Damascus Rose Kitchen is a warm and welcoming Middle Eastern cafe in the heart of Oxford, open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Cosy, lively and family-friendly, it is ideal for group dining, birthday celebrations or relaxed meals with friends. With generous flavours, home cooking and a meaningful social purpose, it offers a dining experience rooted in both community and culture.
The space itself is simple and inviting, with wooden floors, wooden tables and chairs, and industrial-style lighting with exposed piping overhead. Splashes of colour and touches of greenery soften the room, giving it a warm, lived-in feel that reflects the spirit of the team behind it.
A proud social enterprise led by director Nuha Abdo, the cafe is run by Syrian and Arabic-speaking refugee women who bring their collective heritage to the kitchen. Rather than a single chef, the menu is shaped by traditional home recipes, shared culinary knowledge and dishes passed down through generations. The result is food that is authentic, comforting and full of heart.
Breakfast options include shakshuka, ful medames topped with tomatoes and herbs, or the Syrian breakfast with eggs, halloumi, olives, tomato, cucumber, labneh and zaatar served with warm flatbread. Lunchtime brings mezze bowls, moussaka and mujaddara, a classic dish of lentils and bulgur topped with crispy onions and served with yoghurt, salad and pickled turnips. Wraps filled with falafel or halloumi offer something quick and satisfying.
Those who enjoy sharing can choose small plates such as hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh and broad bean salad. Vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful, making it a great choice for varied groups. Blending warm hospitality, traditional recipes and a powerful mission, Damascus Rose Kitchen is a memorable and meaningful place to eat in Oxford.