Damascus Restaurants

  1. Al-Kamal

    Located near the main tourist office, this place resembles a Parisian bistro. Regulars come for the good-value French plats du jour and home-style Syrian dishes, including kabsa (spiced rice with chicken or lamb).

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  2. Arabesque

    Dress up a little for this elegant, cosy local favourite serving up the usual Syrian and French cuisine. There's a decent wine selection but no credit cards are accepted.

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  3. Casablanca

    While Damascenes dress up on weekend nights, when cheesy live piano music is on offer, management is forgiving of travellers dropping by this elegant local favourite in casual gear. The French-heavy menu also features delicious Syrian standards such as mezze mixed grills. Alcohol is served and credit cards are accepted.

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  4. Elissar

    The atmosphere in the lovely courtyard of this old Damascene favourite, with fairy lights and trickling fountain, surpasses the quality of food and service these days (both of which are hit and miss). However, it's popular with the diplomatic crowd, who garner more attention than most patrons. When the Syrian and French dishes are good they're great. Alcohol served, no credit cards.

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  5. Oxygen

    This eatery-cum-bar has a dance-club vibe, especially late at night when the big-screen TV blares. The Syrian and French food offers no surprises but it's good for groups, especially if you want to stay on and drink for a while after dinner.

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