Damascus Gate Restaurant

You'll smell the spices before you even spot the entrance on Camden Street Upper. Damascus Gate has been quietly serving some of Dublin's most authentic Middle Eastern food for years, drawing everyone from Trinity students to Rathmines locals who know good value when they taste it. The mezze selection here is extensive and properly made – hummus that's creamy without being heavy, tabbouleh with enough parsley to make you feel virtuous, and baba ganoush that actually tastes like aubergine. The lamb shawarma is carved fresh and comes with enough garlic sauce to clear your sinuses for a week. Service can be a bit slow when they're busy, but the portions are generous and the prices won't leave you broke after a night out.