Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Damascena

    4.1 (21 reviews)
    InexpensiveCoffee & Tea, Delis, Arabic
    Open 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Damascena Photos

    DAMASCENA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Damascena

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Morrocan mint tea
    Vicky O.

    I have found a little slice of heaven in Moseley and it's name is Damascena. I spotted this place once it had opened on one of my many summer jaunts into the area and had it picked out as a place I had to pop into. Time went by and the time never really presented itself... A lunch with Yelp Elite Mohamade provided the perfect excuse to head down and check it out. This Syrian themed gem isn't huge, but the warm welcome will make you feel like the most important customer of the day. I popped in and initially grabbed a table by the big glass windows and ordered a Moroccan Mint Tea whilst I waited for my lunch partner to arrive. As you can see from my photos, this was something really special. Packed full of fresh mint leaves and served with a sugar stirrer, I felt whisked away to a land of hot, dusty streets and endless sunshine. After I had finished, I moved to the snug at the back of the venue to get a bit of work done. This area provides sofa style seating and big squishy pillows, perfect to chill out in of a day or an evening (the venue is open until 8pm most days). Once Mo had arrived, we moved to a larger table area back out the front and ordered more drinks and some food. I opted for the Damascena tea (a black tea, this time) and three Tahini lamb pastries, alongside a lamb soup. I couldn't get over the prices. The soup was around £2.15 and the pastries were 95p each (although there was a deal to buy three). All the food was tasty, warming and fresh; perfect to chase the cold wintry chill away. I ended up spending a good 4 hours in this venue and never once felt ill at ease or rushed. This place would be great for a catch up with friends, a date or a lunch in the week. I WILL be back, it's just a matter of how soon I can make it... Highly recommended.

    Turkish coffee

    Nice dish, and strong coffee. For a first-time drinker of Turkish coffee, it has a really heavy taste. Coffee grounds can tell fortune, interesting.

    The Eastern theme runs throughout. These are the tiles in the loo!
    Ben C.

    Sat on the crossroads in Moseley Village, Damascena is the newest coffee shop and eatery to open its doors in the area. Described as 'your local, far-away coffee house', with Middle Eastern stylings, food and drink, they offer an unique café experience. As well as the familiar range of coffee drinks made using espresso as a base, smiling and welcoming staff will serve you to speciality hot drinks too, like Walnut and Cinnamon Tea and Moroccan Mint Tea, the latter made with a handful of fresh and zingy mint, which fills the air with sweet aromas. There's a naturally well-lit main seating area at the front and in the back is a more dimly-lit, cosy snug area with low level tables. Damascena serve good, fresh wholesome food at amazing prices in the form of salads, mezes and sandwiches. If you want to send your calorie intake through the roof, (and why not, you need them, it's cold outside), then treat yourself to Afternoon Tea. Choose between different freshly-baked meat, fish or cheese Fatayers, (Arabian pastries), served with pickled chillies, olives and houmous, and a choice of baklava and drinks. Sat sipping authentically-served Turkish coffee in the lantern-lit back area in a cloud of e-cig vapour, we feel a thousand miles away from the Midlands Winter. Talking of lanterns, Big Tent and the Gypsy Lantern were in there on the same day that we went. If it's good enough for a world-class folk band, then it's good enough for me. Take the road to Damascena yourself sometime soon.

    The most interesting Mint Tea I've ever enjoyed!
    Richard T.

    Lovely Coffee shop in the heart of Moseley. A Middle Eastern theme, with traditional tea and coffee as well as Hummus, wraps and a wide selection of tasty cakes! Free Wi-Fi throughout the cafe, as well as outdoor seating. Try the Mint Tea! :-)

    Ciel D.

    Stopped in for a quick bite, and discovered one of the nicest cafes I've been to in years. It's cozy, with cute seating. Everything is pretty and tastefully decorated in keeping with the Middle Eastern vibe. I had a tahini lamb pastry, and it was some of the best food I've had! I can't rave enough in one review. The meat pastries are cooked to order, not microwaved or served cold out of the case. The whole cafe smells of herbs and strong coffee. I will be back to try one of everything on the menu!

    Soo good
    Mo A.

    I just want thank Vicky for suggesting this place. I loovee this little cafe. I always see it when on bus to town or home and never gone in to try. I was meeting Vicky for brunch and this was the Point of interest. Good excuse for both of us to try this place as had opened for months now and never been. Interior is really cool and middle eastern influences ( atleast from thoughts of my small mind) they had arabic music in background playing and the stuff were pretty good. I wanted to order everythig on menu. We were pretty hungry so we went for more than one thing. Had chicken shawarma and Lamb Pastry. And a Morrocan Mint Tea ( weirdest tea I seen, but very cool looking) I love the sugar-stick you get with hot drinks. I want to know how they did that. Anyway...tea was really nice. The food was AMAZING. Chicken shawarma was juicy and delicious, lamb pastry was also very tasty. I wanted to keep eating but I knew I was full. Will be back for the other stuff and the cakes me and Vicky resisted Highly recommend Damascena to all. Great to have a variety of cafés from the Starbucks and the Costas.

    Caroline C.

    I spotted this place a while ago but not living in the area it has taken a while to get here-luckily I got a living social voucher which made the afternoon tea even better;) It's a great little cafe situated right on the cross roads, so easy to get to and was easy to spot. There is outdoor seating, but the large windows mean it's quite light and airy inside-apart from the cosy snug area at the back:) We were first given a selection of Mediterranean savoury pastries, which included lamb, pumpkin, feta cheese and mint-they were light and fresh and would make a great snack! They were polished off very quickly;) There was a huge drinks selection. My friend had a chocolate milkshake, whereas I had a lime, mint and honey drink-which was so zingy and thirst quenching-yum:) I made a good choice, but next time I might go for the cinnamon tea. After this our plates and drinks were cleared away and although we'd enjoyed it, we were disappointed not to try the tantalising desserts. Just as we were about to leave the waitress asked what we thought of them -lucky she did! A few minutes later a tray if baklavas and other traditional sweet pastries were brought out-I absolutely love these! If you like honey and pistachios then these are for you!! Definitely had our money's worth! There was a small deli section for Mediterranean spices, teas and coffees to take away, which was a nice touch. I like the fact it's open until 8pm during the week and even 6pm on a Sunday! I think Saturday is the busiest day so you may not get a seat. We went on Sunday as it was almost full at 3.30, but by 5pm it was nearly empty. Definitely recommend a visit to anyone!

    Flatbread, falafel and hummus

    See all

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Helina L.
    310
    40
    140

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vicky O.
    1681
    504
    3006

    12 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mo A.
    36
    141
    1125

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Michael D.
    110
    55
    112

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Food very nice, but the kitchen forgot our order so we ended up waiting 40 minutes for our lunch.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    The restaurant has now expanded into the building at the rear. Far more covers, far more comfortable. Lovely food at very affordable prices.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah C.
    29
    286
    271

    11 years ago

    Love this cafe. Great selection of teas, delicious food and friendly staff. A bit different to your usual cafes and I like it

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Terrible customer service. Staff were very rude and couldn't answer simple questions with regard to my dietary requirements.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Nima Delicatessen - Exterior

    Nima Delicatessen

    4.5(6 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    £

    If you like to spend money on quality food, then you'll be happy here. Food from the Far East…read moreMiddle East, and Europe are all on offer. I'm usually in here for breadcrumbs, falafel mix, vegetarian burger mix, tahini, and my new favourite-Gits' ready meals. No giggling at the back! These are Indian-made authentic boil-in-the-bag vegetarian meals that are ready in 4 minutes and are as ideal for a lunchtime treat at home as they are for festivals and/or camping. The longer I stay in here the more things I'll see and buy, which I'm happy with, as I save loads by buying my basics at small supermarkets, so I can spend more on proper luxury! Like Belgian chocolate cups that you can use as the basis for bite-size desserts, or for liquors. And pavlova bases to pile Summer fruits on for a pudding to share. In the chilled cabinet are cooked meats and cheeses. At the counter you can buy Iranian sweets and a box of cigarettes. Nima is traditional, exotic and friendly. As it's one of Moseley's most long-standing independents, it also feels righteous to shop here. You'll appreciate the foods and they'll appreciate your custom.

    This is one of the gems in Moseley. A good old fashioned…read moredelicatessen run by a husband and wife team. They have a wonderful choice of cheeses and cold meats and some really great pasta that I have trouble getting elsewhere. The place has a wonderful atmosphere too which makes you unaware whether its 2014 or 1954. I really love this place but I am scared that unless people use it they will suffer at the hands of the 'big boys'. Support deli's like this, they are a rare and wonderful thing.

    Photos
    Nima Delicatessen
    Nima Delicatessen
    Nima Delicatessen

    See all

    The Deli Social

    The Deli Social

    4.6(7 reviews)
    7.4 mi
    ££££

    We walk past The Deli around once a week when grocery shopping and finally decided to pop in for a…read moreglass of wine over the weekend. Based on the atmosphere and quality of wine, I love this little spot. It is so cosy. We were the only customers in the store and received superb service. The owner runs this location and a few other shops, plus hosts food tents at festivals during Christmas. She came over to our table and made some wine recommendations and gave us a bowl of crisps on the house. My partner, Seth S., and I both ordered the Pinot Noir from Romania. It was delightfully full-bodied and smooth. The lighting is dimmed just enough to encourage good conversation and a comfortable atmosphere. There are two main rooms for seating, each with groupings of chairs or booths around bistro style tables. The art and decor feel like a brasserie. I would highly recommend The Deli for a delicious glass of wine (or 3) and great conversation with friends.

    Breakfast Review:…read more One of the best Full English breakfasts in the Midlands! Its a wonderful deli, on the High Street in Boldmere, with outdoor seating - which is superb when the sun comes out! The breakfasts are awesome. Superb sausages, great bacon, exceptional bread, (the deli sells some of the best bread in Birmingham). 2 succulent sausage, 2 bacon, fried egg, 2 half tomatoes, mushrooms. toast, quality butter. Its one of the best in Birmingham, (I rate it joint 2nd). The staff are great, headed by Pip the owner and her team of assistants, (including sons). The only real problem with this place is that I always spend a fortune on their amazing cheeses, breads, cakes and pate's. Try it. You will thank me!

    Photos
    The Deli Social - Indoor and outdoor seating. Plus a HUGE selection of wines and beers

    Indoor and outdoor seating. Plus a HUGE selection of wines and beers

    The Deli Social - Mobile brick oven mounted in a mini

    Mobile brick oven mounted in a mini

    The Deli Social - Featuring brews from Two Towers.

    See all

    Featuring brews from Two Towers.

    Deli Box

    Deli Box

    5.0(2 reviews)
    2.1 miWestside, Historical Quarter - Convention Quarter

    Deli Box is one of my favourite places to do lunch and breakfast in Birmingham…read more Ask for Sue, and my personal recommendation would be their vegetarian sausages! This great cafe offers such a large and appealing selection, from hot and cold, your spoilt for choice! They do great tailor made breakfasts, sandwiches, salad boxes, corporate and business lunches, omelette's, jacket potatoes, homemade samosas and pakoras, to homemade milkshakes, soups, pasties and also have a nice but small selection of cakes. I like the fact that they cater for business's too covering office parties, Hot Roasts and also offer a delivery service. This place is amazing because of the great exceptional food and flavour combinations that you can have, which I think are unique for our city! If you want fresh avocados in your salad you can, or Mexican Tuna, sauteed mushrooms, or why not try their beetroot with falafel ( only an extra 25p each ) in your baguette! They're open 7am-3pm, Monday to Friday, you can eat inside on the stools, or take away. I guarantee that you'll be back, I love coming here and you'll be glad of supporting a wonderful and exceptional business in the heart of our city.

    Deli Box offers delicious food. Variety of choices from…read moresaucy breakfasts to fresh home made chilli con carne, hot roast sandwiches, soups, jacket potatoes and so many more. Salads are very fresh and tasty! If you are around the Mailbox in Birmingham, definitely it is worth a visit ! open from 7 to 3pm !

    Deli Heaven - Halloumi and mushroom wrap

    Deli Heaven

    3.4(5 reviews)
    2.9 miJewellery Quarter, Historical Quarter - Jewellery Quarter

    Deli heaven is a superb little deli in the heart of the jewellery quarter. It's opening hours are…read moretypically 9-3:30. The first thing that will strike you about this place is how cool it looks! There is seating inside which also fits in with the trendy look. The menu is one of the best things about this place. It's huge! There's breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps and much more. There is plenty of option for vegetarians too. On this occasion I decided to try the halloumi and mushroom wrap. It was a hot wrap and mushroom has been freshly fried. The ingredients tasted fresh and not over powering. Great balance with a hint of sweet chilli sauce and some sort of mayonnaise too! The pricing here is also great! I paid £3.50 for my wrap and it sure was filling! If your looking for a quick lunch fix this in the jewellery quarter I recommend this place!

    Morning coffee part II…read more I must have walked past this place 1000 times and thought it was closed down...today I found out why! It is simply not open on weekends, and is not on my short walk to work! I went in this morning and was quickly welcomed by the owner, he was chatty and polite making me my coffee while I had a look around. I have to say the coffee was average, but how friendly the staff are makes up for that. If you want some friendly chat and a warm welcome to start your day, this place is worth a try.

    Photos
    Deli Heaven - Shop front

    Shop front

    Deli Heaven - Offerings

    Offerings

    Deli Heaven

    See all

    Damascena - coffee - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...