By now we had spent €96 on food but the meal was supposed to include wine – and that was a problem. Sally Hayden in Damascus, SyriaYou would struggle to spend €120 on a meal in Damascus. A shared meal between five people in Beit Jabri restaurant, in Damascus, came to less than €40. instagram.com/beit.jabri.restaurantMark Paul in LondonThe concept of “the best meal available” is flexible and adaptable. The set lunch menu might include classic Italian dishes such as zuppa di piselli (pea soup), polipetti (stewed baby octopus) and fegato alla piastre (fried calf’s liver).

Source: The Irish Times January 03, 2026 14:01 UTC