Restaurant Review: A Taste of Syria!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at a delightful restaurant that specialises in traditional Syrian cuisine. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a warm atmosphere filled with unique and traditional decorations that truly transport you to the heart of Syria.
One of the standout features of this restaurant is its extensive menu, offering a wide variety of dishes that cater to all tastes. Each item I tried was bursting with flavour and authenticity, making it clear that the chefs take great pride in their craft. I can confidently say that I will be returning to explore more of the menu, as there are so many enticing options to choose from.
While the food was delicious, I did find the portion sizes to be on the smaller side. However, given the reasonable price point, I felt that the value was still quite good. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy quality food without breaking the bank.
The staff at the restaurant are efficient and get the job done without any fuss, although they may not be overly friendly. Despite this, their professionalism ensures that your dining experience runs smoothly.
A notable aspect of this restaurant is its dedication to accommodating guests who wish to pray. They provide prayer mats and a dedicated space for worship, which is a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall experience.
Located on the high street, the restaurant is easily accessible, though parking can be a bit of a challenge. There are a few nearby car parks, so it’s advisable to plan ahead if you’re driving.
In summary, this restaurant is a gem for anyone craving authentic Syrian food. With its delicious offerings, reasonable prices, and the ability to pray on-site, it’s no wonder I keep coming back. The charming atmosphere and traditional decor only enhance the experience. I highly recommend...
Read moreDespite walking past this restaurant since they opened a few months ago it's always looked too busy to visit. Today however it was quiet and I was excited to try it out.
The waiter was friendly but rather than take my order his role seemed to be only to tell me to order at the till. The place only accepts cash at the time.
Alongside my food I ordered a yoghurt drink 'Ayran Yoghurt' and a glass of tap water.
I'm not Syrian and I was a little uncomfortable when my food was placed on my table without a word or any eye contact from the lady serving me. My main course arrived before my starters and I was given a bottle of water, rather than tap water.
I politely told the lady that I asked for tap water and she just shrugged, scowled and said they didn't do that. I was a little peeved to have been charged 80p for that but didn't cause a fuss.
Later in the meal I realised that my yoghurt drink hadn't arrived and I called the waitress over. She informed me that the yoghurt she'd given me was what she thought I'd ordered. I hadn't and she was completely unapologetic about her mistake. I asked if I could be refunded the £1 instead and, again she shrugged, scowled and said no because I'd already eaten some of the yoghurt.
Again I didn't want to cause a fuss so I continued my meal, noting that all the staff chose to ignore me at that point. I left in silence without then even acknowledging me.
The food was OK, the lamb meal could well have come from a packet but, to their credit the chicken livers were nice and well-presented.
I have my suspicions that this restaurant might be popular with middle-eastern diners but as caucasian male I was not made to feel...
Read moreDamascene Restaurant Review
My recent visit to Damascene Restaurant was unfortunately disappointing. While there are some redeeming qualities, the overall experience left much to be desired.
First, the catering was below standard. Shockingly, the restaurant didn’t even offer water to its patrons. Sitting upstairs proved to be a mistake, as it seemed the waitstaff forgot that area existed; our waiter never came up at all. The food took an unacceptably long time to arrive, which only added to our frustration.
One specific dish, the cheesy fries, was particularly underwhelming. Instead of the delicious cheese sauce we were expecting, we received fries with a few sprinkles of cheddar cheese. Additionally, the difference between the regular and large shawarma was minimal, with the large version merely having extra bread and almost no extra meat inside.
On the positive side, the food did taste decent once it finally arrived. The air-conditioning was effective, providing a comfortable dining environment, and the decorations were truly amazing, featuring very creative designs that added a unique charm to the place. The Arabic music playing in the background was also a nice touch, enhancing the overall atmosphere. Moreover, the staff were very nice and welcoming, which made the poor service all the more regrettable.
However, despite these positives, the negatives overshadow the experience. I cannot recommend dining at Damascene Restaurant. If you do decide to visit, make sure to sit downstairs to possibly receive...
Read more