Dada, the heat of the Middle East

A welcoming new address on rue Beaubien Est, the Dada restaurant, has recently welcomed fans of Middle Eastern and North African specialties, concocted by chef-owner Saïd Rafik.

Dada is the latest project from Saïd Rafik, who also owns the neighboring address, Bazar Café, a neighborhood restaurant that has attracted brunch lovers for 10 years. His daughter, Camélia Lefebvre-Rafik, accompanies him in this new adventure as well as chef Muaz Deeb, a Syrian of origin who specializes in grills and Syrian cuisine. “It’s the desire to share oriental cuisine with the Quebec community,” explains the chef-owner, who hopes to charm locals with his dishes rich in flavors.

Dada offers a wide selection of mezzés, ideal for sharing in good company: hummus, eggplant and beetroot mutabbal, labnehs, without forgetting the deliciously flavored chicken pastillas or the kefta tagine. As for the main dishes, the chicken supreme with its creamy tahini sauce and glazed carrots and the beef steak with its excellent couscous – the best in Montreal according to some – are generous as can be.

The cocktail menu, put together by Camélia Lefebvre-Rafik, is punctuated with a few oriental touches. The Casa Monada, with exotic fruit flavors, notably incorporates the distinctive flavors of the Hawaii drink, popular in Morocco. The wine list, developed by sommelier Mariève Isabel, highlights Lebanese vintages and organic wines, perfect to accompany Dada dishes.

Dada turns out to be an affordable place to sit down – we have a penchant for the section decorated like a Moroccan living room. We share unpretentious and generous cuisine offered by a father-daughter duo passionate about catering.

280, rue Beaubien Est, Montreal

Visit the Dada website