Sham West — Restaurant in Amsterdam

The restaurant is situated in a truly remarkable location, offering patrons an unparalleled view that significantly enhances the dining experience. The scenic setting alone is worth mentioning, as it adds a layer of ambiance that is hard to find elsewhere. The restaurant building itself is both inviting and well-designed, but what truly stands out is the wonderful outdoor seating area available at both the front and back of the establishment. This outdoor space is perfect for those who enjoy dining in the open air, surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you’re there for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, the outdoor setting provides a serene and picturesque environment that complements the overall dining experience.

During our visit, we sampled a variety of dishes, including a mixed grill, a mixed mezze, and several other traditional options. The mezze, a selection of appetizers featuring hummus, baba ghanoush, and Muhammara, was particularly impressive. Every bite was full of flavor, showcasing the authentic tastes of Mediterranean cuisine. The mixed grill, which included an assortment of perfectly cooked meats, was equally satisfying. The lamb was tender, the chicken juicy, and the kebabs had a delightful smoky flavor that really hit the spot. These dishes were not only delicious but also beautifully presented, adding to our overall enjoyment of the meal.

However, not everything on the menu was up to the same standard. One dish that stood out for the wrong reasons was the Makloubeh, a traditional Middle Eastern rice dish. Unfortunately, this dish did not live up to expectations. The rice, eggplant, and meat were cooked separately and then combined, resulting in a dish that lacked the depth and richness typically associated with a well-made Makloubeh. Traditionally, these ingredients are cooked together, which allows the flavors to meld and creates a more cohesive dish. While this was a minor setback in an otherwise enjoyable meal, it’s something to consider if you’re thinking of ordering this particular dish.

Despite this slight disappointment, our visit to the restaurant was overall very positive, especially since we were there to celebrate a special occasion. The staff played a significant role in making our experience memorable. They were incredibly helpful, taking the time to advise us on our choices and explain in detail what each dish consisted of. This level of service is particularly important for those who may not be familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine, as it ensures that everyone can make informed decisions and fully enjoy their meal.

One thing to keep in mind is that the portion sizes are quite generous. The quantity of food exceeded our expectations, making the dishes great for sharing or for those with a hearty appetite. You definitely won’t leave the restaurant feeling hungry.

On the downside, the dessert options were somewhat limited. We opted for a mixed sweet plate, which included three types of traditional Arabic sweets. While they were pleasant, they didn’t stand out as much as the savory dishes we enjoyed earlier in the meal. The Turkish coffee, however, was well-prepared and provided a satisfying end to our dining experience.

Overall, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone interested in trying authentic Syrian and Mediterranean cuisine. The location, ambiance, and most of the dishes make it a great choice for both casual dining and special occasions. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it’s a place worth visiting, especially if you’re looking to explore the rich flavors of Middle...

I stumbled upon this restaurant by chance and decided to give it a try even though I'm not vegetarian. The dining room is small and cozy, with colorful lamps and a dim light that highlights the beauty of old Damascus pictures on the wall. The waiters are welcoming and helpful, the food was served quickly. I enjoyed the starters (baba ganoush, muhammara), dense and rich of flavors. However, I can't say the same for the main course, namely rice with eggplants and other vegetables: while the rice itself was fragrant and well-cooked, the mix of vegetables was bland and tasteless, making the dish quite boring overall. As for the bill, I feel this restaurant is overpriced: 20eur for a modest portion of rice and veggies, without any meat of course. All in all, the experience was okay although there are better...

I have been here several times and the food was always delicious but somehow it seems to have gotten even better! Especially the maqluba feels like a warm embrace in your belly, so satisfying and comforting, it’s almost therapy. The starters we got - hummus, muhammara and baba ganoush were the perfect combination of such varied flavours we couldn’t decide what we liked best, each impressive in a different way. I recommend coming with company so that you can order many different dishes and share :) As you would expect of Syrian hospitality, the staff are warm, welcoming and helpful. Very reasonably priced, especially considering the size of portions and how good...