Mataam Zarzour, Jaramana, Damascus

Jaramana, Damascus | Tel: +963 932 117747

The overwhelming feeling at this place is of violently efficient service. Seated at the back of the restaurant, with an interesting maritime and shotgun décor theme, dishes were flung at us. Supposedly based on famous branches in Baghdad and Fallujah, Zarzour seems to be flourishing in its new location. To find it, simply take a service or taxi to Jaramana and then ask. It's just off the roundabout with the former president's statue on it.

The basic format seemed to be a starter of various salads and dips with bread, followed by a main, accompanied a variety of side dishes. A staggering array of sauces was available, taking up a good 10% of the table space, including: hot sauce, mango pickle, steak sauce, pomegranate molasses and apple vinegar.

The bread was fresh and excellent, the salata bazenjan (aubergine salad), as was the moussaka (the Arab version, rather than the Greek). The lamb in the Quzi was very tender, though the sauce was a little boring. The chicken on the shish tawouk was nicely marinated with lots of pepper, and well grilled. The sauces were good, though sometimes difficult to discern. One , a spinach, tomato and chick pea concoction was good.

At 600 SYP per head (no breakdown on the menu) Zarzour was good quality and good quantity, but distinctly over-priced.