Al Zehlewi — Restaurant in Montreal

I visited Al-Zehlewi (formerly known as “Al-Shahroura”) this week and was left unimpressed.

Service: Despite several staff members being present, no one promptly attended to me to take my order. After waiting a few minutes, one employee finally came over and took my order. I also noticed another employee washing dishes near the food preparation area, which felt unprofessional. Once my order was ready, the Knefa was placed in a flimsy plastic bag typically used for vegetables, instead of a more suitable food packaging like a paper bag. The server then called someone else to handle the payment, causing additional delays.

Knefa: The taste was good, but the usual amount of cheese in the bun (kaakeh) was lacking. I also found the syrup (qater) too sharp, which caused a heartburn sensation. On the plus side, the cheese itself tasted good and wasn’t salty like at some other places. I ordered two Knefas—one eaten on-site, which was decent, and another to take home, which had even less cheese than the first.

Improvements: I hope the shop improves by organizing the staff better, as they seemed overwhelmed despite having many employees present. A more welcoming approach, with staff smiling and showing more coordination, would definitely enhance the experience.

I’ll be returning to review their other sweets and compare them to the...

I tried the kunafa pastry here, and it was absolutely delicious. I savored every bite. The owners are incredibly kind and welcoming, even offering me a complimentary coffee. Prices are reasonable; my kunafa was just $7, tax included. Highly...

This place is a hidden gem! The authentic Lebanese sweets they serve are simply divine. The kunafeh, in particular, is absolutely delicious—perfectly sweet, rich, and satisfying. Highly recommended for anyone craving a taste of...