Description:

The name Dametra stems from a combination of Bashar Sneeh’s and Faisal Nimri’s  homelands: Damascus plus Petra, the ancient Jordanian city near the Dead Sea.   They became friends when they discovered they both played the oud, a stringed instrument similar to a mandolin, and wanted to create a restaurant setting like people were in their own home.  Their genuine friendly attitude and hugs upon arrival and departure really set this pair apart from other local restaurant owners.

Recently expanded next door, the former 14 table restaurant now has 22 and it’s still nearly impossible to get in without a reservation.  Bashar & Faisal visit with all the diners and take short breaks to sing traditional songs while strumming the six-stringed Greek oud.  The Chef and waiters stop what they are doing to sing along and diners stop to clap, dance and cheer.    Certainly not the norm for Carmel-by-the-Sea.  The new expansion also features a bar area where you can dine a la carte or have a cocktail while waiting for your table.

6 years into the venture,  Dametra Cafe has won numerous local and national awards, from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year, Monterey Country Weekly’s Best of the Best in Restaurants, and consistently #1 on Trip Advisor and Yelp for the Carmel area restaurants.

The menu has a wide variety of Mediterranean favorites with traditional Mediterranean offerings of Gyros, Flafel Wraps, Jerusalem Kafta Kebab Wraps, Istanbul Kabab and the Greek Combination Platter to creative single serving Pizzas, an array of Salads and sandwiches, and pastas which include local favorites, Shrimp & Crab Ravioli, Artichoke Ravioli, Dametra Pasta and Prawn Pasta a la Cream.

The restaurant is located on the Corner of Ocean Avenue and Lincoln Street, on the South East side of Ocean Avenue – just follow the aroma and the crowd of people waiting outside.  Open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. or however late people want to linger.