A great spot for delicious Middle Eastern food in Glasgow! The flavors were authentic and everything we tried was freshly made and full of taste. The service was excellent—friendly, welcoming, and attentive without being overbearing. Definitely a place I’d recommend if you’re craving something flavorful and comforting. I’ll be coming back!
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Before you go
- Chef / owner
- Mohammad Bashar Al Haj Ali (Bashar)
- Opened
- 2015
- Style
- Family-run Syrian-Lebanese café-restaurant — shawarma, charcoal grill, mezze; dry (no alcohol)
- Setting
- Saltmarket / High Street corner unit near Glasgow Green; casual dine-in, takeaway and delivery
- Awards
- Best Lebanese Restaurant in Scotland — Scottish Restaurant Awards; Middle Eastern Restaurant of the Year 2024 — Scottish Restaurant Awards; Best Lebanese Restaurant in Britain — British Kebab Awards
- Known for
- shawarma, halal charcoal grill, award-winning Lebanese, generous portions
- Signature dishes
- Mixed grill, Chicken shawarma, Falafel, Hummus / mezze, Lentil soup
- Good for
- casual meals, families, halal dining, takeaway
- Prices
- Inexpensive to moderate — wraps and grill plates aimed at everyday spend rather than fine dining
- Typical spend
- Roughly £10–20pp for a main and drink
- Reservations
- Walk-ins often fine
- Booking
- Online reservation and ordering via damasqino.co.uk; phone 0141 552 2900
- Book online
- Open booking page
- Dietary tags
- halal, vegetarian options, vegan options
- Dietary
- Fullyhalal kitchen; vegetarian and vegan options (falafel, mezze). No alcohol served
- Groups
- Family-friendly and used to groups; book ahead for larger tables at peak times
- Drinks
- Dry restaurant — soft drinks, juices, Ayran, Arabic tea; no alcohol
- Noise / pace
- Busy casual café energy at lunch and evenings; not a late cocktail scene
- Getting there
- St Enoch subway about 5–10 minutes’ walk; High Street rail station nearby; buses along High Street / Saltmarket
- Parking
- Street parking nearby; public car parks in the Merchant City / High Street area
- Also
- Site claims recognition as best Lebanese restaurant in Scotland three years running; Hours often listed around midday–11pm — confirm on the day
Glasgow restaurant
Damasqino Restaurant & Cafe
Opening hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Overview
Damasqino is a family-run Syrian-Lebanese restaurant and café at 94 Saltmarket, named for Damascus. Owner Mohammad Bashar Al Haj Ali (Bashar) brought a third-generation hospitality background from Syria and Lebanon; press coverage dates the Saltmarket site to about a decade of trading (mid-2010s). Expect charcoal grills, shawarma, falafel, mezze and slow-cooked mains, with fruit juices, Ayran and Arabic tea rather than alcohol — it is a dry, fullyhalal kitchen. Regulars bang on about mixed grill, lentil soup and wraps; portions are generous for the price. Awards include Best Lebanese Restaurant in Scotland at the Scottish Restaurant Awards, Middle Eastern Restaurant of the Year 2024 (Scottish Restaurant Awards), and Best Lebanese Restaurant in Britain at the British Kebab Awards. Book or order via the website (Flipdish); walk-ins are common but it gets busy at peak times. St Enoch subway and High Street rail are both a short walk; street parking on Saltmarket is limited.
Reviews
Literally one of my favorite meals ever, let alone of a month in Scotland. World-beating hummus, fantastic sambousek, the “Spicy Salad” one of the best salads I’ve ever tasted. Fantastic mixed grill (the chicken wings and lamb chop particular standouts but everything good), big portions, all terrific. Finished with a knafeh that was delicate and absolutely delicious. Incredibly friendly, super-casual service. Expect to have to flag somebody down, and pay at the counter. A true highlight and absolutely a must-try in Glasgow.
Read on Google MapsI tried the restaurant through delivery and it was a really delicious experience! I ordered the broasted chicken — it was crispy and full of flavor. The idea of the small sandwiches is fun and enjoyable. The packaging was neat and the food arrived in great condition. I definitely recommend it for those who enjoy light and tasty bites.
Read on Google MapsFood is simply delicious … Service was fantastic and the ambiance was truly inviting. The staff is super friendly and helpful. If you're looking for authentic Lebanese food, this is the place for you! Everything tasted fresh and flavorful, and the prices are super affordable.
Read on Google MapsWhen I was getting ready to go to Glasgow for a day trip, the hostel manager in Edinburgh explicitly said that I needed to visit this place because of the snacks of flavor and portions. She was correct on both fronts. I got the mixed grilled and sambousek. The food took sometime to deliver, so be patient. I wish I could have gotten a whole lamb dish instead because of how tasty it was but the mixed grilled provides a wide spectrum of taste if you want that coverage. Washed it down with a mango juice that was not too sweet (if you know, you know).
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