Niedaleko Damaszku - Vegan restaurant — Restaurant in Warsaw

Since 2020, I’ve been a loyal customer of Niedaleko Damasku. I kept returning for the rich flavors of Syrian cuisine, the accessible prices, and because the restaurant was advertised as vegan, a crucial point for me, as I’m following a vegan diet from decades.

Over time, the owner appeared warm and welcoming, even saying a few words in my native Italian. I believed there was a genuine sense of friendliness. But recent events revealed that this friendliness was merely performative. What I mistook for hospitality was, in truth, a calculated strategy to build profit.

The first warning sign came months ago when I discovered the restaurant was serving ayran made from cow’s milk. I pointed this out, expecting concern or correction. Instead, the owner dismissively replied, “People like it, so I keep it.” No concern for vegan customers, or those with lactose intolerance or allergies. Given that vegan versions of ayran made from cashews or soy exist, it’s reasonable to assume a “vegan” restaurant would avoid dairy entirely. Someone could unknowingly consume it, risking severe reactions, even anaphylactic shock, due to this lack of transparency.

Still, I gave the place another chance, and i continued to go in the restaurant several more times. That decision led to the final disappointment. After finishing our meal (we weren’t seated for more than 15 minutes), I briefly stepped into the restroom. Upon returning, I found our table already cleared, my phone, keys, and belongings moved without consent, and the table reset for other guests, who looked just as awkward about the situation.

It became painfully clear that we had been pushed out to make space for new customers, with no explanation or courtesy. No warmth, no patience, just the cold logic of profit.

This final episode shattered the illusion. The years of “friendly” interactions were just part of the act. Behind the smiles lies a business uninterested in principles or respect, be it ethical, personal, or dietary.

With false vegan advertising, lack of transparency, and a deep disregard for customer dignity, I can no longer recommend this restaurant to anyone.

There are many Middle Eastern spots that serve delicious food with integrity. Sadly, Niedleko Damasku is no longer...

I used to admire this place because of its delicious food and was a regular visitor to the restaurant. However, I was very disappointed after my last visit. We had finished our meal and were about to leave when the owner arrived and asked if we were done. It was peak hours for the restaurant, but does that mean they should literally ask people to leave? We went to wash our hands and came back to find that our belongings had been moved elsewhere. The table was already set up for another group waiting in the queue. We were already leaving after finishing our meal, so was it really necessary to remove our belongings just to accommodate more people? The owner seemed in a hurry to clean tables for other guests, which gave me the impression that you can't eat in peace because you're expected to leave the very moment you finish. Another thing I didn’t like about this place was the exploitation of a child, probably 7 or 8 years old. She was going from table to table, asking if customers needed anything, and clearing dishes. I am never going to this place again and would never recommend...

Maktub I have been in Warsaw for 4 hours and feel so fortunate to came across this restaurant. I have been eating middle eastern cuisine for many years and being a vegetarian I mostly had to content myself with side dishes but this place is almost dream like for me. We had a spread with hummus, falafel, salad, bread along with a grilled eggplant dish. Everything was just perfect from crispy yet soft inside falafel to pickled veggies to tahini; needless to mention the yummy hummmus. the eggplant was elevated to another level, it was smooth, juicy and flavorful. Felt almost nostalgic after eating, so much so that we ordered some cardomam tea to be able to spend more time and settle the food as well, the tea was just fantastic as well. wish I could had the baklavas as well but...