Aroos Damascus Restaurant

Aroos Damascus is one of Sharjah's longest-standing Syrian-Lebanese tables, a dependable neighbourhood address in Al Nud that has been drawing families, after-work groups and delivery riders for over two decades. The setting is unpretentious - tile floors, a dedicated family section, and outdoor seating that comes into its own on cooler evenings - and the pace is refreshingly steady, with attentive but unobtrusive service from a team used to translating the menu for first-time visitors. The meal follows the classic Levantine rhythm: a plate of fresh vegetables and pickles on arrival, a steady supply of piping-hot Arabic bread from the oven, and dips that set the benchmark for the rest of the table. The hummus is the one to order, thick and properly finished with olive oil, alongside a smoky mutabal and garlicky labneh. From the grill, the shish tawook, kafta, and lamb kebabs are the draw, and the mixed grill platter is a sensible choice for sharing. Seafood fans should try the grilled hamour or the mixed seafood platter. Sandwich-seekers are well served too, with the shawarma, falafel and sujuk sandwiches holding their own against the sit-down dishes. Fatoush with pomegranate dressing, biryani rice, and Turkish coffee round out a menu that rewards grazing. Pricing remains one of Aroos Damascus's real strengths - portions are generous and the bill lands squarely in value-for-money territory. A few caveats worth flagging: the decor is traditional rather than contemporary, and while the kitchen is consistent, service can slow on a busy evening, and not every server is fluent in English. Smoking is permitted in parts of the outdoor area. For an authentic, affordable Levantine meal in Sharjah - particularly for a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends - it is hard to argue with a restaurant that has kept its regulars coming back for so long.