Byblos Montreal

Beet Borani

If you’re looking for an alternative to your routine breakfast/brunch joint, you’ve found it. Byblos is an Mediterranean influenced Iranian restaurant that is one of Montreal’s best kept secrets. Located on the eastern most section of Laurier street next to Le Fouvrac (an amazing gourmet food store) and across from Frite Alors, this area of the city is beautiful in the summertime as the street is lined with trees and storefront flower beds. Byblos has high ceilings that give the place a lofty, open air feeling and wall paper that brings to mind a meeker, more subdued Pollock painting. Traditional Iranian swords, tea pots, plates and furniture are artfully placed throughout the restaurant further enhancing the authentic feel of the place.

One of the most popular items on the menu is the feta omelette. It is whipped with the creamiest feta you’ve ever had along with dill, mint, cilantro and halva. You can get this alone or accompanied by sweet bread and homemade jam (selection of 25 different kinds – rosewater, honey and pistachio for example). Every time I’ve gone so far (this was my third) I’ve ordered one of the borani yogurt dishes – they’re great for those who don’t eat much in the morning. Each flavor they have is delicious – this time I ordered the beet dish and my friend had the cucumber raisin. We also got the eggplant and onion koukou, a slice of homemade quiche type breakfast item which is much more filling.

The arab coffee had hints of citrus flavor that even I, a non-coffee drinker, could appreciate. Served piping hot, the liquid within was more than enough for one person. I had the Iranian tea, which came with assorted sugars on a little platter. Next time you plan on going for brunch, be adventurous and forget about Eggspecations for once. Check out Byblos for some amazingly delicious and cheap ethnic food.

 
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