Situated on a bustling Seapoint street is a restaurant famed for its authentic Syrian cuisine. On a study trip to Cape Town, owner Sultan Alsaleh found an utter dearth of Syrian food and flavours. He decided to fill that gap in the market. After all, he loved the food from his home country, why wouldn’t others? Beginning with a food truck and a permanent spot in Woodstock, at the Old Biscuit Mill’s Neighbourgoods Market, Alsaleh sold shawarmas and falafel. It wasn’t long before long lines of hungry customers were queuing up for his delicious offerings.

His food was such a hit, Alsaleh soon scouted for restaurant space and a Syrian chef. He found both and very quickly, the Syriana Restaurant opened its doors.  It’s clear Alsaleh’s passion is not just Syrian cuisine, but the country itself. Adorning the walls are the names of Syrian cities in flowing Arabic script - Aleppo, Damascus, Daraa, Idlib and more. The design and décor is reminiscent of his home country as well – a blend of both old and new. Smoke-free and smoking sections accommodate both non-smokers and those who enjoy the hookah or shisha with their meal.

The restaurant is family-orientated and has become a home-from-home for many other Middle Eastern families, as well as anyone who likes a convivial atmosphere and excellent cuisine. The booths are large, and the evenings are bustling, full of life, and excellent food. Hungry for Halal voted Syriana Restaurant, Cape Town’s top Halal restaurant in Cape Town in 2018, and in the top two in 2019. 

Fundamental to any Levantine menu are hot and cold mezze, mixed grill platters and man’oushe flatbreads. The hummus, baba ghanouj, mouttabal (eggplant, yoghurt and tahini) and muhammara (red pepper, tomato and pomegranate molasses) dips are rich and deeply delicious. The menu provides meals which are designed to be shared. Each plate is a unique blend of the Middle Eastern flavours. The Syriana Restaurant provides rich, decadent and delicious food from the heart of the Middle East.