Seemor
Athina › Γεύσεις της Δαμασκού - Tastes of Damascus
Γεύσεις της Δαμασκού - Tastes of DamascusB+Worth Trying
Negri Fokionos 19, Athina 112 57, Greece
· Syrian restaurant, Falafel restaurant, Vegetarian cafe and deli
· 4.6/5 Google (682 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Cozy Syrian spot in Kypseli for budget-friendly falafel and mezze; great value with occasional service lapses and mixed consistency on salads and fatteh.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Tastes of Damascus delivers excellent value and strong falafel and hummus quality, with a charming leafy promenade setting that enhances the casual neighborhood experience. However, quality variation in salads and fatteh, combined with recent food safety complaints and inconsistent service warmth, prevents a higher grade. Best approached as a reliable budget-friendly spot for falafel wraps and mezze rather than a destination for consistent fine dining.
Restaurant Summary
On the leafy Fokionos Negri strip, this tiny Syrian kitchen feels warm and neighborhoody with sidewalk tables and the hum of locals passing by. Service swings from kind and helpful to a bit frosty on busy days, but many guests praise staff guidance. One diner summed it up: "Falafel came crisp and hot, with dips that tasted freshly made." The cooking leans classic Levantine comfort: falafel, hummus, moutabal, fattoush, and a few house salads at wallet-friendly prices. When it hits, flavors are bright and balanced; some visits report salad or fatteh inconsistency or sweets that taste day-old. Best bets are falafel wraps and the hummus-mezze combo for a satisfying, low-cost meal. Families do fine here thanks to simple, familiar dishes like falafel in pita, hummus with warm bread, and mild salads. There is no formal kids menu, but portions and prices suit sharing. Street seating and quick bites work well with strollers, though space is tight.
At a Glance
- Excellent value on falafel and mezze with many vegetarian and vegan options
- Leafy promenade setting adds charm to casual sidewalk seating
- Inconsistent salads and fatteh quality across visits
- Service can feel curt or slow during busy times and deliveries
- Recent food safety complaints tied to falafel with tahini-lemon sauce
What Sets It Apart
- community_refugee_training
- leafy_promenade_seating
- budget_levatine_mezze
What People Love
- Crisp, fresh falafel straight from the fryer
- Creamy, bright hummus and classic dips
- Relaxed sidewalk vibe in a leafy setting
- Prices that make sharing mezze easy
Points of Concern
- Recent reports of foodborne illness associated with a falafel wrap sauce; frequency unclear
- Service inconsistency from warm to dismissive depending on staff and rush
- Salads and fatteh vary from excellent to overly sour, salty, or dry
- Review patterns show signs of normal variance but no strong manipulation indicators
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€12-18 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a mezze trio: hummus, moutabal, muhammara (€9.9-€11.4) plus pita (€0.50)
- Pair falafel wrap (€3.5-€4.8) with fattoush (€7.5) to balance richness
- Share labneh cheese balls (€4.0) rather than ordering solo due to richness
Perfect For
- Quick, budget-friendly lunch on the promenade
- Casual mezze night with friends
- Solo snack stop during a neighborhood stroll
- Vegetarian-leaning groups wanting easy options
Location Insights
Area: Leafy, casual Kypseli promenade with locals strolling; relaxed cafe and neighborhood vibe.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; standard urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Along Fokionos Negri pedestrian strip; cafes, small shops, and park-like median nearby.
ExarcheiaExarcheia is known for its bohemian and alternative atmosphere, with a strong presence of student life and countercultural movements. The dining scene includes casual cafes, ethnic eateries, and affordable restaurants catering to a diverse and youthful crowd.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:30–00:30
Tuesday12:30–00:30
Wednesday12:30–00:30
Thursday12:30–00:30
Friday12:30–00:30
Saturday12:30–00:30
Sunday12:30–00:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →