El Cuiner de Damasc, Barcelona's most iconic kebab shop, closes its doors

The establishment in the Gothic Quarter shuts down permanently as owner Salem Kahbbaz retires at the age of eighty.

Closed metal shutter of a traditional shop in a narrow street of the Gothic Quarter.
IA

Closed metal shutter of a traditional shop in a narrow street of the Gothic Quarter.

The iconic restaurant El Cuiner de Damasc, located in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, has permanently closed its doors this December following the retirement of its owner.

The shop, located on Templers street, was widely regarded as one of the most iconic spots in the city for shawarma. Its owner, Salem Kahbbaz, decided to retire at 80 years old, ending a journey that began in 2006.

"I am old now and I want to rest."

Salem Kahbbaz · Owner of El Cuiner de Damasc
The establishment's fame grew significantly after Time Out magazine named it the best shawarma in Barcelona. Its unique recipe, featuring lamb and turkey, became a staple for quality fast food in the city's historic center.
This closure adds to the ongoing disappearance of historic shops in the Gothic Quarter. Other long-standing businesses like Conesa stationery or Casa de les Sabatilles have also closed recently, changing the commercial landscape of Barcelona.