Elixir
An intimate bar that dispenses quality cocktail and wine advice, and a curated menu.
100 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Damascus is a restaurant on Tory Street, tucked just off bustling Courtenay Place. Run by husband and wife duo Hasan and Flora, Damascus serves up authentic Syrian food using Hasan’s family recipes for lunch and dinner.
Expect the best-ever versions of well-known Middle Eastern dishes like falafel, hummus, and other mezze plates. The family-friendly restaurant has a laidback and comfortable vibe, a welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful decor.
The food served at Damascus is the food that Hasan grew up eating. “This is family food, homey food and when you eat it, you can feel the love and the care that has gone into making it,” he says.
Flora is a pastry chef and makes incredible baklava, golden with honey and stuffed with jewel-like pistachios, along with other treats. Hasan looks after the savoury side of things. He makes tahini from scratch, kneads dough for the flatbreads, and makes jibin (a Syrian cheese like feta but not as salty).
Hasan can’t choose a favourite dish from the menu as their food is made to be eaten mezze-style. The response from diners has overwhelmed Flora and Hasan. “I don’t know how to describe it — it’s been heart-warming to see how much people are enjoying our food.”
“This is family food, homey food and when you eat it, you can feel the love.”
Hasan and Flora first met in Dubai. Flora is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hasan is from Swaida, Syria. They both shared a passion and talent for cooking that they had learnt from each of their families. The couple moved to Wellington after Flora got offered a job as a pastry chef in the city.
Settling into life in the capital, the couple set up a successful food truck that they named Damascus (after the capital of Syria). Many years, a couple of locations, and hundreds of bowls of hummus later, you can find Damascus in the middle of Wellington.
An intimate bar that dispenses quality cocktail and wine advice, and a curated menu.
Tucked away down a magical little side street between Ghuznee and Dixon is a hidden foodie gem that’s worth seeking out.
14 Sep – 8 Oct 2023Aston Norwood Gardens
Found in a grand old house, this Miramar-based daytime eatery balances fine food with hearty café fare.
There’s a whole world of flavour on offer at Mr Go’s.
Housed in a prominent heritage building, Salty Pidgin provides bistro food and a local gathering point in Brooklyn Village.
Warm hospitality and big flavours are served in equal measure at this Burmese restaurant in the heart of Wellington.
Encompassing a restaurant, tasting room, cellar door, distillery, and barrel hall space, The Runholder offers an exquisite hospitality experience in Martinborough.
Hot dogs and wine are the combination you didn’t know you needed at this relaxed rooftop bar.
Owned a run by a pair of brothers, this Cuba Street institution serves up wood-fired pizzas and old-school charm.
Go where the locals go at this stylish inner city café and bakery.
A modern take on popular Northern Vietnamese hawker street food, with a touch of French influence.
Eclectic and quirky, Seashore Cabaret serves up fun and fast diner food with views across the Petone foreshore.
Gear Street Union is a bright and busy haven of drinks, diner-style food, and fun.