Super delicious, going back absolutely to try all the menu
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jon Yazer
This place has the best sandwiches in Mile End / Plateau, among the best in Montreal. I think their vegan sandwich is the best in the city; super hearty, with touches of salt, sweet (honey) and spice, and without any ketchup or mayo. They also serve tajines and popsicles that I can’t wait to come back and try. Prices are really reasonable (and show you just how much other places are overcharging!). Staff is very friendly and the ambience is warm (West African jazz on the speakers). Must try!
Update: can confirm their balbastik glace are da bomb! Kefir lime is excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mia Neustein
I’m not usually a huge hibiscus fan but their hibiscus drink is super delicious and refreshing! Lovely atmosphere with really cool fabrics as wall paper, fun table coverings. Would totally come back again and next time I want to try the baobob fruit popsicle!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Destina Mattrasingh
Creative and refreshing drinks, and a great ambiance and atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Juhayemane Daouadji.C
I had an amazing experience at this Mauritanian restaurant! I tried the meatball sandwich, and it was absolutely delicious—flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and really filling. To go with it, I had a hibiscus drink (bissap), which was so refreshing and balanced the meal beautifully.
What really stood out, though, was the staff. They were so generous and welcoming that it truly felt like being back home in the desert, surrounded by warmth and hospitality. The atmosphere is inviting, and you can tell they care deeply about making every guest feel at ease.
If you’re looking for authentic flavors and a place where you’ll be treated like family, this spot is a must-visit. Highly recommend!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Will Weaver
Came in with a group of 4 people for lunch, we were served quickly and with a smile. Excellent atmosphere and flavourful food. Hibiscus bev is a must (Beef sandwich pictured).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Rania
Truly the best sandwich i ever had. Generous portions, feels homemade, incredible bread and sauce, so comforting. And the owner is a gem! Also the hibiscus mint lemonade is absolutely insane
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
R Miller
I got a baobab popsicle on a hot day and the vegan tajine another time. The hibiscus drink is delicious and the owner gave it to me on the house. the prices are really reasonable
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
francoise lm
Everything was immaculate from the decor to the food. The owner is so incredibly kind and generous! The food was amazing and priced very reasonably. This restaurant overall felt like a warm hug, I recommend to absolutely everyone.
Gabrielle Turc
So good! The owner was so kind and friendly. I love that they have vegan options that are interesting. I had the vegan sandwich which had a bean filling. The drinks are so good too. I just wish they were open for dinner!
The beef sandwich is delicious. I also had a refreshing hibiscus tea with lemon, orange, and mint. Loved it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roxanne Pelissier (Foxy Appetite)
Balbastik – Fresh West African Flavors and Warm Hospitality
I had the pleasure of visiting Balbastik yesterday, and it was a memorable experience from start to finish.
Balbastik is owned by a kind and passionate man from Mauritania, and you can feel the love and care he pours into every detail—his culture and music are truly at the heart of it all. The bread is made fresh in-house, and it makes all the difference—especially in their Spicy Beef Meatball Sandwich, which quickly became my favorite. The meatballs were flavorful and satisfying, with just the right amount of heat. The sauce, made with eggplant, tomatoes, and onions, had a beautiful balance of savory and sweet, thanks to a light drizzle of honey that tied it all together.
To sip alongside everything, I had their housemade juice with orange, mint, hibiscus, and lemon—it tasted like sunshine in a glass. I also couldn’t resist trying their homemade baobab popsicle, a refreshing and unique treat, perfect for a hot day. And to finish? A classic mint tea—sweet, aromatic, and the perfect comforting end to the meal.
Beyond the food, the décor is warm and inviting, transporting you straight to Mauritania. Traditional music fills the space, creating a calming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Everything at Balbastik is made with heart, and it shines through in every bite. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick meal or settling in for a cozy visit, it’s a place that welcomes you with open arms and leaves you feeling nourished in every way.
✨ I spotlight my favorite local gems on TikTok @foxy.appetite and IG @foxyappetite—and Balbastik is officially on my list.
I was invited to visit as part of a collaboration—sharing my genuine experience above.
Shawn Morgan
Best damn meatball sandwich in town. The place looks wonderful, beverages are nice, food is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cynthia
This place has great decor, great service and great food. We had a bomb shakshuka with sweet mint tea, and I'll be returning to try the sandwiches one day. I recommend it to all my friends visiting the area and to you, dear Google reviews reader.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicolas bosny
I often can't resist stopping in for a chicken sandwich when I'm out doing errands. The friendly atmosphere, affordable price and delicious flavours keep me coming back and quickly turned this new restaurant into a neighborhood institution - can't wait for more Balbastik popsicles this summer!
Super delicious, going back absolutely to try all the menu
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has the best sandwiches in Mile End / Plateau, among the best in Montreal. I think their vegan sandwich is the best in the city; super hearty, with touches of salt, sweet (honey) and spice, and without any ketchup or mayo. They also serve tajines and popsicles that I can’t wait to come back and try. Prices are really reasonable (and show you just how much other places are overcharging!). Staff is very friendly and the ambience is warm (West African jazz on the speakers). Must try!
Update: can confirm their balbastik glace are da bomb! Kefir lime is excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’m not usually a huge hibiscus fan but their hibiscus drink is super delicious and refreshing! Lovely atmosphere with really cool fabrics as wall paper, fun table coverings. Would totally come back again and next time I want to try the baobob fruit popsicle!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Creative and refreshing drinks, and a great ambiance and atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had an amazing experience at this Mauritanian restaurant! I tried the meatball sandwich, and it was absolutely delicious—flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and really filling. To go with it, I had a hibiscus drink (bissap), which was so refreshing and balanced the meal beautifully.
What really stood out, though, was the staff. They were so generous and welcoming that it truly felt like being back home in the desert, surrounded by warmth and hospitality. The atmosphere is inviting, and you can tell they care deeply about making every guest feel at ease.
If you’re looking for authentic flavors and a place where you’ll be treated like family, this spot is a must-visit. Highly recommend!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came in with a group of 4 people for lunch, we were served quickly and with a smile. Excellent atmosphere and flavourful food. Hibiscus bev is a must (Beef sandwich pictured).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Truly the best sandwich i ever had. Generous portions, feels homemade, incredible bread and sauce, so comforting. And the owner is a gem! Also the hibiscus mint lemonade is absolutely insane
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I got a baobab popsicle on a hot day and the vegan tajine another time. The hibiscus drink is delicious and the owner gave it to me on the house. the prices are really reasonable
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was immaculate from the decor to the food. The owner is so incredibly kind and generous! The food was amazing and priced very reasonably. This restaurant overall felt like a warm hug, I recommend to absolutely everyone.
So good! The owner was so kind and friendly. I love that they have vegan options that are interesting. I had the vegan sandwich which had a bean filling. The drinks are so good too. I just wish they were open for dinner!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The beef sandwich is delicious. I also had a refreshing hibiscus tea with lemon, orange, and mint. Loved it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Balbastik – Fresh West African Flavors and Warm Hospitality
I had the pleasure of visiting Balbastik yesterday, and it was a memorable experience from start to finish.
Balbastik is owned by a kind and passionate man from Mauritania, and you can feel the love and care he pours into every detail—his culture and music are truly at the heart of it all. The bread is made fresh in-house, and it makes all the difference—especially in their Spicy Beef Meatball Sandwich, which quickly became my favorite. The meatballs were flavorful and satisfying, with just the right amount of heat. The sauce, made with eggplant, tomatoes, and onions, had a beautiful balance of savory and sweet, thanks to a light drizzle of honey that tied it all together.
To sip alongside everything, I had their housemade juice with orange, mint, hibiscus, and lemon—it tasted like sunshine in a glass. I also couldn’t resist trying their homemade baobab popsicle, a refreshing and unique treat, perfect for a hot day. And to finish? A classic mint tea—sweet, aromatic, and the perfect comforting end to the meal.
Beyond the food, the décor is warm and inviting, transporting you straight to Mauritania. Traditional music fills the space, creating a calming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Everything at Balbastik is made with heart, and it shines through in every bite. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick meal or settling in for a cozy visit, it’s a place that welcomes you with open arms and leaves you feeling nourished in every way.
✨ I spotlight my favorite local gems on TikTok @foxy.appetite and IG @foxyappetite—and Balbastik is officially on my list.
I was invited to visit as part of a collaboration—sharing my genuine experience above.
Best damn meatball sandwich in town. The place looks wonderful, beverages are nice, food is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has great decor, great service and great food. We had a bomb shakshuka with sweet mint tea, and I'll be returning to try the sandwiches one day. I recommend it to all my friends visiting the area and to you, dear Google reviews reader.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I often can't resist stopping in for a chicken sandwich when I'm out doing errands. The friendly atmosphere, affordable price and delicious flavours keep me coming back and quickly turned this new restaurant into a neighborhood institution - can't wait for more Balbastik popsicles this summer!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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