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Syria has long been a crossroads of civilizations, and its capital, Damascus, is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. With deep respect for tradition, we created Roman Zaman to preserve the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the region—bringing a taste of the old world to the modern West. Our name, Roman Zaman, reflects our identity and inspiration. In Arabic, roman means pomegranate—a fruit celebrated not only for its beauty and flavor but also for its symbolic depth in Eastern culture. Zaman means “the old days,” evoking memories of a time when meals were shared using copper cutlery and served on wooden boards—preserving both freshness and warmth. Our restaurant is designed as a tribute to a traditional Syrian home. From the calming courtyard fountain and open kitchen to the engraved Damascene stars, hand-crafted chandeliers, distinctive tilework, and thoughtfully designed washrooms—every detail tells a story. Damascene cuisine is known for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and complex combinations that set it apart from other regional styles. Pomegranate fruit and molasses are signature ingredients woven into many of our authentic dishes, giving them their bold and unmistakable character. Proudly serving the GTA as the first upscale, fully Halal Middle Eastern restaurant, Roman Zaman offers a unique culinary experience where tradition, flavor, and hospitality come together.
Damascus is not only the oldest city in the world—it is also the oldest continuously inhabited capital. Known as the cradle of ancient civilizations, it has stood for millennia as a beacon of knowledge, art, and cultural achievement. Its streets, architecture, and traditions tell the story of humanity’s evolution, making it a living encyclopedia of world history. Throughout the ages, Damascus has served as a reference point in the development of architecture and urban planning, with layers of influence from diverse cultures that have shaped its unique identity.
The heart of the city, Old Damascus, is a vibrant tapestry of history and commerce. Wander through Al-Hamidiyah Souq, the oldest and longest roofed market in the world, where the scent of spices and the echoes of tradition fill the air. Explore Al-Bzourieh—the famed spice market—along with Souq Al-Waraq (the paper market), and Souq “Tfaddali Ya Set”, known for its exquisite fabrics, textiles, and accessories. Each market offers a rich sensory experience and a wide array of treasures, connecting visitors to centuries of culture and craftsmanship.
One of the most iconic features of Damascus is Straight Street, known since early Christian times for its unwavering path that cuts through the winding alleys of the Old City. In contrast, the surrounding narrow lanes twist and turn, revealing the charm of traditional architecture: overhanging balconies, hand-carved wooden windows, and timeless stone walls. These passages were designed with human scale in mind, their dimensions traditionally measured by the length of an arm, creating a feeling of intimacy and connection as you walk through them.
Tucked away in the labyrinth of alleys, traditional Damascene houses offer both privacy and beauty. Windows facing the street begin only on the second floor, often concealed behind wooden khis—intricately painted shutters designed to preserve modesty while allowing light and air to filter in. Step inside, and the home opens up around a serene inner courtyard. Here, windows of varying shapes and styles look inward, drawing in sunlight and creating an open, airy atmosphere. These houses are masterpieces of both design and function—built to reflect the values of family life, hospitality, and harmony with nature.
No Damascene home is complete without its ornate porch and eye-catching doorbell—a warm and artistic invitation to those who enter. Each room is finished with care and craftsmanship, often adorned with poetic inscriptions and the date of completion, proudly etched into the walls by the artisans who brought the home to life.
Traditional Damascene houses are thoughtfully designed for both privacy and hospitality. A narrow corridor leads visitors from the entrance to the heart of the home, the courtyard, ensuring that family life remains undisturbed. At the center of this serene space, a bubbling fountain takes pride of place, often surrounded by Damascene roses and jasmine, gently perfuming the air. The courtyard floor is an artful mosaic, resembling a chessboard or maze, crafted from black basalt and a soft pink stone known as mazzey. This elegant design isn’t just for beauty, the basalt absorbs heat, while mazzey remains cool, maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round.
A symbol of abundance and tradition, the pomegranate tree was a beloved fixture in nearly every Damascene courtyard. Beyond its beauty, the fruit is essential in the local cuisine, with its juice and molasses adding depth and richness to many iconic dishes. At Roman Zaman, we honor this heritage by weaving the flavors and symbolism of the pomegranate into both our food and our identity.
Known for its bold flavors, rich variety, and unique combinations, Damascene cuisine offers a culinary experience unlike any other. At the heart of it all is the pomegranate, an essential ingredient that adds the signature sweet and tangy touch to countless dishes. From Fattoush and Baba Ghanouj to Kubba, Mahashi, Mutabbal, Muhammara, and Msakhan, pomegranate in its juice or molasses form brings every dish to life. It’s the unmistakable flavor that defines Damascene food. Concept Realization: It was here that everything clicked, the deep connection between the pomegranate and Damascus, and between the city’s heritage and our restaurant’s vision. What better symbol to lead our menu than the very fruit that gives Damascene cuisine its soul?
We were inspired by the beautiful form and symbolic richness of the pomegranate to create a traditional Eastern restaurant rooted in Western surroundings. Over the years, our team has spread across the globe, from East to West, each of us seeking adventure, opportunity, or simply a change of perspective. This journey exposed us to a unique blend of cultures, traditions, music, and cuisines. With this global experience in hand, we felt it was time to bring a piece of home to the West—merging the best of both worlds into something truly special. Arabic Typography & Identity While we’ve embraced global influences, we remain proudly connected to our cultural roots. Our love for Syria, and especially for Damascus, a city known for blending civilizations, is at the heart of everything we do. We cherish tradition, but we also believe in presenting it with originality and pride. Our restaurant name, Roman Zaman, beautifully reflects this vision. Roman, meaning “pomegranate” in Arabic, and Zaman, meaning “the old days,” come together to symbolize timeless flavor and heritage. The name was brought to life through custom Arabic typography, thoughtfully designed to mirror the shape of the pomegranate itself, resulting in a logo that perfectly captures the soul of our concept.
Inspired by the architecture of traditional Damascene homes, we’ve designed our interior to reflect the authentic essence of the East. From handcrafted wooden chairs and tables to vintage antiques, carved wooden windows, and indoor Damascene trees like jasmine, naranj, and pomegranate, every detail is chosen with purpose. Arabic-style ceilings, domes, and elegant crystal-and-gold chandeliers hang above, capturing the eye and spirit alike.
What brings the space to life is a curated collection of oriental antiques. Colorful glass lanterns scatter soft, nostalgic light across the space, evoking memories of old Damascus. Openings in ceilings and walls allow natural light to filter in, just as in traditional homes. The original Damascene house was built from simple, warm materials like wood and clay, and so, reclaimed wood plays a central role in both our exterior and interior, adding comfort and authenticity.
Outside, guests are welcomed by a charming porch, gleaming copper doorbells, and rustic wooden doors set into aged stone walls. Inside the courtyard, you’ll find dakouneh or mishkat, small recessed alcoves carved into the walls to house lanterns and protect their flames from the wind. Harmony and balance are essential elements of Damascene design. Both the eastern and western wings of the space feature symmetrical windows and doors, creating a sense of peace and order. On the southern side of the courtyard, a traditional leewan, a shaded seating area, offers guests a cool, restful space during the warmth of summer days.
To bring the true essence of a Damascene atmosphere to life, every detail of our restaurant is thoughtfully designed. From the interior to the staff, everything reflects the charm and warmth of the East. Our team plays a vital role in delivering this experience. Regardless of nationality, each staff member is trained to reflect traditional hospitality through both appearance and attitude. They wear authentic costumes made from handwoven linen and cotton, often paired with embroidered belts and shawls. Footwear is inspired by traditional white sheepskin shoes with upturned toes, cut low and worn just above the ankle. Every part of the setting, including the trees, views, lighting, floors, ceilings, and walls, is either brought from the East or styled in its image. Each guest is served with genuine care and attentiveness, reflecting the well-known generosity of Eastern hospitality.
The Food Experience In Damascus, food is a defining feature of culture and identity. At Roman Zaman, our priority is to serve dishes that remain true to their origins while offering rich, satisfying flavor. From vibrant salads and flavorful appetizers to slow-cooked traditional meals, every dish is made with care and authenticity. We are committed to maintaining consistent quality, and our signature house seasoning adds a unique touch that keeps guests coming back.
Copper has long been valued for its ability to preserve both heat and flavor. Our ancestors relied on it in their kitchens, and we proudly continue this tradition. At Roman Zaman, we use copper not just for its function, but for its beauty. By incorporating this timeless material into our service, we connect the past with the present, offering a dining experience that honors tradition with elegance and care.
We’ve carefully selected handcrafted copper pots and utensils to meet nearly all our serving needs — from plates and trays to spoons, pitchers, and grills. Copper and pottery are not only beautiful but practical, preserving both heat and flavor, just as they have for centuries. These timeless materials connect us to tradition and enhance the authenticity of each dish. Our serving style is inspired by the classic presentation of traditional Damascene cuisine. Every detail is crafted to transport guests on a journey, offering them a dining experience that feels as though they’ve stepped into the heart of the Middle East.
Maintaining the original look and essence of each dish is essential to us. Meals are prepared by chefs experienced in Damascene cuisine and are presented with care, rich aromas, and eye-catching arrangements. Every dish is served with a smile and a sense of warmth that makes the experience memorable. Food Varieties Grilled dishes are a signature part of our menu. We use the finest cuts of meat and chicken, grilled over charcoal and served alongside fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Our traditional appetizers include yalanji, tabbouleh, hummus, burak, and more. Clay-pot grilled meals hold a special place on our menu, enhancing flavor and delivering a rich, comforting taste. Inspired by nature’s finest ingredients, we strive to offer flavors that linger long after the last bite.
By the richness of nature, we strive to bring out the best in every ingredient.
At Roman Zaman, our goal is to share the beauty of oriental culture with the world. We offer a peaceful escape from everyday life — a space where tradition, flavor, and hospitality come together. We focus on genuine service, generous portions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our guests aren’t just customers, they’re part of a story we’re proud to tell. Spread the Word! Though rooted in tradition, we embrace the power of modern tools. Social media plays an important role in helping us share our story and reach people far and wide. We invite you to be part of our journey, and help us spread the flavor, beauty, and spirit of Roman Zaman.
