The Best Restaurants In Downtown Amman Jordan

The traffic and commotion of downtown Amman shouldn’t put you off spending time in one of the most lively and authentic parts of the city. In addition to the fascinating historical sites of the Roman amphitheatre and citadel, downtown is home to a plethora of shops, markets, and traditional souqs. Here we review some of the best places to eat whilst in the area.

1. Hashem

Restaurant, Middle Eastern

A veritable Ammani institution, Hashem is one of the oldest restaurants in the capital, much revered for its no-nonsense philosophy and simple, hearty food. Famed for its incredibly speedy service, you may be hard-pushed to find a table at meal times. Everyone is served the same meal of traditional Jordanian fare, the falafel is considered by many to be the finest in the country. Don’t be put off by the simple furnishings and strip lighting. Hashem’s is an essential downtown experience, and you won’t find a better value meal elsewhere. Perfect for vegetarians.

Jafra

Cosy, if a little boisterous as the evening progresses, Jafra restaurant is tucked away in the backstreets of downtown Amman, so hidden that you might need a guide to locate it. As is so often the case, however, perseverance is duly rewarded here, with welcoming staff, excellent food, and an impressive range of shisha, coffees, and juices. A traditional menu of mezzes caters well to vegetarians. Their freshly cooked bread and labneh (strained yoghurt) are particularly mouth-watering. Popular with locals and tourists alike, Jafra appeals to every taste.
Address: al-Amir Mohammad Street, Downtown, Amman. +962 6 462 2551

2. Zorba

Restaurant, Seafood

Situated on Basman Street, Zorba restaurant is popular not for its simple décor, but for the friendly staff and excellent quality traditional food. Fresh, generous portions make this place good value for money. Their range of hot and cold mezze comes particularly recommended. Light and airy, Zorba is open until late and caters well to large groups. They also serve excellent seafood dishes.

Al Quds

A simple restaurant with a simple menu and excellent flavours, Al Quds is understandably popular with the downtown crowd. Offering generous portions and reasonable prices, the mansaf – a traditional Jordanian dish featuring lamb and rice, is especially popular. It’s slightly hectic and rough round the edges, but you can’t knock the food. The kebabs and sweet desserts are excellent too.
Address: 8 King Hussein Street, Downtown, Amman. +962 6 463 0168

Habibah Sweets

The finest sweet shop in the downtown area, Habibah Sweets are a company of historic sweet-makers who clearly take a lot of pride in their sugary craft. Offering the full range of Middle Eastern sweet delicacies, this establishment is a must-visit for all sweet-toothed tourists in the city. Its baklava is exquisite; similarly, you won’t find better kanafa (a cheese pastry soaked in a sugary syrup) many places in the region. An imaginative selection of ice creams are also on offer.
Address: 2 Al Hazar Street, Amman. +962 6 552 0629

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

View Offers