La Damasquina — Restaurant in Madrid

The first time I frequented this restaurant I noticed the proprietor hosting his friends from a bygone era. Who can say but they looked liked they were Backgammon masters who had history in the streets of Damscus; I was suitably close to them presume the most idillic and romantic of dreams.

My second visit was about friendship and eating. Eating with my favourite humans. Having overruled the ‘menú del día’ for ‘la carte’ we decided on the Mixto Brocheta and an additional Kafte main with some Baba Ganoush to start, Arayes on the side. The Baba Ganoush gifted us with it’s lightly smoked yet creamy citrus delight. What is it about egg plant (aubergine) that most of the world does not understand? The Arayes reminded me of a classic Punjabi Bread that only my Grandmother knows how to make. Thin layers of lavash filled with delicately spiced minced lamb mixed with pine kernels, crispy to the corners. A textural, umami delight. At this point in the meal you want to make an excuse to leave the table and head straight into kitchen to see and hopefully talk to the chef creating your happiness.

Next, the Barbacoa…

If I had been blindfolded I would have expected that Kafta to be have made somewhere on the boarder between Lebanon, Syria and Oman. It was THAT good. The minced lamb was perfectly seasoned and had that texture that you only experience when the meat has been chopped by hand. Lots of onion, parsley, salt and pepper and little else except the flavour of the lamb come through. It’s no secret that the Shepherds that roll through Madrid during ‘La fiesta de la Trashumanica’ have the happiest and best tasting sheep.

The lamb and chicken Shish Taouk are the best in Madrid I have had to date. Marinated in herbs and spices from a biblical time cooked over burnt wood charcoal embers to perfection.

My one and only complaint about this place is being charged additional money for the pitta bread. I would expect a restaurant of this quality to be baking their own bread but maybe, just maybe, the are having trouble installing the right oven. One can only dream…

This is a 5 out of 5 star establishment and I don’t say that lightly. Do not leave Madrid without eating here. On that delightful afternoon I could have been on the Edgware Road in little Beirut, London or even Damascus itself. This place...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Damasquina restaurant, and it was an experience worth sharing. As an Indian trying Syrian cuisine for the first time in Madrid, I was both excited and curious about what awaited me. The restaurant exceeded all my expectations, delivering not just a meal, but a memorable culinary journey.

The food at La Damasquina was exceptional. Each dish was a delightful blend of flavors and spices, offering a perfect introduction to Syrian cuisine. From the rich and savory appetizers to the deliciously crafted main courses, every bite was a testament to the chef's expertise and passion for authentic cooking. The dessert was a sweet revelation, ending the meal on a high note.

What made the experience even more special was the amazing service. The owner himself greeted us warmly and took the time to explain each dish, making sure we felt comfortable and welcomed. It was clear that the food was prepared and served with love, adding a personal touch that is rare to find.

The ambience of La Damasquina is another highlight. The restaurant offers both closed and open seating areas, catering to different preferences. The indoor area is cozy and elegantly decorated, while the outdoor seating provides a charming atmosphere, perfect for a pleasant evening.

La Damasquina is a gem of a restaurant that I highly recommend. The combination of delicious Syrian food, outstanding service, and a lovely ambience makes it a must-visit. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or someone looking to try something new, this restaurant promises a delightful experience that you...

hands down one of the best arabic restaurants in Madrid. everything is so fresh and the flavours are evenly-balanced - not overly laden with salt or fatty ingredients as others often do. the hummus is smooth without an excess of tahini. the taboule thoughtfully has some extra pomegranate seeds, selected and peeled with love (every last seed, red and ripe, a tastey surprise of fruitiness). the falafel crunchy outside and fluffy inside without too much oil or baking powder inside. and the muhammara is the best i've ever had - with a light pinch of acidity that is just delightful. muhammarra can so quickly become overly heavy, but the muhammara here is fresh and light. truly a delight. we also had the shish tawook and lamb sish. everything an absolute splendour. totally recommended. we will...