A Little More Ammoora

What is Syrian cuisine, and what makes it distinct?

Syrian cuisine is as diverse as the country itself, shaped over centuries by its cities, villages, coast, mountains and the many cultures that have called Syria home. From Aleppo and Damascus to Homs, Hama, Latakia and beyond, each region brings its own ingredients, preparations and traditions to a cuisine known for its generosity, depth of flavor and enduring connection to hospitality.

You may recognize flavors and dishes shared across the Levant, a region where the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East meet, encompassing Syria and its neighbors. At the table, expect an abundance of mezze meant for sharing, vibrant vegetables and herbs, grains, nuts and warm spices, alongside charcoal grilled meats, slow cooked dishes, savory pastries and sweets perfumed with ingredients such as pistachio, rose and orange blossom.

Ammoora celebrates Syrian cuisine while also embracing dishes from across the wider Levant. Some may feel familiar, while others are distinctly Syrian, with regional specialties and family traditions that have been passed from one generation to the next.

Ammoora is our modern expression of that story, honoring the dishes and flavors that have gathered people around Syrian tables for generations while presenting them with a contemporary point of view.

For those discovering Syrian cuisine for the first time, we hope Ammoora feels like an invitation to experience a little of Syria through its food, its hospitality and the beauty of gathering around the table.

Where is Ammoora located?

Ammoora is located at The Ritz Carlton Residences at 751 Key Highway in Baltimore, just moments from the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill, and directly across from the American Visionary Art Museum.

While part of The Ritz Carlton Residences, Ammoora has its own dedicated street entrance on Key Highway, welcoming guests directly into the restaurant.

Our location places you close to Baltimore’s waterfront, the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, the Baltimore Convention Center, Camden Yards and many of the city’s cultural and entertainment destinations. Once inside, the experience becomes distinctly our own, from transportive interiors inspired by the beauty and artistry of Syria to our secluded open air Courtyard, an intimate setting for dining beneath the sky.

Whether you are joining us from across Baltimore or discovering the city for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you.

What are Ammoora’s hours?

Ammoora welcomes guests for dinner Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 4:30 to 10:00 PM. We are closed Monday and Tuesday.

Our final dinner seating is two hours before closing, allowing time to enjoy the full Ammoora experience at a relaxed pace. Later in the evening, the Parlor and House Bar remain a destination of their own, welcoming guests for cocktails, wine, dessert and a limited late night menu.

For the complete dinner experience, reservations are recommended, though we are always happy to welcome walk in guests as availability allows.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend evenings and special occasions, and can be booked online through OpenTable. While we will always do our best to accommodate walk in guests, a reservation allows us to prepare for your arrival and welcome you to the full Ammoora dining experience.

Dining reservations are reserved for approximately two hours. The Parlor offers an experience all its own, with the House Bar and surrounding banquettes welcoming walk in guests for cocktails, wine, dinner and dessert, with a limited late night menu available later in the evening.

Whether your evening is planned weeks ahead or begins with an impromptu visit, we look forward to welcoming you.

Can I host a private event at Ammoora?

Absolutely. Ammoora offers a collection of distinctive private and semi private spaces for celebrations, weddings, corporate gatherings, intimate dinners and occasions of all kinds.

Each space offers its own atmosphere, from the grandeur of the Damascene Dining Room and the glow of the Reflection Room to the social energy of the Parlor and the open air beauty of the Courtyard. Our events team will work with you to curate the setting, menu and details around the occasion you have in mind.

Explore our Private Events page to discover the spaces and begin planning your event at Ammoora.

Do you offer group dining or large parties?

Yes. For gatherings of eight to sixteen guests, Ammoora offers The Silk Road Journey, a curated family style dining experience designed around the tradition of sharing the table.

At eighty five dollars per guest, the journey brings together a generous progression of mezze, entrées and dessert, allowing the table to experience a broader taste of Ammoora together. The Silk Road Journey is also available by request for parties of four or more.

For larger gatherings or a more tailored experience, our Private Events team would be delighted to help curate your occasion.

Is the dining family style?

Sharing is very much part of the Ammoora experience. Our mezze are designed to be enjoyed around the table, inviting everyone to taste a little of everything and discover new favorites together.

Main dishes are individually portioned, though sharing is always welcome. Many guests choose several different dishes for the table, creating their own journey through the flavors of Syria and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.

However you choose to dine, there is something distinctly Syrian about a table filled with food and the people you came to share it with.

What is Ammoora’s bar and wine experience?

Wine and spirits are an extension of the journey at Ammoora. Our collection spans more than 400 vintages, with a particular focus on wines from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Levant alongside celebrated producers from around the world.

At the House Bar in the Parlor, our bartenders bring the same sense of place to cocktails, drawing inspiration from the ingredients and flavors of the region while offering the classics as well.

Arak, the traditional anise spirit enjoyed throughout Syria and the Levant, holds a special place at our table. Traditionally shared slowly alongside mezze, it turns a beautiful cloudy white when mixed with water, a ritual and flavor we love introducing to guests discovering it for the first time.

For something especially rare, Ammoora is also proud to offer Bargylus, Syria’s internationally acclaimed wine and a remarkable expression of the country’s modern winemaking story.

What non alcoholic beverages does Ammoora offer?

Absolutely. Our non alcoholic offerings are given the same thought and attention as everything poured at the House Bar, with crafted zero proof cocktails, non alcoholic wines and beers, and refreshing beverages inspired by the flavors of the region.

Tea and coffee are also an important part of Syrian hospitality. Enjoy traditional Arabic coffee, rich and aromatic, or linger over a pot of tea, a familiar ritual at Syrian tables and a lovely way to end an evening.

Whether you do not drink alcohol, are taking the evening off, or simply prefer something different, there is always something thoughtfully chosen to fill your glass or cup.

Does Ammoora have an age policy for dinner?

Ammoora’s evening dining experience is designed for guests ages 10 and older. While we do not offer a children’s menu or accommodations specifically designed for young children, we understand that families may wish to experience Ammoora together.

For families with younger children, we are happy to welcome you earlier in the evening, when the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed. Our team can also help guide you toward dishes that may appeal to younger palates.

As the evening progresses, we kindly reserve our dinner experience for guests ages 10 and older.

Is Ammoora only in Baltimore?

Yes. Ammoora is one of one, with our home here in Baltimore.

Created as a modern expression of Syrian cuisine, culture and hospitality, every part of Ammoora was conceived specifically for this space, from the menu and wine collection to the architecture, art and details brought together throughout the restaurant.

For guests visiting Baltimore, we hope Ammoora offers the opportunity to discover something unexpected in the city. For those who call Baltimore home, we hope it feels like a place worth returning to again and again.

Is Ammoora a special occasion restaurant?

We love a reason to celebrate, but you certainly do not need one to join us.

Birthdays, anniversaries, engagements and milestone dinners fill many of our tables, but so do spontaneous evenings over mezze, cocktails at the House Bar, dinner with friends and first encounters with Syrian cuisine.

Come dressed for an evening out, bring the people you enjoy being around and let us take care of the rest. At Ammoora, sometimes the occasion is simply being together.

What should I order if it is my first time trying Syrian cuisine?

Come curious and plan to share. A Syrian table is at its best when it is filled with different dishes, flavors and conversation.

Begin with a selection of mezze for the table, exploring familiar ingredients alongside flavors you may be discovering for the first time. From there, add main dishes to enjoy individually or share so everyone can experience a little more of the menu. And save room for something sweet, accompanied by Arabic coffee or tea if you would like to linger a little longer.

There is no single right way to experience Syrian cuisine. Tell your server what you enjoy, what you have never tried and how adventurous you would like to be. Guiding you through your first Ammoora experience is one of our favorite parts of welcoming you.

What inspired the design of Ammoora?

Ammoora was designed to offer more than a taste of Syria. We wanted guests to feel a sense of place from the moment they arrive.

Throughout the restaurant, contemporary design meets references to Syrian architecture, craftsmanship and the beauty of Old Damascus. Mother of pearl, intricate mosaics, arched forms, fountains, reflective metals, hand painted details and pieces crafted in Syria create layers to discover as you move from one room to another.

Some details announce themselves immediately. Others reveal themselves only after you have been seated for a while. Together, they create our interpretation of Syria through a modern lens, honoring its artistry and history without attempting to recreate the past.

Like the cuisine, the design is meant to invite discovery. We hope every visit leaves you noticing something you did not see the time before.

What inspired the Ammoora logo?

Look closely at the Ammoora logo and you will find our name written in Arabic, with its lettering coming together to form the shape of a jasmine flower.

Jasmine holds a special place in Syrian culture and memory, particularly in Damascus, long known as the City of Jasmine. Its fragrance fills courtyards and gardens, especially in the evening, and for generations of Syrians it has carried an unmistakable sense of home.

Our logo brings those stories together in a single mark, the Arabic name Ammoora, the jasmine of Damascus and a connection to Syria that is both deeply personal and immediately familiar to those who know it.

You will find jasmine woven into the Ammoora experience as well, another small detail connecting what you see, taste and experience with the Syria that inspired us.

What is the meaning behind Ammoora?

Ammoora is an Arabic expression of affection and admiration, used for someone beloved, beautiful or cherished. It carries a sense of warmth and endearment, often shared within families and between those especially dear to one another.

The name also holds a personal meaning for our family, making it especially fitting for a restaurant rooted in the Syrian traditions of family, generosity and hospitality.

For us, Ammoora is more than a name. It reflects the beauty and warmth we hope to share through the food, the setting and the way every guest is welcomed and cared for.