so smooth so we knew it was about to be a great meal. From the salads to the entrees everything was really great and good size portions! Highly recommend trying Shay and enjoying some delicious food!
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Monica I.

Yelp
I have only tried take-out so far but it haven't ever disappointed. The flavors are outstanding - our favorites are the fried taouk burger, sumac fries, the batata harra, the shish taouk plate and the beirout beigne - and the packaging is well thought. I can't wait to see how they match the experience when they open for dining, the location and decor seem great.
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Yasmin A.

Yelp
So this is my first time going here and let me tell you I will tell you I will always be back because the service was on top and the food is so delicious and so tasty and so flavor-able. Their drinks mock-tails were so cute and they put my drink in a really cute coffee pot and I thought it was so adorable. If you are in Montreal check out Shay
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Vanessa V.

Yelp
this place is gorgeous and the service is A1. food is truly so good, and different you can taste the intention. and also the drinks, very interesting and delicious. would highly recommend

Naika D.

Yelp
The ambiance is great, the staff is super nice and friendly. Wether you come for the brunch, or at the bar to hang out you will definitely have a good time. The food and cocktail are delicious !

Sobhi E.

Yelp
If I can give a zero star rating I would. Horrible food and EXTREMELY overpriced. I am Lebanese and honestly nothing better than Boustan, with quadruple the price. Don't come here.

Adriana M.

Yelp
Great food! We ordered the shish taouk and fried chicken burger and both were delicious. The shish taouk had fries inside which was a yummy touch. The sumac fries are also very good. I'll try the impossible burger next time!

Jamie J.

Yelp
Sat on their beautiful elevated terrace and ate such delicious food. We ended up having seven different items to share and it was more than enough for the four of us. The staff was very nice and they accommodated us by making one of the shawarma plates with wild mushrooms. The halva brownie and the doughnuts were scrumptious. When we passed through the inside of the restaurant itself, it looked very modern and beautifully decorated. It's located in Griffintown and we took a nice walk afterwards around there to walk off some of the calories. We will definitely return.

Tracy H.

Yelp
I ordered take-out from this restaurant last week and it was AWESOME! The impossible burger is incredible and puts any 'beyond meat' burger, to shame. The texture & flavours are amazing. I can honestly say that it was the best veggie burger I've ever had. The cauliflower dish, the fries, the mouhamara, the dessert brownie, EVERYTHING was so delicious! I highly recommend!