When Sumac opened in Saint-Henri in 2014, it filled a gap for Montreal at the time: an elevated take on fast, flavourful Middle Eastern food. The restaurant’s name comes from the tart red berry common in Levantine cooking—bright, zesty, and hard to forget. Co-owners David Bloom and Raquel Zagury, veterans of Monkland Tavern and Tuck Shop, built Sumac around the spirit of sharing: meats marinated in spice and buttermilk, generous salads, dips, and sauces made from scratch. Whether it’s a chicken shawarma plate, a loaded sabich, or a spread meant for the table, Sumac delivers comfort and craft in equal measure.