Damasqino Wins Best Lebanese at British Kebab Awards – Saltmarket, 2026

Key Points

• Damasqino, a family-run Syrian-Lebanese restaurant on Glasgow’s High Street in the Saltmarket area, has been named Best Lebanese Restaurant in Britain at the British Kebab Awards.
• The restaurant has operated as a community fixture for the past decade.
• Owner Mohammad Bashar Al Haj Ali, known as Bashar, expressed his love for Scotland and gratitude for the welcoming local community after fleeing conflict in Lebanon.
• Bashar grew up in Syria, was displaced to Lebanon, and represents the third generation of his family in hospitality.
• The award was announced at a ceremony in London, attended by high-profile figures including the Deputy Prime Minister; Damasqino was the only Scottish Lebanese restaurant in the final.
• Popular dishes include shawarma (marinated chicken slices in Lebanese bread wraps or on rice), falafel, and hummus.
• Bashar highlighted strong support from locals, the Lebanese community across Scotland, and the growth of diverse restaurants in Glasgow over the last ten years.
• The win was an emotional moment for Bashar, shared with his father, and he plans to continue working hard.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) April 20, 2026 –

Damasqino, the Syrian-Lebanese restaurant on Glasgow’s High Street, has won the Best Lebanese Restaurant in Britain title at the British Kebab Awards. The family-run business, a fixture in the Saltmarket community for the past decade, received the honour at a ceremony in London.

What is the British Kebab Awards and How Did Damasqino Win?

The British Kebab Awards recognise excellence in kebab and related cuisines across the UK. Damasqino advanced from semi-finals involving around 60 Lebanese restaurants nationwide to become the sole Scottish entrant in the final. As reported in coverage by Glasgow-based outlets, the award was presented amid attendees including the Deputy Prime Minister and other prominent figures.

Owner Mohammad Bashar Al Haj Ali, referred to as Bashar by friends, attended the event with his father. He described the moment:

“It was really such an emotional moment for us, especially I was with my dad being there as well. It’s a big honour for us. I just want to keep going, work hard and prove more and more what our restaurant is about.”

Who is Mohammad Bashar Al Haj Ali and What is His Background?

Mohammad Bashar Al Haj Ali hails from Syria, where he grew up before displacement to Lebanon amid conflict. His family ran a restaurant there, continuing a third-generation tradition in hospitality. Bashar has brought this heritage to Glasgow, opening Damasqino – named after Damascus in Arabic – ten years ago.

Bashar spoke of his attachment to Scotland:

“The owner of a Glasgow restaurant has spoken of his deep love for Scotland and how it became his new home.”

He added that the city welcomed him and his family after Lebanon, his adopted home, was bombed and left in ruins.

“Bashar, as his friends call him, is keen to give back to the place he says has welcomed him with open arms.”

The restaurant embodies a family feel in Glasgow’s city centre, with warm hospitality drawing locals and visitors.

Where is Damasqino Located and What Makes It a Community Fixture?

Damasqino operates on High Street in the Saltmarket area of Glasgow’s city centre. It has served the local community for ten years, becoming a valued spot amid the rise of diverse eateries. Bashar noted:

“The restaurant has been supported by the local community for the last ten years: ‘They love the food, a lot of local people come here and we have made many friends.’”

Regulars from the Lebanese community travel from across Scotland to visit. Bashar highlighted popular items:

“The falafel is very popular and the hummus. Our favourite dish in the restaurant is the shawarma, slices of fresh chicken marinated in spices, and served in Lebanese bread wraps or on a bed of rice.”

He reflected on Glasgow’s culinary evolution:

“There are a lot of new types of restaurants that have opened in the last ten years in Glasgow and we are very happy to be part of that.”

Why Does Bashar Feel Such Strong Ties to Glasgow and Scotland?

Bashar expressed profound gratitude for the welcome received.

“Our family love Glasgow, we love Scotland. We feel we are part of this country, we’re part of this culture, and we want to do our best to the local people, to the community, because the same way that they’ve given to us, welcomed us here, gave us the opportunity to open a business and be part of this community.”

This sentiment underscores the restaurant’s role in fostering connections after personal upheaval. Damasqino’s success mirrors broader integration stories in Glasgow’s diverse neighbourhoods.

How Has the Local Community Responded to Damasqino’s Award Win?

Local support has been consistent, with Bashar crediting regulars for the restaurant’s longevity. The award elevates its profile, potentially drawing more visitors to the Saltmarket area. Coverage notes the venue’s inviting atmosphere, which has built lasting friendships.

Bashar emphasised reciprocity: the community’s embrace enabled the business, and now the family aims to contribute further through quality service and authentic cuisine.

What Popular Dishes Should Visitors Try at Damasqino?

Signature offerings include shawarma – fresh chicken marinated in spices, wrapped in Lebanese bread or served over rice. Falafel and hummus also rank highly among patrons. These dishes reflect Syrian-Lebanese traditions, prepared with family recipes spanning generations.

What Did Bashar Say About the Award Ceremony Details?

At the London event, Bashar recounted:

“The Deputy Prime Minister was there, very well known people. In the semi-finals we were picked from around 60 Lebanese restaurants from the whole of the UK. We went to the final and we were the only Scottish Lebanese restaurant.”

This achievement marks Damasqino as a standout in national competition.

Background of the Development

Damasqino opened ten years ago on Glasgow’s High Street in the Saltmarket, a historic city centre district. Mohammad Bashar Al Haj Ali, from a Syrian background and displaced to Lebanon, brought third-generation hospitality expertise. The restaurant, meaning “Damascus” in Arabic, has operated amid Glasgow’s growing diversity in dining, serving authentic Syrian-Lebanese fare to locals and the Scottish Lebanese community. The British Kebab Awards, an annual event, judged entries from across the UK, with Damasqino emerging as the top Lebanese category winner from a competitive field.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Glasgow’s Local Food Enthusiasts and Community

This award can increase visibility for Damasqino, drawing more diners from Glasgow and beyond to the Saltmarket area. Local food enthusiasts may seek out its shawarma, falafel, and hummus, boosting footfall for nearby businesses. The recognition highlights Syrian-Lebanese cuisine, encouraging community members to explore diverse options and strengthening ties between immigrants and residents. Regular patrons could see sustained support, while newcomers contribute to the restaurant’s growth, potentially sustaining its family-run model long-term. Glasgow’s food scene gains national validation, influencing dining choices toward authentic, community-backed venues.