Jerash is the capital and largest city of Jerash Governorate, situated in the North of Jordan. One of the most popular, historical and enthralling areas of the country, Jerash boasts a rich Greco-Roman heritage and is home to many stunning architectural wonders, including the wonderfully preserved ruins of Hadrian’s Arch and the Corinthian Column. Here’s our guide to the top 10 restaurants to visit in majestic Jerash.
Mountain Breeze Country Club
Nestled just outside Jerash in the Gilead Mountains, set against a backdrop of stunning natural wildlife and lush green forests, the Mountain Breeze Country Club is a top choice for those who love nature, luxury and good food. A great place to savor delicious Middle Eastern fare, there are also many European and Oriental inspired dishes on offer, ranging from tasty pastas to rich, creamy and spicy curries. With a stylishly decorated indoor area and an outdoor terrace looking out across the club’s landscaped gardens, diners can enjoy a sumptuous meal in handsome surroundings, shaded from the scorching Jerash sun. Visit at night to witness a fantastic view of the city’s sparkling lights. Photo Courtesy of Mountain Breeze Country Club
Ya Hala
Restaurant, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian
This traditional Arabic restaurant is famed locally for its excellent service and delightfully friendly staff, and is a warm and welcoming establishment for locals and travellers alike. With its children’s play area and selection of games, Ya Hala proves popular amongst families, with parents able to enjoy fresh, scrumptious meals whilst their children are entertained. This is an an unpretentious and affordable venue for eating out in Jerash, and the grilled chicken with lemon sauce is cooked to perfection.
Lebanese House Restaurant
One of the most popular and celebrated restaurants in town, Lebanese House Restaurant has a grand, elegant exterior giving it a palatial atmosphere; and the stylish interior creates a refined dining environment. The restaurant’s extensive menu includes international dishes as well as local delicacies, a top pick of which is kibbeh nayyeh, a traditional Levantine raw meat dish and falafel. The mezze options are extremely popular too, incorporating beetroot, spinach, falafel, bean dishes, salads, soups, lamb and vegetables. With plenty of options for vegetarian and gluten-free diners, visitors will be spoilt for choice whatever their taste. Finish off with one of Lebanese House’s tempting desserts or pastries, homemade, sweet and moreish.
Green Valley is a restaurant serving wonderful fresh fare, evident in its crisp green salads, flavorful, organic meat dishes and creamy, homemade hummus. The smartly dressed waiters are attentive, welcoming and enthusiastic to dispense expert culinary advice. Visitors can enjoy full-bodied flavors and a variety of unusual local ingredients, spices and seasonings in the food, with particular use being made of za’atar. Spacious and refined, Green Valley promises to provide a comfortable, relaxing dining experience, whilst its substantial portion sizes give guests the best value for money and keeps them full all day. Don’t miss the soft and delicious baked bread made in the rustic stone oven.
Artemis combines both traditional local cooking techniques and international recipes. Its buffet style meals involve a number of Levantine and foreign dishes, including falafel, spring rolls and spaghetti. Baked freshly on the premises, guests can watch as their bread is made in a traditional Arabic clay oven before it arrives on their plates still warm from the fire. With a pleasant balcony overlooking the hillside, enjoy the warm evenings at Artemis whilst savoring the delicious food.
Green Saloon Sweets
Sweet-toothed diners will not be disappointed here; Green Saloon Sweets is a restaurant dedicated exclusively to candy, sweets and desserts. Guests can grab a seat in this cozy, informal saloon and sample a plate of some of the Arab world’s most celebrated pies and pastries, including kanafeh, a cheese pastry coated in syrup, and baklava, a sweet and sticky layered bread. With all the delicious sweet treats on offer here diners may be tempted to skip dinner altogether and head straight for the third course.
Green Saloon Sweets, Jerash, Jordan. +962 7 9555 5895
Abu Ahmad
Restaurant
Abu Ahmad is a quaint, family-run restaurant boasting charming features including rustic stone walls and an indoor water fountain. A favorite amongst locals, the place is frequented by families and groups of friends seeking a catch up over a soft drink and some meze-style dining. Serving both Lebanese and Jordanian cuisine, guests can enjoy some of the tastiest falafels in town, as well as expertly cooked lamb and beef dishes, a delicious homemade tabbouleh and a refreshing yoghurt and cucumber salad. Relaxed and homely, Abu Ahmad gives diners a charming taste of Jerash daily life, and is a pleasant place to meet friendly local people.
For visitors searching for somewhere to stay whilst exploring the historical ruins and sampling the culinary triumphs of Jerash, The Olive Branch Hotelis a top choice; its a cozy place to spend a night, and boasts an excellent restaurant too. Serving local and international dishes prepared with olive oil pressed from the hotel’s own olive groves, and designing recipes using spices grown in the hotel’s own garden; the freshness in this bright, airy venue is hard to beat. Relax on the outdoor terrace during balmy summers, or enjoy the chic dining room during the winter. Tucked in a tranquil hillside area away from the bustling city center, The Olive Branch is a secluded spot offering brilliant and healthy food options in Jerash.
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