For more than three decades, Byblos Le Petit Café has been a distinctive fixture in Montreal’s Plateau neighborhood, offering not just a taste of Iranian cuisine but also a warm, intimate atmosphere that has resonated deeply with its patrons. Founded by Héméla Pourafzal, who hails from northern Iran, the café has long been celebrated for its authentic, home-style cooking and unpretentious hospitality.
Byblos Le Petit Café diverges from the polished, commercialized dining experience often seen in the city’s restaurant scene. Instead, it evokes the feeling of a family kitchen, with its décor and menu steeped in memories of leisurely breakfasts and traditional family recipes. The interior features framed portraits on the walls, bookshelves that lend a cozy, salon-like ambiance, and colorful handwoven blankets and cushions that invite visitors to linger. A small aquarium housing a goldfish—a nod to the Persian New Year tradition of Norouz—adds a personal touch. The fish has been cared for at the café for six years.
The artistic contributions of Héméla’s brother, Hamid Pourafzal, whose paintings decorate the space, further enrich the café’s homely feel. Rather than a space formulated by design trends or committees, Byblos Le Petit Café carries the character of a lived-in cultural haven, reflecting the family’s heritage and the community it serves.
The menu follows suit, emphasizing comfort and familiarity. Tea is brewed throughout the day, accompanied by a selection of homemade jams that have contributed to Héméla’s reputation as the “queen of preserves.” Among the offerings, a lamb stew stands out, once considered a challenging dish to introduce to Montreal diners. Pourafzal recalls encouraging hesitant customers to try the stew with an unusual offer: “Try it, and if you don’t like it, don’t pay for it.” Over time, it became one of the café’s most popular à la carte items.
Perhaps the most iconic dish associated with Byblos is the feta and dill omelette, which resembles soft scrambled eggs rather than a traditional omelette and is inspired by Iranian flavors. This dish has, over the years, emerged as a local favorite and is often compared, by loyal patrons, to Montreal staples such as smoked meat and bagels. Pourafzal expresses gratitude for its unexpected popularity and the cultural significance it has come to hold within the city.
More than a restaurant, Byblos Le Petit Café offers continuity and a sense of belonging for many in Montreal. It remains a reliable spot for tea, breakfast, comfort, and conversation—a place where visitors can find warmth and familiarity amid the bustling urban landscape.