Syria, home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, offers extraordinary historical treasures from ancient Damascus and Aleppo to the spectacular Roman ruins of Palmyra. Despite recent challenges, the country's rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes continue to captivate adventurous travelers.
Syrian cuisine is one of the oldest and most refined in the Arab world, blending influences from Phoenician, Ottoman, and Persian culinary traditions. Characterized by aromatic spice blends, abundant fresh herbs, olive oil, and slow-cooked meat dishes, it differs notably between the sophisticated Damascene kitchen (known for sour flavors using pomegranate and tamarind) and the spicier Aleppine tradition (famous for Aleppo pepper and cherry kebab). Mezze culture dominates - meals begin with 10-30 small shared dishes before main courses arrive.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Syria.
Kibbeh
Syria's national dish - bulgur wheat shell stuffed with minced lamb, onion, and pine nuts. Comes fried, baked, in yogurt sauce (labaniye), or raw (nayeh). Every region has its variation.
Where to try: Naranj Restaurant, Haretna, most traditional restaurants
Price: $8-16
Muhammara
Aleppo's signature roasted red pepper and walnut dip flavored with pomegranate molasses and Aleppo pepper flakes. Smoky, tangy, and addictive - far superior to anything found outside Syria.
Where to try: Any traditional restaurant, especially Kan Zaman and Ziryab
Price: $4-7
Cherry Kabab (Kabab Karaz)
Aleppo's most famous dish - minced lamb kebabs cooked in sweet-sour Damascene cherry sauce. The combination of sour cherry with spiced meat is uniquely Syrian and unforgettable.
Where to try: Naranj Restaurant Damascus, Afamia Restaurant Aleppo
Price: $12-18
Fatteh
Layered dish of crispy toasted flatbread soaked in broth, topped with chickpeas, yogurt, tahini, toasted nuts, and olive oil. A Damascus breakfast classic of remarkable complexity.
Where to try: Al Karameh Restaurant, local breakfast spots throughout Damascus
Price: $4-8
Booza
Syria's extraordinary elastic ice cream made with sahlab orchid root and mastic resin, creating a uniquely stretchy texture unlike any other ice cream. Pounded with metal rods in a theatrical display.
Where to try: Bakdash in Souq Al-Hamidiyah - the most famous booza shop in the world
Price: $2-4
Freekeh
Green roasted wheat (freekeh) slow-cooked with chicken, seven-spice blend, and topped with caramelized onions and almonds. Ancient grain dish central to Syrian culinary heritage.
Where to try: Ziryab Restaurant, traditional Damascene restaurants
Price: $10-15
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Naranj Restaurant
Upscale restaurant in the historic Al-Qaymariya area serving refined Syrian cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Beautiful traditional setting with courtyard dining. Known for exceptional Borgol, Hommos, and Cherry Kabab.
Al-Qaymariya, Old City, Damascus
Haretna Restaurant
One of Damascus's oldest traditional restaurants housed in historic Damascene building. Serves authentic Syrian meals in charming setting with courtyard. Family-friendly with reliable quality and service.
Old Damascus
Abu Abdo Shawarma
Famous shawarma spot known throughout Damascus for perfectly spiced meat and fresh ingredients. Always busy with locals - a sign of quality. Standing room only but worth it.
Souq Sarouja, Damascus
Al-Andalus Juice Bar
Popular juice bar serving fresh-squeezed fruit juices and light snacks. Perfect refreshment while exploring Old Damascus. Always uses fresh seasonal fruit.
Souq Al-Hamidiyah, Damascus
Bakdash Ice Cream
Legendary ice cream parlor established in 1895, famous for traditional booza pounded with heavy metal rods. Damascus institution serving elastic mastic and sahlab ice cream with pistachios. Always packed with locals and tourists.
Souq Al-Hamidiyah, Damascus
Beit Jabri Restaurant
Elegant restaurant in a beautifully restored Damascene mansion featuring high-end Syrian cuisine. Atmospheric courtyard with fountain, live traditional music on weekends. Exceptional service and presentation.
Old City, Damascus
Bab Al Hara
Popular restaurant serving home-style Syrian cooking in traditional atmosphere. Named after famous Syrian TV series, features authentic recipes and generous portions. Great for families.
Mezzeh, Damascus
Falafel Lababidi
Legendary falafel shop serving crispy, flavorful falafel sandwiches since 1952. Simple menu done to perfection. Busy lunch spot for locals and savvy tourists alike.
Bab Al Jabiya, Damascus
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Aleppo Traditional
Afamia Restaurant Aleppo
Traditional Aleppine restaurant serving authentic northern Syrian cuisine. Known for Aleppo specialties not found elsewhere. Warm hospitality and authentic atmosphere.
City Center, Aleppo
Al Halabi Aleppo
Casual Aleppine eatery serving authentic northern specialties at fair prices. Local favorite for traditional kebabs and mezze. Simple setting but excellent food quality.
Old Aleppo
Street Snacks
Grilled Corn Stand - Souq
Simple street vendor grilling fresh corn on charcoal. Brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt. Perfect snack while shopping in the souq.
Various locations in Damascus souqs
Roasted Nuts Cart
Mobile cart roasting fresh nuts and seeds - almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, chickpeas. Warm, salted perfection. Great souq snacking.
Mobile throughout Old Damascus
Syrian Traditional
Ziryab Restaurant
Charming restaurant in Old Damascus serving authentic Syrian cuisine with modern twist. Features live traditional music evenings. Popular mezze selection and grilled specialties.
Straight Street, Old Damascus
Kan Zaman
Atmospheric restaurant in converted traditional building with stone archways and period décor. Offers extensive menu of Syrian classics. Known for excellent grilled meats and generous portions.
Bab Touma, Damascus
Traditional Cafe
Al-Nawfara Cafe
Historic cafe in Old Damascus famous for storyteller performances and traditional atmosphere. Serves Turkish coffee, tea, and shisha. Popular evening gathering spot with authentic Syrian cafe culture.
Souq Al-Hamidiyah, Damascus
Rawda Cafe
Old-style Syrian cafe with outdoor seating under trees. Perfect for afternoon tea or coffee while watching Damascus life pass by. Shisha available in relaxed garden setting.
Midan, Damascus
Breakfast Street Food
Ful Cart - Morning Market
Early morning ful (fava bean) cart serving traditional Syrian breakfast. Beans cooked overnight, served with olive oil, lemon, and cumin. Sustaining and cheap.
Various morning markets, Damascus
Cafe Bar
Havana Cafe
Popular evening cafe-bar in Christian Quarter with relaxed atmosphere. Serves coffee, drinks, snacks, and shisha. Good spot for socializing and people-watching.
Bab Touma, Damascus
Contemporary Cafe
Cafe Zain
Stylish cafe in Abu Rummaneh serving specialty coffee, fresh juices, and international cafe menu. Modern interior, good WiFi, and comfortable for working or meetings.
Abu Rummaneh, Damascus
Heritage Cafe
Beit Sitti Cafe
Charming cafe in restored traditional house serving coffee, tea, and homemade sweets. Beautiful courtyard setting with fountain. Offers taste of old Damascus hospitality.
Old City, Damascus
Lebanese
Elissar Restaurant
Upscale dining venue combining Syrian and Lebanese cuisines in modern setting. Beautiful interior design, extensive wine list, and creative interpretations of classic dishes. Popular with Damascus elite.
Abu Rummaneh, Damascus
Mediterranean
Al Kamal Restaurant
Well-established restaurant offering Syrian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Known for grilled meats and seafood. Pleasant dining room with attentive service. Good value for quality.
Baramkeh, Damascus
Modern Cafe
Piano Cafe
Trendy modern cafe in Bab Touma serving excellent coffee, pastries, and light meals. Free WiFi, comfortable seating, and Western-style cafe atmosphere. Popular with young Damascenes and expats.
Bab Touma, Damascus
Street Bread
Kaak Cart - Umayyad
Traditional kaak (sesame bread) cart near Umayyad Mosque. Fresh-baked circular bread covered with sesame seeds, served warm. Classic Damascus street snack.
Near Umayyad Mosque, Damascus
Street Breakfast
Manakeesh Stand
Busy morning stand baking fresh manakeesh (flatbread) with various toppings. Zaatar and cheese are most popular. Cooked to order in traditional oven.
Baramkeh, Damascus
Street Desserts
Booza Cart - Hamidiyah
Traditional Syrian ice cream (booza) cart serving elastic, chewy ice cream made with sahlab and mastic. Unique texture and flavor. Often performance with ice cream pounding.
Souq Al-Hamidiyah, Damascus
Street Food
Sarouja Falafel Corner
Tiny falafel stand in Sarouja neighborhood serving crispy, hot falafel to order. Rock-bottom prices, maximum flavor. A local institution for quick bites.
Sarouja, Damascus
Syrian Casual
Damascus Diner
Friendly casual restaurant offering Syrian standards in relaxed setting. Good for quick meals or family dinners. Reasonable prices and consistent quality.
Mazzeh, Damascus
Syrian Comfort Food
Al Karameh Restaurant
No-frills local eatery serving hearty Syrian comfort food at budget prices. Popular with students and workers. Authentic atmosphere and generous portions.
Near Damascus University, Damascus
Syrian Fast Casual
Quick Bite Damascus
Modern fast-casual spot serving Syrian classics quickly. Clean, efficient, and affordable. Good for travelers wanting quality food without fuss.
Baramkeh, Damascus
Syrian Grills
Al Khawali Restaurant
Popular grill restaurant specializing in kebabs and grilled meats. Fast service, good quality meat, and reasonable prices make it a local favorite. Casual atmosphere perfect for groups.
Malki, Damascus
Syrian Modern
Leila Restaurant
Contemporary Syrian restaurant with stylish interior and creative menu. Blends traditional flavors with modern presentation. Good wine selection and professional service.
Abu Rummaneh, Damascus
Syrian Traditional Fine Dining
The Old Damascus Restaurant
Premium traditional Syrian restaurant in restored historical building. Offers authentic Damascene dishes with refined presentation. Known for royal treatment and historic ambiance with live oud music.
Bab Touma, Old Damascus
View Cafe
Kasyon Cafe
Cafe on Mount Kasun with spectacular panoramic views over Damascus. Especially beautiful at sunset. Serves coffee, tea, snacks, and shisha with the view.
Mount Kasun, Damascus
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Falafel Sandwich
Crispy deep-fried falafel balls of ground chickpeas and herbs stuffed into flatbread with fresh vegetables, tahini, and pickles. Damascus falafel is distinctively herby and light.
Find it at: Falafel Lababidi near Bab Al Jabiya, Sarouja Falafel Corner, throughout Old City
Kaak Bread
Large circular sesame-encrusted bread sold from carts near the Umayyad Mosque and throughout the souqs. Fresh-baked, chewy, and fragrant - perfect walking snack.
Find it at: Cart vendors near Umayyad Mosque and throughout Souq Al-Hamidiyah
Boiled or Grilled Corn
Fresh corn on the cob either grilled over charcoal or boiled, brushed with butter and salt. Simple pleasure sold from carts throughout Old Damascus souqs.
Find it at: Mobile vendors throughout Old City and souqs
Manakeesh
Syrian flatbread baked with za'atar and olive oil, cheese, or minced meat - the quintessential Syrian breakfast eaten folded like a wrap while walking.
Find it at: Bakeries throughout Damascus, especially near Bab Touma morning market
Shawarma
Layers of marinated chicken or beef turning on a vertical rotisserie, shaved and served in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fries. Abu Abdo in Sarouja widely considered Damascus's best.
Find it at: Abu Abdo Shawarma in Souq Sarouja; countless stands throughout city
Fresh Juice
Stalls throughout Damascus serving fresh-pressed pomegranate, orange, lemon-mint, and mixed fruit juices. Al-Andalus Juice Bar in Souq Al-Hamidiyah is one of the most popular.
Find it at: Al-Andalus Juice Bar (Souq Al-Hamidiyah), juice stalls throughout Old City
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Al-Buzuriyah Spice Souq
Damascus's legendary aromatic spice market crammed beneath ancient stone vaulting with hundreds of varieties of spices, herbs, dried flowers, and traditional remedies. The air is thick with za'atar, Aleppo pepper, rose petals, and exotic blends.
Hours: 8AM-6PM daily, closed Friday morning
Souq Al-Hamidiyah Food Section
The inner reaches of Damascus's grand covered market host vendors selling traditional sweets (baklava, halaweh), dried fruits, nuts, and freshly baked breads. The Bakdash ice cream at the mosque end is legendary.
Hours: 9AM-8PM daily
Shaalan Street Market
Central Damascus commercial street with fruit and vegetable vendors, cheese shops, butchers, and produce stalls alongside modern supermarkets. Good for self-catering supplies and experiencing everyday Syrian food shopping.
Hours: 7AM-9PM daily
Aleppo Covered Food Market
The reconstructed sections of Aleppo's ancient covered markets include dedicated food sections selling Aleppo soap, northern Syrian spices, traditional preserved foods, and the city's distinctive cherry products.
Hours: 9AM-7PM Sat-Thu
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (1-3 PM) is the main meal in Syrian culture - restaurants are busiest and menus most complete at midday
Mezze (small shared plates) culture means ordering many dishes - start with 5-8 cold mezze then add hot dishes progressively
Always try the house-made bread (khubz arabi) - fresh flatbread accompanies every meal and is often the best indicator of a kitchen's quality
Syrian hospitality means portions are generous - don't over-order; dishes keep arriving
Friday morning most restaurants are closed for prayers; many reopen after midday prayer around 1 PM
Cash only (Syrian pounds or USD) - no credit cards accepted anywhere including hotel restaurants
Tipping 10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants; round up taxi fares; falafel stands don't expect tips
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $6-12/day | Street food only - falafel, shawarma, kaak bread, fresh juice; excellent quality throughout Damascus Old City |
| Mid-range | $20-40/day | Mix of street food and casual sit-down restaurants like Haretna or Bab Al Hara for at least one proper meal |
| Upscale | $60-120+/day | Fine dining at Naranj, Beit Jabri, or Elissar for dinner plus mezze lunches at upscale restaurants |