Montreal's Mediterranean scene spans from authentic Algerian tagines in intimate quarters to bustling Greek tavernas serving late-night souvlaki. The city's diverse neighborhoods have embraced flavors from across the Mediterranean basin.
These ten standouts represent the cream of Greater Montreal's Mediterranean offerings, from Dorval's accessible gems to Montreal's cozy neighborhood spots. Each delivers authentic flavors that transport diners straight to sun-soaked coastlines.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Kes-Kes — Intimate Algerian Excellence
- Kouzina — Airport-Adjacent Greek Comfort
- Limeni — Upscale Mediterranean Refinement
- Terracotta Restaurant — Moroccan Tagine Masters
- Farrouj Express — Express Middle Eastern
- Poissonerie Restaurant Mediteraneene — Seafood-Forward Mediterranean
- Jasmine Al-Sham — Syrian Street Food
- La Mer Rouge — Red Sea Specialties
- Mama C — Greek Comfort Classic
- Philinos — Laval's Mediterranean Gem
1. Kes-Kes
✨ Best for: Intimate Algerian Excellence
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
This tiny Algerian spot serves up some of the city's most authentic North African cuisine in a space that barely seats two dozen diners. The couscous arrives fluffy and fragrant, topped with tender vegetables and your choice of lamb or chicken. Their tagines simmer for hours, developing complex layers of spice that pair perfectly with warm flatbread. The Algerian pastries, delicate and honey-sweet, provide the perfect ending to a meal that feels like dining in someone's grandmother's kitchen.
Must-Order:
CouscousLamb TagineAlgerian Pastries
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a table, as this intimate space fills up quickly during peak hours.
2. Kouzina
✨ Best for: Airport-Adjacent Greek Comfort
📍 Dorval · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Tucked inside Dorval Gardens food court, this Greek counter-service spot delivers surprisingly authentic Mediterranean flavors just minutes from Pierre Trudeau Airport. Their gyros feature perfectly seasoned lamb and beef carved fresh from the vertical spit, while the souvlaki skewers arrive charred and juicy. The hummus is creamy and garlicky, paired with homemade tzatziki that's thick enough to stand a spoon in. Airport hotel guests have discovered this hidden treasure that beats any terminal restaurant.
Must-Order:
GyrosSouvlakiTzatziki
Insider Tip: Located in Dorval Gardens food court, making it easily accessible from nearby airport hotels.
3. Limeni
✨ Best for: Upscale Mediterranean Refinement
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.9 · $
This elevated Mediterranean restaurant treats seafood and meat with equal reverence, drawing inspiration from Greek islands and Turkish coastlines. The swordfish arrives perfectly grilled with a char that seals in moisture, while their lamb chops showcase Mediterranean herbs and olive oil. Even their chicken filet transcends the ordinary with lemon and oregano marinades. The lobster preparations change seasonally, but always highlight the crustacean's natural sweetness with minimal but masterful seasoning.
Must-Order:
SwordfishLamb ChopsLobster
Insider Tip: Limited on-site parking, but several public lots and street parking options are within walking distance.
4. Terracotta Restaurant
✨ Best for: Moroccan Tagine Masters
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.9 · $
Moroccan flavors dominate this cozy restaurant where tagines arrive in traditional clay pots, still bubbling from the kitchen. The lamb tagine features tender meat that falls off the bone, swimming in a sauce perfumed with preserved lemons and olives. Their couscous royale combines multiple proteins with vegetables in a presentation that's both rustic and refined. The grilled octopus, charred and tender, shows off the kitchen's versatility beyond North African specialties.
Must-Order:
Lamb TagineCouscous RoyaleGrilled Octopus
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure one of the cozy tables near the back for a more intimate dining experience.
5. Farrouj Express
✨ Best for: Express Middle Eastern
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.8 · $
Fast-casual Middle Eastern food gets an upgrade at this shopping center location where quality never suffers for speed. The filet mignon skewers arrive perfectly pink inside with a caramelized exterior that locks in juices. Their beef shawarma, carved from a massive rotating spit, gets layered into fresh pita with pickles and tahini. The portions are generous and the flavors are bold, making it a favorite among locals seeking quick but satisfying Mediterranean comfort food.
Must-Order:
Filet Mignon SkewersBeef ShawarmaMixed Grill
Insider Tip: Located inside a shopping center with limited parking – consider public transportation during busy times.
6. Poissonerie Restaurant Mediteraneene
✨ Best for: Seafood-Forward Mediterranean
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.8 · $$
This seafood-focused Mediterranean restaurant specializes in fresh catches prepared with techniques spanning from Greece to Morocco. The house specialties change based on daily market finds, but the kitchen's skill with fish cookery remains constant. Their seafood platters showcase the day's best offerings, simply grilled and dressed with olive oil and lemon. The chef's recommendations often feature lesser-known Mediterranean preparations that highlight seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Must-Order:
Seafood PlatterGrilled BranzinoOctopus Salad
Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours, especially on weekends.
View Poissonerie Restaurant Mediteraneene →
7. Jasmine Al-Sham
✨ Best for: Syrian Street Food
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.7 · $
Syrian flavors take center stage at this casual spot where the filet mignon gets the kebab treatment with Middle Eastern spices and grilling techniques. The chicken shawarma, carved fresh throughout the day, arrives juicy and aromatic in warm pita bread. Their sandwich selection goes beyond typical wraps, incorporating Syrian breads and house-made sauces. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner with friends seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
Must-Order:
Chicken ShawarmaFilet MignonMixed Sandwich
Insider Tip: Offers ample free parking in the adjacent lot, making it hassle-free to enjoy their cuisine.
8. La Mer Rouge
✨ Best for: Red Sea Specialties
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.7 · $
This Red Sea-inspired restaurant focuses on seafood preparations that blend Mediterranean and North African influences. The sautéed shrimp arrive swimming in a sauce fragrant with garlic, herbs, and subtle spicing. Their seafood platter showcases the kitchen's range, featuring multiple preparations that highlight different cooking techniques. The flavors lean bold and aromatic, with spice blends that warm rather than overwhelm. It's a neighborhood favorite that draws diners seeking something beyond typical Mediterranean offerings.
Must-Order:
Sautéed ShrimpSeafood PlatterGrilled Fish
Insider Tip: Make a reservation or arrive early, as this popular spot fills up quickly during dinner hours.
9. Mama C
✨ Best for: Greek Comfort Classic
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.7 · $
Traditional Greek comfort food defines this cozy neighborhood taverna where moussaka arrives bubbling hot with perfectly layered eggplant and béchamel. The lamb souvlaki features tender chunks of meat grilled over high heat and served with lemon wedges. Their Greek salad uses quality feta that crumbles perfectly over crisp vegetables, while the house-made tzatziki provides the perfect cooling complement to grilled meats. The atmosphere feels authentically Greek, down to the warm hospitality.
Must-Order:
MoussakaLamb SouvlakiGreek Salad
Insider Tip: Arrive early or make a reservation to secure a table, as this cozy spot fills up quickly.
10. Philinos
✨ Best for: Laval's Mediterranean Gem
Tripadvisor📍 Laval · ⭐ 4.6 · $
This Laval location brings Mediterranean flavors to the suburbs with house specialties that change seasonally based on available ingredients. The chef's recommendations typically feature both seafood and meat preparations that showcase classical Mediterranean techniques. The kitchen sources quality ingredients and treats them with respect, whether grilling, braising, or preparing raw applications. The suburban setting provides ample parking and a relaxed atmosphere that neighborhood families have embraced wholeheartedly.
Must-Order:
Chef's Seafood SpecialGrilled LambMediterranean Platter
Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours to guarantee your table.
Tips for Finding Great Mediterranean Food in Greater Montreal
Explore Ethnic Neighborhoods: Parc-Extension and Côte-des-Neiges offer authentic Mediterranean spots that locals frequent. These areas often have family-run restaurants with generations-old recipes.
Check Daily Specials: Mediterranean restaurants often feature seasonal catches and market-fresh ingredients. Ask about daily preparations that aren't on the regular menu.
Go Beyond Downtown: Some of Montreal's best Mediterranean food exists in suburban locations like Laval and Dorval. The lower rent allows for better ingredient quality at reasonable prices.
Timing Matters: Many Mediterranean restaurants prepare certain dishes in limited quantities. Arrive earlier in the evening for the best selection of tagines, whole fish, and daily specialties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
These selections represent the highest-rated Mediterranean restaurants across Greater Montreal, based on comprehensive analysis of customer reviews, local dining patterns, and consistency of quality. We prioritized authenticity, value, and unique specialties that distinguish each establishment.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, menus, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
