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The Best Restaurants in Amman, Jordan

M5JNAM Middle eastern or arabic dishes and assorted meze, concrete rustic background. Meat kebab, falafel, baba ghanoush, muhammara, hummus, sambusak, etc
M5JNAM Middle eastern or arabic dishes and assorted meze, concrete rustic background. Meat kebab, falafel, baba ghanoush, muhammara, hummus, sambusak, etc | © Alexandre Rotenberg / Alamy Stock Photo

Jordan’s capital is no stranger to fine dining, with a plethora of restaurants from which to savor cultural delicacies. From traditional Jordanian fare to gourmet steak houses, this city of four million caters to every culinary desire imaginable. Here we walk you through the best restaurants in Amman.

Fakhr el-Din

The multi-award winning Lebanese restaurant Fakhr el-Din is a popular spot for members of Amman’s high society, offering excellent quality food and service. Occupying a renovated traditional style house in the city’s 1st Circle, you will experience a tangible sense of living in the past as you dine in style. Famed for its wide range of authentic mezze, connoisseurs of Lebanese cuisine won’t leave disappointed. Arak and/or shisha make for the perfect post-dinner treat.

Brisket

Brisket barbecue restaurant is home to internationally acclaimed meat dishes, and arguably boasts the most succulent, tender burgers in the entire Middle East. Every type of meat cut imaginable is served up and cooked to perfection here, from steaks to wings to brisket itself; the smoked beef ribs are especially tantalizing. Truly mouth-watering and unforgettable, meat lovers will rejoice at the variety of choice.

Hashem

One of Amman’s oldest and best-loved restaurants, Hashem is a simple bistro revered for its wholesome, good quality grub. A set menu of traditional Jordanian fare is what’s on offer, which features – by common consensus – some of the best falafel in the country. Located in the capital’s bustling downtown area, the basic furnishings complement a richness of experience and flavour that’s second to none. Few places in the city are so effortlessly authentic as Hashem.

Sufra

Located in Rainbow Street, Sufra offers its clientele traditional Jordanian fare in the most exquisite of settings. Beautifully furnished, the restaurant is light and airy, with options to sit outside or on the rooftop, which boasts some exceptional views of the city. Helpful staff and delicious freshly cooked bread are but two small examples of the many ways in which Sufra goes the extra mile to provide the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Reems

The best place in town for shawarma, Reems is celebrated city-wide for its delectable take-away offerings. This roadside store is cramped and often has queues going out the door – a testament to the lengths that regulars will go to to sate their cravings. Located in the 2nd Circle, Reems is open until late and is a must try for anyone before leaving Amman.

Kan Zaman

The beautifully historic setting of Kan Zaman is enough to merit your visit. Located in an old Ammani residence, the stunning brick archways and vaulted ceilings create an ambiance like no other. Recently renovated, the service is professional and attentive, and the menu offers a good range of Lebanese-style cuisine. The mezze is varied and filling, and the selection of traditional desserts will prove irresistible to those with a sweet tooth. Outdoor seating is also available, and tasteful traditional music often plays in the background.

Bab al-Yeman

Bab al-Yeman is the number one spot for sampling Yemeni food in the city. With its generous portions, your plate will be laden with mixed meats doused in Yemeni spices, accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of yoghurts, breads, and dips. You won’t find a better mandi (a spicy meat and rice dish) in all of Jordan. They also do delivery.

Rakwet Arab

Located in the cosy Jabal al-Weibdeh district, Rakwet Arab is a relaxing venue for food, drinks, and for smoking shisha. Tastefully decorated, the soft lighting and traditional tile-work make for an agreeable atmosphere in which to while away an afternoon with a cup of tea in the company of a good book. The chefs serve up tasty, local fare, best consumed in the cafe-restaurant’s leafy, shaded courtyard. Reasonably priced and rightfully popular, Rakwet Arab is an oasis of calm that offers a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Falafel Al Quds

The best value meal you’ll find in all of Amman, Falafel Al Quds will serve you up an unquestionably delicious falafel sandwich for the bargain price of half a dinar. An Ammani institution, located in the heart of Rainbow Street, this quick eatery is understandably popular among falafel lovers. No frills and no nonsense, many customers swear it’s the best meal they’ve ever had. The usual array of soft drinks are available to complement your meal.

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About the author

Shaahin was born in southeast England, and has mixed British and Iranian heritage. Spending many childhood summers in Tehran visiting family, he developed the outlook (and neuroses) of cultural comparatist from a young age - traits that have informed the trajectory of his adult life. Reading European and Middle Eastern Languages and Literature at the University of Oxford, and subsequently completing a Masters in modern Persian literature and Arabic, he has nurtured these interests which he hopes to advance with further graduate study. He has also taught English in Spain, travelled around much of South America, and studied in Tehran for a year, where he hopes to return in the coming months.

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