I agree with Silver 6 and Safiya Dafiya, it is a Real shame that you have had a bad experience!!
It is my Favourite restaurant in the souq. I have been there both during the day (when generally quieter), and also in the evening, and it has been busy, but I have never been disappointed with either the service or food (you have to try the vinlives (Yes vinlives - but meaning vine leaves) - the one for QR80 - a GREAT dish with dolmades and lamb).
I hope you give it another try, and get a better experience....
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience ccdoha.
We've always sat upstairs on the terrace at Damasca, mainly so we can smoke shisha. There's a large screen up there playing Arabic music videos and, as you know, a band playing downstairs. We've been there 5 or 6 times during the cooler months. The upstairs area has been packed most Thursday evenings with people standing waiting for a table. The waiters have been helpful and though sure, its ordinary home style cooking, its always been well prepared and the salads are fresh and tasty..
What a shame you did not have a good experience. We had been recommended by friends, so went last Sunday evening. 5 of us sat outside on comfortable bench seats with cushins. We had excellent service and a lovely meal. We told the Waiter we did not know what to order and bring his recommendations. We had delcious mixture of dishes to share between us. QR475 between 5 of us for main, dessert and coffee. We'll be making it a regular dinning spot.
Just wanted to post that we were very disappointed with this place last night. We had a group of 11. It was very different than any other restaurant that we have been to in the souk in that it was very bright and the tables were crammed together and it looked some sort of dinner hall. It was busy and the waiter was happy to tell us that many times - he was very rushed and not willing to explain anything on the menu - even saying 'we're too busy - not too many questions' ! The food was average - I ordered mixed grill kofta and it tasted the same as the ones you get at C4. DH had lamb something for 100QR and it was a VERY small bowl and he was still hungry.
Very disappointing :( Tangine is my favourite.