Aleppo Restaurants

  1. Ahlildar

    In an elegant, restored old house with a somewhat disconcerting flat-screen TV decorating the downstairs wall, Ahlildar is the only eatery in the souq serving full meals, everything from mezze and kebabs to French dishes like cordon bleu.

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  2. Al-Andalib

    This rooftop restaurant on the same block as the Baron Hotel is popular with travellers who eat early, around to . Later on, after , it tends to locals only - mostly male, so women may feel uncomfortable. The menu includes kebabs, salads, fries, hummus and a baba ghanoug that's a purée of aubergines with tahini and olive oil. The food is fresh and beer is served.

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  3. Al-Attar

    One of several sheesha cafés in a row facing the Citadel, Al-Attar's touts are the least annoying and its food is the freshest. On offer are mezze, grills - try the shish taouk (marinated chicken grilled on skewers) with chips - and fresh juices.

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  4. Al-Challal

    This modern eatery attracts an affluent (mainly male) Aleppan crowd. The menu combines mezze and Middle Eastern grills with international dishes such as escalopes and steaks. Alcohol is served.

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  5. Al-Kindi Restaurant

    Just off Sharia Bab al-Faraj, this is one of a cluster of similar kebab restaurants, all of which offer reasonable food at budget prices. It has an extensive menu in English made up of myriad mezze and grilled kebabs and is open from early until very late.

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  6. Bazar Al Charq

    Delicious food is served in a cavernous, atmospheric restaurant decorated to resemble a bazaar. The toshka is particularly tasty and the succulent kebabs are popular. No alcohol.

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  7. Beit Salahieh

    As Diwan Rasmy, this boutique hotel had a well-regarded restaurant with stunning Citadel views. At the time of research its reincarnation, Beit Salahieh, had not yet reopened the restaurant.

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  8. Beit Wakil

    Similar in quality and cuisine to Beit Sissi, and just across the alley, Beit Wakil also delights with some equally interesting and tasty dishes. The cherry kebab is a must, along with the toshka (Armenian toasted meat and cheese sandwiches). Alcohol is served and credit cards are accepted.

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  9. Cordoba

    This long-standing local favourite is easily the best restaurant on this strip, with some of the tastiest Aleppan food you'll find in Syria. There's no menu in English, but try the toshka and maajouka (meat, cheese pistachios and peppers shaped into a patty). Beer and arak are served.

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  10. Haj Abdo al-Fawwal

    Opening early every morning, this is the best place to get Aleppan-style foul (fava bean soup), delicately seasoned with cumin, paprika, garlic, lemon juice and fresh parsley. Crowds gather around the tiny shop from , bearing empty containers of every size and description, pushing and shoving their way to the front for their share of this aromatic dish. Don't leave Aleppo without trying some for yourself.

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  12. Kan Zaman

    Close to Cantara and across the lane from Yasmeen House, Kan Zaman's beautifully decorated rooms sprawl over several levels, with a couple of romantic nooks for couples. There's a long list of cold and hot mezze, fresh salads and succulent grills. Credit cards are accepted and alcohol is served.

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  13. Yasmeen House

    With its white tablecloths, elegant Yasmeen House (in another grand old courtyard house) seems a little more formal than the other restaurants, but its enormous round tables make it ideal for groups. Expect delicious Syrian and Arabic food. Wine is also served - try the excellent Lebanese Ksara.

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