Café Damascus

In the heart of the picturesque Altstadt of Zofingen, Café Damascus welcomes diners into a world of authentic Arabian hospitality. The restaurant, located at Vordere Hauptgasse 110, is a destination for those seeking genuine Syrian and Levantine cuisine prepared with care and passion. Since relocating from Rothrist in February 2018, the family-run establishment has transformed a historic space into a warm, inviting environment where traditional recipes and a modern, comfortable setting meet. Guests can expect a dining experience that goes beyond the plate, blending fragrant spices, fresh ingredients, and a cultural atmosphere that reflects the owners' Syrian heritage and their deep appreciation for shared meals.

According to Google Maps reviews, Café Damascus holds an impressive 4.9-star rating based on 518 reviews. Customers frequently highlight the friendly and attentive service as a standout feature. One reviewer described the food as "unglaublich gutes, autentisches, selbstgemachtes Essen zu fairen Preisen" (incredibly good, authentic, homemade food at fair prices). The consistency of this feedback underscores the pride the kitchen takes in preparing each dish from scratch, avoiding shortcuts and focusing on the traditional flavors of the Levant. The restaurant is categorized on Maps as a Syrian restaurant, with a reported price range of 30–40 CHF per person.

Menu Highlights at Café Damascus

The culinary experience at Café Damascus centers on traditional Mezze, a selection of small, flavorful dishes meant for sharing. The menu is designed to encourage a communal, leisurely meal where guests can sample a wide variety of tastes and textures. The kitchen team prepares all offerings daily, ensuring freshness in every plate. Popular choices, as noted by returning diners, include the gemischte Mezze Platte (mixed mezza plate) and the Mashawi Mezze Platte, a combination of grilled specialties. These platters provide an ideal introduction to the restaurant's culinary range, featuring classics like hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and spiced grilled meats.

Signature Syrian Specialties

The heart of the menu is built around the authentic flavors of Syria. The chefs draw on time-honored family recipes to create dishes that transport diners to the streets of Damascus. The Mezze selection is extensive, offering both cold and hot options. Cold mezze includes perfectly balanced creamy hummus, smoky mutabbal, and refreshing tabbouleh. Hot mezze features crispy falafel, sambousek, and expertly grilled meats marinated in a complex blend of spices. For main courses, the mixed grill platters are a highlight, offering generous portions of skewered meats served with fragrant rice, grilled vegetables, and freshly baked flatbread. Each dish is traditionally presented, true to the Syrian custom of placing shared dishes at the center of the table for everyone to enjoy.

A Taste of 1001 Nights

Café Damascus offers more than just a meal—it presents a complete sensory journey. The restaurant frequently references the magic of "1001 Nights," and this theme is woven into the entire experience. From the exotic decor to the specialty beverages, there is a deliberate focus on creating an immersive atmosphere. Guests can conclude their meal with traditional Arabic coffee, known for its strong aroma and unique preparation, or a selection of fine teas accompanied by oriental pastries. The wine list is also curated to complement the spiced, complex flavors of the food, making it simple for the staff to recommend pairings that enhance the meal.

The Dining Experience

Walking into Café Damascus, guests are immediately greeted by a sense of warmth and welcome. The owner, Robi, emphasizes that "Gastfreundschaft wird bei uns gross geschrieben" (hospitality is very important to us), and this philosophy is evident in every interaction. The service team is regularly praised for being friendly, attentive, and customer-focused. The space itself combines the charm of the historic Altstadt building with lovingly installed Arabic decor, creating an authentic yet comfortable ambiance. Soft strains of Arabic music fill the room, completing the relaxing, unhurried environment where diners are encouraged to linger over their meals.

A Gem in the Altstadt

The atmosphere is described by guests as a highlight even before the meal begins. One reviewer noted the "tolller Ambiente schon beim Reinkommen" (great ambiance as soon as you walk in). The restaurant offers seating choices, and reservations are noted to work seamlessly, allowing guests to plan a special evening without worry. During warmer months, the restaurant's location in the charming Vordere Hauptgasse area enhances the experience, with the surrounding historic architecture providing a scenic backdrop for an outing. For those wanting a more private affair, the venue includes a dedicated “1001 Nacht” hall on the first floor, available for private bookings for birthdays, corporate dinners, or family celebrations.

Take-Away and Private Events

For guests who prefer to enjoy the restaurant's food at home or host an event in a different location, Café Damascus offers convenient take-away and catering services. The full menu is available for take-away by calling 062 794 10 00. This service has proven especially popular for those wanting to create a Mezze spread at their own gatherings. For larger events, the restaurant provides a personalized catering service. The team will consult with the host to understand their needs and create a custom menu proposal. Whether it’s a traditional Syrian spread or a bespoke selection for a corporate event, the café works to ensure the same quality and authenticity is delivered outside its walls.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

A 4.9-star rating from over 500 Google Maps reviews places Café Damascus among the highest-rated restaurants in Zofingen. Customers consistently share positive experiences that point to a harmonious combination of food, service, and atmosphere. Reviewers frequently use words like "freundlich" (friendly), "perfekt" (perfect), "lecker" (delicious), and "vegan" (vegan-friendly) to describe their visits. The restaurant is praised for its ability to cater to various dietary needs, with several reviews specifically mentioning well-executed vegan options. This demonstrates the kitchen's flexibility and commitment to inclusive hospitality.

What Diners Are Saying

A closer look at Google Maps reviews reveals recurring themes that define the guest experience. Beate Steller, a Local Guide, wrote, "Freundlicher Service und gutes Essen! Wir hatten die gemischte und die Mashawi Mezze Platte - also von allem etwas." (Friendly service and good food! We had the mixed and the Mashawi Mezze platter – a little bit of everything). Krystian Lasek, another reviewer, highlighted the customer-oriented approach, noting that a forgotten drink was removed from the bill without prompting. Another review praised the freshness of the food and the ease of booking, saying, "Essen war frisch zubereitet und schmeckte köstlich. Sowohl meine Mashawi Platte..." (Food was freshly prepared and tasted delicious. Both my Mashawi plate...). This feedback consistently underscores the restaurant's dedication to fresh, well-prepared food and genuine, attentive service.

Café Damascus in the Altstadt of Zofingen

The restaurant is situated at Vordere Hauptgasse 110, right in the heart of the beautiful Altstadt of Zofingen. This location places it within the city's historic core, known for its charming alleys, centuries-old buildings, and vibrant local business scene. The Altstadt provides a uniquely Swiss backdrop, blending medieval architecture with a lively, modern-day atmosphere of shops, cafes, and cultural venues. Café Damascus stands out in this setting, adding a warm touch of the Orient to the historic Swiss surroundings and offering a distinct dining option in the area.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Café Damascus maintains set operating hours for both its restaurant and take-away services. They are open from Tuesday to Thursday, 11:30–13:30 and 17:30–22:00, and on Friday and Saturday from 11:30–13:30 and 17:30–23:00. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It's also important to check in advance for any seasonal breaks, as the restaurant closes for summer holidays (typically from late July to mid-August, as noted on the website for 2026). Reservations are recommended and can be made directly through the website at www.cafe-damascus.ch, which offers a booking tool. For any inquiries, special requests, or event bookings, guests can reach the team by phone at +41 62 794 10 00 or via email at info@cafe-damascus.ch.

Common Questions

What type of cuisine does Café Damascus serve?

Café Damascus specializes in authentic Syrian and Arabic cuisine, focusing on traditional Mezze specialties, grilled dishes, and oriental beverages. It is categorized on Google Maps as a Syrian restaurant.

Does Café Damascus offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, multiple Google Maps reviews praise the availability and quality of vegan options at the restaurant. The menu's focus on mezze provides a naturally wide range of vegetarian dishes like hummus, falafel, salads, and stuffed vegetables. For specific dietary requirements, it is recommended to inquire with the staff directly.

How can I make a reservation at Café Damascus?

Reservations can be made online through the website's booking tool (www.cafe-damascus.ch) or by calling the restaurant directly at +41 62 794 10 00 during opening hours. The reservation process is described by customers as smooth and reliable.

Is there a space for private events at Café Damascus?

Yes, the restaurant features a specially decorated hall on the upper floor called the “1001 Nacht Saal.” This room is available for private bookings such as birthday parties, corporate events, or family celebrations. The restaurant offers custom menu proposals for such events; contact them via email to plan a private function.

Does Café Damascus offer take-away or catering?

Yes, the full menu is available for take-away. Orders can be placed by calling 062 794 10 00. Beyond take-away, Café Damascus provides a full catering service for private and corporate events, with customized menus designed in consultation with the client.

Is Café Damascus wheelchair accessible?

For detailed accessibility information regarding the historic Altstadt building, it is best to contact Café Damascus directly. They can provide current details on entrance accessibility and any accommodations available for guests with mobility needs.