Abu Elias, tucked in the north end of Montreal in Ville St-Laurent, is part butcher shop, part sandwich counter, and entirely a culinary pilgrimage. Known for its charcoal-grilled meat sandwiches—lamb, kafta, filet mignon, shish taouk, and sujuk—each pita comes loaded with smoky perfection, tangy pickles, and a taste of Beirut.

Beyond the sandwiches, Abu Elias dazzles with a fridge full of treasures: lahmajoun, vine leaves, creamy hummus, and their famed shish barak—open-topped dumplings stuffed with a seasoned meat mixture. Take them home, heat them up, and smother them with their irresistible garlic sauce for a feast that’s pure joy.

Don’t skip the butcher counter, where complimentary bites of kibbe nayyeh and even adventurous cuts like lamb brain might just broaden your palate.