A Culinary Journey at Naranj Restaurant Damascus

If you are planning to experience dining in Old Damascus, visiting Naranj Restaurant Damascus is an absolute highlight. Renowned as one of the best restaurants in Syria, Naranj serves exceptional authentic Syrian food inside a beautifully restored historical setting. Walking into Naranj feels less like entering a commercial eatery and more like being welcomed into a traditional Damascene home filled with history, warmth, and rich aromas.

​Location and Unique Atmosphere
​Naranj is located along Straight Street (Bab Sharqi area) in the heart of the Old City of Damascus. The venue features multiple distinct seating environments:
• ​Open-Air Courtyard: Centerpiece seating around a marble fountain surrounded by bitter orange trees (Naranj trees), offering an iconic open-sky setting.
• ​Indoor Halls: Warm, climate-controlled rooms featuring classic Damascene architecture, intricate woodwork, and patterned stone walls.
• ​Upper Gallery Seating: Balcony-style seating that overlooks the main courtyard, providing an intimate view of the entire restaurant.

​Cuisine, Quality, and Famous Dishes
​The food quality at Naranj is held to high standards, using fresh local ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
• ​Signature Specialties: Famous for Cherry Kebab (Kebab bi al-Karaz), Yabraq (stuffed grape leaves cooked to tender perfection), Fatteh Makdous (baby eggplants stuffed with meat and fried bread topped with warm garlic yogurt sauce), and Sojokat (spiced traditional sausages).
• ​Varied Menu: Offers Kibbeh Nayyeh, extensive cold and hot mezze, freshly baked flatbreads, mixed grills, and traditional Damascene desserts paired with aromatic cardamom coffee.
​Smoking, Shisha, and Amenities
• ​Shisha & Smoking: Designated smoking areas are available, and authentic hookahs (shisha) with various flavors are served, particularly in the open courtyard space.
• ​Valet Parking: Because vehicle access inside Old Damascus is restricted, the restaurant provides convenient valet parking services near the Bab Sharqi entry gate.
• ​Reservations: Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinners and large groups.

​Best Time to Visit and Getting There
• ​Ideal Visiting Hours: Evening hours (from 7:30 PM onwards) offer the most charming atmosphere with warm lighting and live music on selected nights. Late afternoons are ideal for a quieter meal.

• ​How to Get There: Take a taxi or private car to the Bab Sharqi gate. From there, it is a brief, pleasant walk along Straight Street directly to the restaurant entrance.

​Must-Visit Historic Landmarks Nearby
​Naranj sits surrounded by some of the most notable historical sites in Damascus:
• ​Bab Sharqi Gate: The ancient eastern gate of the city with Roman foundations.
• ​Straight Street (Via Recta): The historic street mentioned in biblical accounts.
• ​Ananias Chapel: A historic subterranean church located just minutes away on foot.
• ​Umayyad Mosque & Souq Al-Hamidiyah: Located a short walk away through the winding alleyways of the Old City.