The World's Largest Restaurant in Damascus

Friday night diners enter through the huge replica archaeological replica archway into the Damascus Gate, the world's largest restaurant, in Damascus, Syria.

A Syrian chef makes a traditional bread at the Damascus Gate, the world's largest restaurant, in Damascus on 13 June 2008.

Video

At 54,000 sq-m, with a 2,500 sq-m kitchen catering for up to 6014 guests Damascus Gate has taken the accolade of the largest restaurant in the world.

The huge open air area bubbles with fountains and is decorated with replica archaeological ruins with separate sections themed for Chinese and Indian cuisine.

Friday night diners gather in the Indian themed outdoor section of the Damascus Gate.

"The secret of feeding so many people is to divide up the restaurant into smaller sections and every person in the restaurant has their own task to fulfill," Mr Samman told the BBC.

The kitchen is a like a production line, he says, where one chef can prepare 25-30 helpings of popular dishes, such as hummus, in one minute - that's one bowl every two seconds.

And there is absolutely no compromise on the standard of food or service Mr. Samman insists. "In this part of the world, all people care about is their stomachs, so the food has to be the best."

Personally, it would it lovely to visit a prestigious restaurant such as this in Damascus.