Adjacent to the Alep restaurant, its more classic and formal big brother, le Petit Alep, immediately offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Where Alep cultivates an almost institutional rigor, Le Petit Alep radiates warmth and conviviality. The Christmas garlands draped along the light fixtures add a handmade, cozy charm that feels distinctly Montréal.

The bar, straight out of an old French-style bistro, contrasts with the small rooms separated by thin wooden panels. You can tell the place has never tried to impress; its goal is simply to make people feel at ease. And that’s probably why so many regulars have felt at home here for nearly 30 years.

The Mouhamara arrives with flatbread still tucked in its paper sleeve, a deliberately “unpretentious” detail the Frangié family has embraced since day one. Slightly spicy and wonderfully smooth, the spread is lifted by pomegranate molasses, adding a subtle sweetness. It’s a very traditional version, just as it would be prepared in Aleppo.

Then comes the Kébbé Nayé, the Syrian-Armenian version of beef tartare, flavorful yet delicate. You eat it with a bite of bread, a few raw onions, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil. The Aleppo pepper tingles lightly on the palate, but the freshness of the meat and herbs quickly softens that little fiery spark.

Next is the Bilforn lamb: tender, aromatic, blending the sweetness of pine nuts and almonds with the richness of an almost Burgundy-style sauce. It is served with chicken rice generously seasoned with black pepper. The dish embodies the connection between Levantine cuisine and the Armenian communities of Syria, who adopted and adapted European influences.

The meal ends generously with the Kabab Khach-Khach, set over a bed of cooked tomatoes; it shares the soft texture of the kebbé, lifted by just the right amount of Aleppo pepper. A sprinkle of sliced onions and a piece of grilled pita let you grab the meat with your hands, just as you would in a family kitchen.

Faithful to its family traditions, Le Petit Alep serves food that is authentic, warm, and accessible. You go without pretension, simply for the pleasure of eating well.