Cafe Rakka

This is a hidden gem! The food was exceptional! Not a very big place but everyone was friendly. Definitely recommend the hummus and the lamb yahkney. So flavorful and well prepared. We also got the la... Read more

This is a hidden gem! The food was exceptional! Not a very big place but everyone was friendly. Definitely recommend the hummus and the lamb yahkney. So flavorful and well prepared. We also got the lamb baba ganoush. It was also very flavorful. They have a housemade Hibiscus tea I absolutely loved it! We will definitely go back. Read less

Fantastic experience! Wasn’t sure what to expect - but loved the quiet, clean, inviting environment and the food was phenomenal. Very flavorful and delicious. 10/10 will be coming back as often as I c... Read more

Fantastic experience! Wasn’t sure what to expect - but loved the quiet, clean, inviting environment and the food was phenomenal. Very flavorful and delicious. 10/10 will be coming back as often as I can. What a hidden gem, hole in the wall!!! Read less

Vibe I so wanted to love this place. But I’ll be honest—when I saw that Guy Fieri had featured Café Rakka, I got a little nervous. I know it sounds harsh, but for me, that kind of spotlight often mark... Read more

Vibe I so wanted to love this place. But I’ll be honest—when I saw that Guy Fieri had featured Café Rakka, I got a little nervous. I know it sounds harsh, but for me, that kind of spotlight often marks a turning point. Sometimes success and a rush of attention can shift the soul of a place. That said, the story behind Café Rakka is incredibly compelling. The book The Road from Raqqa—which is proudly featured at the restaurant—tells the powerful, true story of owner and chef Riyad Alkasem. It chronicles his journey from Syria to Tennessee, the hardships he faced as an immigrant, and how he channeled that experience into building Café Rakka. It’s a story of resilience, identity, and cultural pride—and it made me want so much to love this place. The vibe inside is simple and low-key: order at the counter, grab a seat, and they’ll bring your food out. We noticed lots of takeout going out the door. No-frills, but charming. Service Service was friendly, though just a bit offbeat. Not rude in the least—just not particularly warm or welcoming either. The interaction felt a bit transactional, which was surprising considering the heartfelt roots of the restaurant. Eats/Drinks We ordered the Chicken on the Sajj Rice Bowl and the Falafel Arabi Sandwich, with Red Tea to drink, and finished with the Ma’amoul Cookies. The Chicken on the Sajj had great potential but fell a little short—dry chicken, flavors that didn’t quite come together, and pita that was just okay. The pickled turnips, though, were excellent—tangy, vibrant, and easily the most memorable part of the dish. The Falafel Sandwich had good falafel and more of those pickled turnips (seriously, they’re a highlight), but the pita was dry and made the sandwich difficult to eat. The tahini didn’t quite tie things together. On the bright side, the Red Tea was warm, spiced, and not too sweet—really enjoyable (though my friend did question just how caffeine-free it actually was). The Ma’amoul Cookies, though, were hands-down the star of the meal: buttery, delicate, with a perfectly balanced date filling. A must-try. The Bottom Line Between the inspiring backstory and the national attention, I walked in truly hoping this would be a home run. And while there were some bright spots, the overall experience just didn’t deliver the kind of magic I was hoping for. Still, I admire the heart and heritage behind Café Rakka, and I’d love to see it evolve and thrive. I’m not sure I’ll be back right away—but I’m rooting for them. Read less

As someone from a Lebanese family this was such a delicious surprise. Nashville is not known for good Mediterranean food but this place was a true pleasure to my tastebuds. Portions are pretty big eve... Read more

As someone from a Lebanese family this was such a delicious surprise. Nashville is not known for good Mediterranean food but this place was a true pleasure to my tastebuds. Portions are pretty big even for lunch and I appreciated a selection of non-black iced teas. I got the Lamb Hummus Bowl and would definitely get it again. My partner got the lamb burger which he said was good but he liked the lamb bowl and beef shwarma much more. Oh and the lentil soup? Delicious. And the pickeled radishes were a treat. Read less

Ordered a tandoori chicken sandwich and beef Shawarma wrap - looked exactly like the photos and the flavors were exquisite