Alep / Petit Alep

Address: 199 Jean-Talon E (Alep) & 191 Jean-Talon E (Petit Alep)
Phone: (514) 270-6396 (Alep) & (514) 270-9361 (Petit Alep)
Review: Montreal Mirror (Petit Alep)
Alep and Petit Alep are a great tandem of Syrian restaurants up near Jean-Talon market, with Alep being the more formal resto and Petit Alep a casual bistro with a smaller menu. On a recent visit to Alep, we had a nice selection of appetizers to share (hommous, foule madamas) and then a few main plates including sea bass, tuna and the filet mignon brochette which were all good – the latter nicely cooked with a spicy red sauce. The service was both friendly and helpful, although a bit slow – they were a little understaffed for a Saturday evening. We’ve also eaten at Petit Alep many times in the past and usually share a few small appetizers such as moussaka, and then perhaps finish it off with a small sandwich or some Armenian sausages. They recently expanded the bistro so that the wait for a table is probably not as bad (Petit Alep doesn’t take reservations).
Price: Alep is quite reasonable. Dinner for three with a half litre of wine and some beer was only $125, taxes in, and everyone left stuffed. Petit Alep is cheap – probably $40 for two with a beer.
Beer: St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout