• Opened: March 2017
• Address: 502 17 Ave SW
• Kid Friendly: Without a kids menu, but comfortable with kids
• Brunch: Serving two breakfast items (Fairmont Omelette & Fresh Two Eggs Breakfast)
• Website: https://www.montshawarmagrill.com/
• Google Pics: Link

Our family walked past Mont Shawarma & Grill during Lilac Fest two years ago.  We were offered a sample pair of beef skewers. We both remarked how excellent it was and immediately planned to visit soon.  It took some time till we made our return trip and have now been twice.

The Mont Grill opened as the Fairmont Grill in March 2017, to avoid confusion with their original location they changed the name.  The Mont Grill serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This means shawarma, falafel and kabobs as well as traditional salads like fattoush and tabouleh.  As well you’ll find staples like garlic roasted potatoes, rice and hummus.

The Mont Grill also mixes things up a bit with a beef and veggie burger, and a day long breakfast offering.

Located at the north west corner of the busy intersection of 17th and 4st SW, in a building built three years ago.  The Mont grill fits the definition of fast casual, with a size and layout similar to a Subway. Containing around 8 tables with a few more chairs at a counter facing out the window.  The inside has a tile floor and tile work on most of the walls with a few decorations and a few screens. These screens show images of their food and slideshows of landscapes.

Walking to the back and looking up at the menu screens, all the items have pictures.  A short description would be nice for those unfamiliar with Turkish spices, but the pictures are worth more than a short description without them.  Our daughter saw a picture of a hamburger and immediately wanted that while we wanted something more unique.

On both of our visits to the Mont Grill I’ve had the Beef Kabob plate, while my wife has had the Falafel plate, and more recently the Chicken Kabob plate.  All entrees are served on a bed of rice with garlic potatoes and hummus with a salad on the side. We added three drinks to our order and our daughter picked a table for us all to sit at.

At the time we were the only customers in the restaurant, but before we left two other tables were occupied.  Our food took close to ten minutes with the meat items having been prepared fresh. At the time of our first visit I’d have to admit that I had not had any middle eastern cuisine on any end of the authentic scale.  I wasn’t used to the spices, everything was new, different and delicious. The meat was spiced with flavours so tender, they aren’t using cheap meat here. There was an orange sauce sparingly drizzled across the plate, this isn’t hot like I expected, I believe it’s a red pepper sauce that I don’t yet know the name of.  Everything was hot and enjoyed a great mix of textures from the soft rice to the grilled meat. Both times I’ve thought that I’ll only have a bite of the tabbouleh salad, as it looks like entirely too much parsley to me. But both times I’ve enjoyed it more than expected. I think they really know how to balance out the flavours and keep the parsley mild.

During our visits the staff have added to our visit by being friendly and courteous.  They create a welcoming atmosphere, that may not come across right when you walk in. But after speaking, change that with their genuine demeanor.  On our last visit they surprised us with three pieces of baklava, always a favorite of mine. The prices are regular and competitive, while the portions are generous.  On both visits we could not completely finish up our plates.

It looks like they do a fair amount of takeout and delivery business (done via Skip-The-Dishes) as well as late night business.  I’ve really enjoyed our visits and look forward to future visits.