Just a minute or two from Vörösmarty Square, tucked away on the charming Türr István Street off Váci Street, you’ll find Damas restaurant. Next door there’s a café-breakfast spot, and above it a boutique hotel where Eastern hospitality meets European elegance. The heritage building, which once functioned as a bank, has recently been fully renovated, with plans to expand the hotel with more rooms in the near future.
From the façade of the building to the restaurant’s street-facing design, it’s clear how much planning and effort the owners have invested – every detail has been carefully considered, from the colours to the accessories. The name Damas refers to Damascus, the world’s oldest city, which – much like the restaurant itself – is friendly, welcoming, traditional and refined.
A family business with the highest professionalism
Syrian owner Asmi Mohammad has been living in Hungary for 37 years, thanks to his wife and business ties. His children – Bahaa, Bilal, Baraa and Rania – all grew up here and now work together in the hotel and restaurant, proud of their roots. Everything here reflects their hands-on involvement, from marketing and the logo to the interior design plans.
Damas is a true family business, with the owner and his children present every day. Building personal connections with regulars, newcomers and even first-time visitors is especially important to them. This friendly, family-like atmosphere adds even more to the already pleasant vibe. Though they’ve only been open for a few weeks, they already have regulars – and even tourists who have returned after enjoying their first experience here.
The family also managed to bring in their good friend, chef Moatsem. With 24 years in hospitality and experience in Dubai and five-star restaurants, he now shares his exquisite creations in Budapest – dishes crafted with passion, inspired by traditional recipes, and reimagined in his own way. It’s worth checking out this short video about him.
Syrian cuisine and international dishes
As Damas is a halal restaurant, it offers comfort for religious guests and guarantees that only the highest quality meat makes it to the plate – always served with a stunning presentation. Those open to Eastern flavours can discover the very best of Syrian cuisine here. Syrians are true masters of the grill, so the open kitchen features an extra grill station, while a professional ventilation system ensures no smoke fills the elegant interior. The dishes are prepared over oak charcoal with authentic spices such as the signature seven-spice blend. Lamb skewers take centre stage, but for those keen to try a little of everything, the chef’s platter for two – featuring a selection of skewers – comes highly recommended.
Among the cold and hot starters you’ll find classics like hummus, baba ghanoush and fried kibbeh – bulgur balls stuffed with meat. From the salads, the fresh and zesty tabbouleh is a must-try, made with parsley, bulgur, tomato and a lemony dressing, while the fattoush comes with fresh vegetables, a spiced dressing and crispy za’atar crackers.
To round off the meal, it’s worth choosing an authentic dessert. The traditional kunafa comes filled with sweet cheese and syrup, while Umm Ali is a warm bread pudding with rose water and crunchy pistachios. One of the most popular treats is booza – a silky-textured Arabic ice cream with chopped pistachios – truly irresistible and not to be missed.
Damas also caters to those who prefer international flavours. The menu features a variety of burgers, grilled salmon and chicken Caesar salad – and even goulash soup, prepared in-house by an elderly Hungarian lady exclusively for the restaurant. Alongside the Eastern desserts, you can also try a Basque cheesecake – a favourite among royal families – as well as waffles, vegan Sachertorte and fruit salad. Next door, the café serves breakfast until noon, following international trends with egg dishes, avocado toast and homemade granola. The restaurant itself opens from 12 pm.
Signature cocktails and alcohol-free drinks
A close family friend created Damas’s very own signature cocktails, infused with Eastern spices and ingredients for a truly distinctive taste. The Arabesque is a tequila-based cocktail with mango, lime, agave nectar and spices, while the Pistachio Bloom combines rum, pistachio and fruit tea. The Ruby is a real standout with raspberry, lime and prosecco, while other drinks feature flavours of pomegranate, cinnamon syrup and jasmine.
Alongside the classics, there are also plenty of alcohol-free mocktails to choose from – such as the Mirage, a non-alcoholic twist on the Ruby, or the Damascena, made with jasmine, alcohol-free gin and sparkling wine, strawberries and a subtle, perfume-like note.
More than food: a cultural and culinary journey
At Damas, you don’t just taste special dishes – you also get a glimpse into Levantine hospitality, arts and everyday life: the music they listen to, the breakfasts they enjoy, how they celebrate daily life and religious holidays. The aim was to create a place where Syrians living and studying here can feel at home and take pride in their culture, while remaining open to anyone curious to explore this unique world. An Arabic quote on the wall perfectly reflects the Damas philosophy: that we should always dig beneath the surface, where treasures – or values – are waiting to be discovered.
It’s also worth trying one of the city’s best shishas, prepared not only with quality tobacco but also in a professional and authentic way.
The venue is perfect for dates, business dinners, and family or friendly gatherings, whether you choose the cosy terrace or the warmly elegant interior. They deliberately don’t offer home delivery, as the quality of the dishes can only truly be guaranteed on-site – not to mention the atmosphere, which is an essential part of the Damas experience. This is a place you need to enjoy in person, as the experience is truly complex and captivating.
Book your table here.
Contact details
Damas Budapest
(Cover photo: Damas Budapest)
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