Damas Cuisine & Catering — Restaurant in Farmington Hills

It pains me to leave a bad review for a business but after reading many review it’s obvious that this business lacks basic customer service and respect.

We ordered catering for a large gathering a fews ago, picked up the order only to realize after we arrived at our venue that they had completely missed one of the main entrees/dishes. We immediately called them and they said they had forgot to prepare that dish. They said they would get it done and delivered with in 30 minute. Knowing that it was unlikely to get it in 30 min but also not having any other options and after them reassuring us repeatedly that it won’t be more than 30 min delivered we agreed. It took nearly 2 hours to get it delivered. We had ordered and paid for 16 dozens of fried kubbeh. They only delivered 14 dozens (sounded like they were trying to make up for the “free delivery” they offered, but it could have been another mistake). We called to explain and the owner himself got on the phone and was extremely rude and yelling and accusing us of trying to scam him. After his outburst he slams the phone shut. After my family member told me what had just happened I immediately called the restaurant back and asked to speak to the owner. I could hear him telling the lady that picked up the phone that he didn’t want to speak to me. The manager gets on the phone and says the owner is not available and claims he did not know what was going on. I explain the whole situation and tell him and that I did not want to dispute the credit card charge over 2 dozens and we are letting everything else go, the mistake they made and embarrassment they caused us and 2 hour wait. Owner calls me back a few minutes later screaming again, I didn’t say a single word during the short call. It was basically him yelling and threatening and again he slams the phone shut. No apology for any of the things they did. No mention to refund for the 2 missing dozens.

The food was okay, but we would never go there or cater from...

Edited to add:

Apparently this also encompasses the bakery two doors down, which is amazing. The selection is small, there are no seats, but just pop in and get whatever pies are available. 4 visits in and I've yet to be disappointed for the quality and price (zaatar and cheese is amazing, as are the spinach and cheese pies when available). Scrappy for sure but fantastic. Upping to 4 stars just based on the bakery alone.

Original review:

[Just one visit, so I may adjust. Right now back and forth between 3/4 stars.]

Somewhat familiar with Syrian home cooking, but I was in the area and craving it so I got some take out. Service was polite and prompt and some extra bread included gratis.

Knocking back the one star for the Hot Mahashi quantity, not quality. The pic on the menu obviously shows more food than you're liable to actually get, but we had just 4 pieces, 3 of which were zucchini (and a lot of sauce - similar amount I've usually had served with a full platter to feed 7). It's not as photogenic but having pictures that better match the dish you're actually ordering would be helpful. Glad I ordered rice on a whim with all the sauce. Pretty close to the homemade version I know, though! Just wish there was more substance to it. Only got to try the zucchini since I was sharing.

Grape leaves came with pomegranate/lettuce rather than the lemon in the menu pic - different and a bit sweet. Interesting, but was craving more tangy. Bread was fresh baked and nice.

Will probably give another dish a go when I'm in the area - there are definitely some specialties I rarely see on Middle Eastern restaurant menus which is nice. (Although again - accuracy over styling on the pics, please! Or at least specify a bit more in the description.)

But carryout $30 for two, and no leftovers, and still a bit hungry is a bit...

I'm sad to share this review. But because I like this place I want them to get better I will. I have dined at Damas no less than a dozen times over the years. Last night 03/01/2024 around sunset I took my family to dinner there expecting to have another great meal as usual. I was very disappointed in the food.

The fried cheese birak were so soft and crumbly. Usually my daughter eats like three of them she couldn't finish one bite couldn't blamr her no one could.

The Hummus was bland and the bread was so crumbly I couldn't even wrap a piece of meat on one no chew at all.

The meat was maybe ok but didn't have that unique Damas taste & smell we got used to. My wife absolutely loves Tawook she refused to eat a 2nd piece and she was hungrybdue to fasting. The kafta was acceptable at least so that helped my daughter eat a bit.

The fries were mostly tasteless we ate a few but regretted it. Thank God for the fattoush being on point because all of us just ate the fattoush otherwise we would have left on an empty stomach.

I'm a regular, I didn't want to offend them in the kitchen and get someone in trouble as they are very nice to us, so I just left.

Service was acceptable so I tipped for ok service.

We were too tired to cook dinner and my wife was fasting and too busy to eat all day due to our work and kids, so we had to go back home to have some soup for the night. After paying $60 for two people and a kid I left unhappy.

Ramadan is almost here and I think if they repeat this mistake in Ramadan they might lose way more customers than...