The essentials according to restaurateur Soufian Mamlouk

Restaurateur and cultural curator Soufian Mamlouk has been a part of redefining Montreal’s culinary and social landscape for some time now, most recently with heartfelt nod to his Lebanese roots.

Since his breakfast concept Barley and the marketing agency e.a.t., Soufian's brought authentic Lebanese street food to Little Burgundy in the form of Lulu Épicerie, offering a taste of home to the diaspora and introducing locals to genuine flavors. With the team at HENI, he's been part of elevating traditional SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) cuisine in the city (not to mention the slick cocktail-forward listening lounge Badin below it).

Beyond the plates his spots have been dishing, he's part of expanding Montreal’s wine scene by showcasing bottles that celebrate the rich viticultural traditions of the SWANA region through the private import agency Sienna.

Here are some of the things he's loving lately.

Sève de Mars

351 Saint-Catherine Street West

"It's probably the best maple syrup I've ever had in the city. That finish from the whiskey or rum barrels—it just adds something special. And the bottles? They look like vintage scotch flasks. Sexy enough to gift, but you’ll want to keep it for yourself."

Sève de Mars transforms a Quebec staple into something extraordinary. Sourced from the Gaspé Peninsula, their maple syrup is aged in barrels that once held bourbon, rye, and rum, allowing it to absorb subtle notes of oak and spice. This slow-aging process deepens the flavour, elevating it beyond the standard sugar shack variety. Rooted in sustainability, the brand embraces circular sourcing, repurposing barrels to craft syrups that highlight both tradition and innovation. The result? A complex, spirit-kissed syrup that’s as much about craftsmanship as it is about sweetness.

La Caviare

501 Boulevard des Promenades, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC

"Persian caviar is a big deal, and these guys are doing it right. They’ve got the product, they’ve got the clientele, and they understand the culture. This is the kind of thing I love seeing—people representing their roots through what they do."

La Caviare brings a refined, less-is-more philosophy to the world of luxury caviar. Specializing in Persian farmed varieties, they offer two distinct experiences (that we know of, anyway): the bold, almond-tinged richness of Beluga Black and the smooth, buttery elegance of Beluga White. Each tin is an invitation to slow down, savour, and indulge in a moment of pure decadence.

Maktaba Bookshop

6260 Rue Saint-Hubert

"Maktaba is more than a bookstore. It’s a cultural bridge. Narcy has built something that represents both Arab heritage and hip-hop identity. It’s a place where you find books that start conversations and vinyl that adds to the soundtrack."

Maktaba is a cultural pulse point in Old Montreal bridging literature, music, and community. It curates a sharp selection of books by authors of colour, covering everything from political discourse to speculative fiction. The space is as much about experience as it is about reading, with a majlis-style seating area that encourages conversation over tea and a boutique stocked with vinyl and artist-made goods.

As the home base for We Are The Medium, it also doubles as an event hub, hosting book launches, screenings, and discussions that keep the dialogue going beyond the page.

La Rama Records

6750 Rue Hutchison

"Chris has done more for Montreal’s vinyl scene than just about anyone. He’s built spaces that make people care about music in a different way. You see the resurgence of vinyl in the city? A lot of that is because of him."

La Rama is where Montreal’s vinyl heads and dance music obsessives come to dig. Tucked into the Mile End, this record shop—founded by Kris Guilty in 2016—has built a reputation as more than just a storefront; it’s a meeting ground for DJs, collectors, and anyone chasing deep cuts.

Stocking everything from House and Disco to Jazz, Latin, and Afrobeat, the selection is curated with a DJ’s ear for what moves a room. But the real draw? Kris himself, whose encyclopedic knowledge and knack for unearthing gems turn every visit into a lesson in sound.

Kotn

29 Saint Viateur St. West

"Kotn is doing something I haven’t seen before—bringing Egyptian culture into modern fashion with authenticity. We connected immediately because they’re doing for Egypt what I try to do for Lebanon: putting the culture at the forefront in a way that resonates today."

Kotn is about rewriting the story of how clothes are made. From seed to stitch, the brand prioritizes transparency, working directly with Egyptian cotton farmers to eliminate middlemen and ensure ethical wages. The result? Premium, everyday essentials rooted in quality rather than fleeting trends.

Beyond fabric, Kotn invests in the future of its supply chain, funding schools in farming communities and championing sustainability at every stage of production. It’s proof that fashion can be both responsible and refined—thoughtfully made, meant to last.

Lopez

6725 Rue St-Hubert

"Lopez is one of those brands that carves its own space. They didn’t just follow trends; they built something real through relationships and taste. That’s the kind of energy I respect."

Lopez is a vibrant community hub born out of retail. Established in 2018, it draws inspiration from Plaza Saint-Hubert's tapestry of cultures and the diverse backgrounds of its founders. The shop offers a curated selection of streetwear, punk, and skate-inspired apparel, reflecting a deep appreciation for the DIY ethos and the storied history of street culture. Beyond its retail offerings, Lopez serves as an event space, fostering connections within the community.

Escape Coffee Company

1420 Notre-Dame Street West

"Escape is run by people who really care about their craft. They don’t just drop a million new things—they take their time to make sure each one is solid."

Escape Coffee Company is for the kind of people who can talk about roast profiles the way others talk about wine. They don’t just sling espresso—they chase flavour, tweak techniques, and source beans with surgical precision. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here; it’s baked into everything, from compostable packaging to low-impact shipping. Swing by their coffee lab for a latte, and you might end up in a deep dive on infusion methods before you’ve even had your first sip. Coffee alone won’t change the world, but at Escape, every cup is built to make an impact.

Dreamy

3780 Rue Saint-Patrick

"Dreamy? Their biscuits are next level. Plus, Andy, the owner, has so much energy he might as well be open 24/7."

Dreamy is where coffee nerdery meets laid-back canal-side charm. Tucked inside the Canadian Roasting Society’s HQ, this Sud-Ouest staple is as much about the craft as it is about the vibe. Founders Andy Kyres and Richard Baghdadlian take their brews seriously, pairing meticulously roasted beans with biscuits so good they might steal the show. Whether you’re a die-hard coffee obsessive or just passing through on a bike ride, Dreamy makes it easy to dive deep into third-wave coffee without the pretension—just good drinks, good people, and a front-row seat to the roasting process.

AudioShop

806 Atwater Avenue

"AudioShop has been my go-to for years. Sylvain, the guy there, knows his stuff inside out, and they make sure whatever you get actually works for you."

AudioShop has been keeping Montreal’s audiophiles well-equipped since 1958, long before vinyl made its so-called comeback. Run by Sylvain Sasseville and Christian Girard for the last 25 years, this spot isn’t just about selling high-end speakers, turntables, and amps—it’s about making sure your setup actually delivers the kind of sound that gives you goosebumps. Whether you’re after a full-blown hi-fi system, a private home theatre, or just a set of headphones that don’t butcher the bass, they’ve got the gear and the know-how to make it happen.

Automatic Audio

Montreal, Quebec

"Automatic Audio—these guys are special. One of their founders has a restaurant background, so they understand sound in hospitality spaces. They don’t just sell gear; they build experiences."

Automatic Audio is for those who believe sound should be felt as much as heard. Built with precision and a deep reverence for craftsmanship, their speakers merge high-fidelity engineering with striking design, from hand-crafted horns to carefully selected woods. Every piece is tuned for clarity, warmth, and presence, whether it’s a home setup, a cocktail bar, or a club sound system.