Our Story

Dar Nesma was born from a mix of longing, love and a little girl who arrived at the right time. When the world was turned upside down by the pandemic, and when news from Damascus kept weighing on our hearts, Nesma came into our lives. Her tiny presence softened everything. She reminded us of the simple, steady things that keep us going. She reminded us of home.

Before Dar Nesma came to Berlin, the owner ran a boutique hotel in the old city of Damascus. It was a place full of carved wood, warm lamps, stone arches and the smell of jasmine drifting through the courtyard. When she moved to back to Berlin, a part of her always dreamed of recreating that feeling. A place where people could walk in and instantly sense warmth, belonging and the kind of hospitality Syrians are known for.

So Dar Nesma grew from that dream. Our dishes are the ones we grew up with. The ones our Teta served in big bowls that somehow emptied in minutes no matter how much she made. Hummus that feels familiar the moment you taste it. Tabbouleh that tastes like the first breath of a spring afternoon. Foul moudammas cooked slowly, the way patience teaches you. Harra bi isba’o with a depth of flavor that can only come from generations passing recipes down with love and a bit of “just add a little more, you’ll know when it’s right.”

Everything we cook is honest and rooted in traditional Levantine kitchens. Parsley and coriander chopped fresh. Cumin added with instinct. A touch of pomegranate molasses giving that quiet sweetness that reminds us of childhood breakfasts and long summer lunches. These flavors are not fancy. They are familiar, grounding and comforting. They are home.

And it’s not just the food. The music you hear is the music that filled Damascus on slow afternoons. The decor is full of small pieces that carry our memories. And in the heart of the café stands a large glowing poster of the old souk in Damascus. When it lights up, it feels like the city comes alive again. People often pause in front of it, and for a moment, they are walking those streets with us.

This is what we want for everyone who steps inside Dar Nesma. A place where you feel cared for. A place where the world outside slows down a little. Where the tea tastes just right, the food is served with warmth and the atmosphere feels like an embrace.

Dar Nesma is more than a café. It is a piece of Damascus carried across decades and borders, rebuilt with love for our community here. It is our home, and we’re happy to share it with you.

How Dar Nesma came to be