Amman is Jordan's dynamic capital city, a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life set across a dramatic hillside landscape. The city is home to Roman ruins, vibrant souks, world-class restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the Middle East's most compelling destinations.
Amman's food scene is a magnificent reflection of Jordan's position at the crossroads of the Arab world. Traditional Jordanian dishes like mansaf (lamb in fermented jameed sauce), maqluba (upside-down spiced rice), and musakhan (sumac chicken) anchor the local cuisine, while Palestinian, Syrian, Lebanese, and Iraqi influences add rich diversity. The city has a thriving street food culture centered on falafel, hummus, shawarma, and knafeh, and has developed a sophisticated restaurant scene spanning modern Levantine fine dining to international cuisine from Italian to Japanese.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Amman.
Mansaf
Jordan's national dish — whole lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) served on flatbread with rice, topped with pine nuts and parsley
Where to try: Sufra Restaurant, Zuwwadeh, Hashem's neighborhood
Price: JOD 5–9
Falafel and Hummus
Crispy deep-fried chickpea balls with silky smooth hummus — the essential Amman breakfast eaten by everyone from kings to backpackers
Where to try: Hashem Restaurant, downtown souks
Price: JOD 0.50–2
Maqluba
Literally 'upside down' — a pot of spiced rice, lamb or chicken, and vegetables flipped dramatically onto a serving platter
Where to try: Sufra Restaurant, Beit Sitti
Price: JOD 5–8
Kanafeh
Jordan's most beloved dessert — crispy shredded wheat pastry filled with soft white cheese, soaked in sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios
Where to try: Al-Quds Restaurant, downtown sweet shops
Price: JOD 1–3
Musakhan
Roasted chicken layered over flatbread with caramelized onions, pine nuts, and heaps of fragrant sumac — a Palestinian dish beloved throughout Jordan
Where to try: Sufra Restaurant, Levant Restaurant
Price: JOD 5–9
Shawarma
Spit-roasted meat (chicken or lamb) wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh vegetables — the essential Amman fast food
Where to try: Downtown street stalls, Al-Rashid Mall food court
Price: JOD 1–2.50
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Hashem Restaurant
An Amman institution since 1952, Hashem is the most famous restaurant in Jordan — a humble open-air stall in downtown Amman that has fed kings, presidents, and backpackers with equal enthusiasm. Their falafel, hummus, fuul (fava beans), and ful medames are prepared to an impossibly high standard and served at rock-bottom prices.
Known for: The legendary Jordanian falafel and hummus — eaten by kings
Prince Muhammad Street, Downtown Amman, Jordan
Sufra Restaurant
Set in a beautifully restored 1940s Amman stone villa in Rainbow Street, Sufra offers the most authentic and elegantly presented traditional Jordanian cuisine in the city. Dishes like mansaf, musakhan, and freekeh soup are prepared using family recipes and served in a warm, richly decorated interior.
Known for: The finest mansaf in Amman — Jordan's national dish done to perfection
26 Rainbow Street, 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Fakhr El-Din
One of Amman's most celebrated restaurants, Fakhr El-Din occupies a meticulously restored 1930s Jordanian mansion in the prestigious Mutton Karkour neighborhood. The refined Lebanese and Jordanian mezze, outstanding grilled meats, and impeccable service make it the go-to choice for special occasion dining and entertaining visiting dignitaries.
Known for: The finest Lebanese mezze spread in Amman — an unmissable experience
40 Mutton Karkour Street, 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Beit Sitti
Both a restaurant and a cooking school, Beit Sitti ('My Grandmother's House') is set in a charming 1940s house in Jabal Al Luweibdeh. Three sisters host cooking classes where guests learn to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes before sitting down to eat them — a truly memorable cultural experience.
Known for: Cooking classes with authentic Jordanian grandmothers — unique in the city
16 Muhammad Ali Saa Street, Jabal Al Luweibdeh, Amman, Jordan
Wild Jordan Cafe
Perched on a dramatic terrace with unobstructed views of the Amman Citadel, Wild Jordan Cafe is run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and serves fresh, healthy Jordanian-inspired dishes. The setting is arguably the best lunch view in Amman, and the food lives up to the scenery.
Known for: Best lunch view in Amman overlooking the Citadel
Off 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Tawaheen Al-Hawa
Meaning 'Mills of the Air,' this beloved restaurant sits at the pinnacle of Jabal Al-Qusur hill and offers extraordinary 360-degree views of Amman from its terrace. The traditional Jordanian and Middle Eastern menu is generous and well-priced, and the sunset views are among the best in the city.
Known for: 360-degree panoramic views of Amman — perfect for sunset dining
Jabal Al-Qusur, West Amman, Jordan
Cantaloupe Gastro Pub
A stylish gastropub on Rainbow Street that is one of Amman's most socially beloved restaurants. Cantaloupe serves excellent fusion dishes, craft cocktails, and imported beers in a lively two-level space with a popular terrace, making it the perfect spot for a long lunch or evening out.
Known for: Best gastropub on Rainbow Street — food, drinks, and atmosphere
Rainbow Street, 1st Circle, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Rakwet Arab
A Amman favorite in Jabal Al Luweibdeh, Rakwet Arab is a charming cafe-restaurant with a warm interior and popular terrace. Excellent mezze, shakshuka, and fresh juices make it a perfect breakfast or lunch spot, and the relaxed creative atmosphere reflects the neighborhood's artistic spirit.
Known for: Relaxed neighborhood cafe with excellent breakfast and mezze
Jabal Al Luweibdeh, Amman, Jordan
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Lebanese
Potager
A beautiful garden restaurant tucked into a lush setting in the residential heart of Abdoun, Potager serves excellent Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes in an open-air setting under mature trees. The peaceful garden atmosphere is a rare escape from Amman's urban energy.
Known for: Beautiful garden setting — Amman's most romantic al fresco dining
Abdoun Circle, West Amman, Jordan
Salaheddin Restaurant
A popular family restaurant in Sweifieh known for generous portions of traditional Jordanian and Lebanese dishes at very reasonable prices. Salaheddin's mansaf and mixed grill are particularly praised by local families who return week after week.
Known for: Excellent value mansaf and mixed grill for families
Sweifieh, West Amman, Jordan
Fakhreldin Lebanese Restaurant
Not to be confused with its near-namesake Fakhr El-Din, Fakhreldin is a well-regarded Lebanese restaurant in Shmeisani serving classic Beirut-style mezze and grills in an elegant but accessible setting. The raw kibbeh nayyeh and the mixed grill are particularly outstanding.
Known for: Refined Lebanese mezze in an upscale setting
Shmeisani, Amman, Jordan
Mandaloun
A quality Lebanese restaurant chain with a branch in Amman serving fresh and consistent mezze, grills, and pastries in a family-friendly environment. Mandaloun is particularly popular for weekend family lunches and business lunches, offering reliable quality at moderate prices.
Known for: Fresh Lebanese pastries and consistent mezze for family dining
Abdali Boulevard, Amman, Jordan
Tche Tche Cafe
A beloved Lebanese cafe chain very popular in Amman for its relaxed shisha lounge atmosphere, decent mezze, and extensive beverage menu. Tche Tche is a reliable social spot across West Amman locations for an evening out.
Known for: Popular shisha lounge with decent mezze — a social staple for young Ammani locals
Sweifieh, West Amman, Jordan
Al Nafoura Restaurant
A solid and reliable restaurant in the InterContinental Hotel's dining precinct serving excellent traditional mezze, grills, and Jordanian classics in a comfortable setting. Al Nafoura is a trusted choice for business lunches and family gatherings in central Amman.
Known for: Reliable central Amman classic for mezze and grills
InterContinental Hotel area, Amman, Jordan
Jordanian
Joz Hind
An increasingly well-known restaurant in Jabal Amman serving food inspired by the diverse regional traditions of the Levant — from Syrian and Palestinian dishes to classic Jordanian staples. Joz Hind is beloved for its welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere and generously sized portions.
Known for: Regional Levantine diversity in a relaxed atmosphere
1st Circle, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Makan Restaurant
A trendy casual restaurant on Rainbow Street with a menu that bridges traditional Jordanian flavors and international influences. Makan is popular with Amman's young professional crowd for both lunch and dinner, with a relaxed atmosphere and well-executed dishes.
Known for: Rainbow Street's best fusion spot for all-day dining
Rainbow Street, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Ghofran Restaurant
A consistently excellent traditional Jordanian restaurant in Shmeisani serving home-style cooking in generous portions. Ghofran is a local favorite for weekend family lunches, with excellent maqluba and mansaf that rival anything in the city.
Known for: Home-style Jordanian cooking — best value family lunch in Shmeisani
Shmeisani, Amman, Jordan
Abu Ahmad Orient Restaurant
A beloved neighborhood restaurant in downtown Amman serving authentic Jordanian and Syrian dishes since the 1970s. Abu Ahmad's is the place Amman residents go when they want the food they grew up eating — simple, honest, and deeply satisfying.
Known for: Since-the-1970s neighborhood institution for Jordanian-Syrian classics
Downtown Amman, Jordan
Jaafar Sweets
A legendary Amman pastry shop and dessert house with multiple branches throughout the city, famous for its kanafeh, baklava, mamoul, and entire range of traditional Levantine sweets. Jaafar Sweets is where Ammani families buy celebration pastries and visitors discover Jordan's dessert culture.
Known for: Amman's finest traditional pastry and sweets shop — essential for dessert lovers
Downtown Amman and multiple branches, Jordan
International
Books@Cafe
More than just a bookshop, Books@Cafe is a full-service restaurant on a terrace overlooking the Citadel in Jabal Al Luweibdeh. The menu spans international favorites and local dishes, and the gallery-cum-restaurant atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the city. The perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch.
Known for: Iconic gallery-cafe with Citadel views — a Amman classic
Omar Bin Al-Khattab Street, Jabal Al Luweibdeh, Amman, Jordan
Citrus Restaurant
The signature fine-dining restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Amman, Citrus serves imaginative international cuisine using premium seasonal ingredients. The weekend brunch at Citrus is a legendary Amman social event, featuring elaborate food stations, live cooking, and outstanding desserts.
Known for: Amman's most celebrated weekend brunch — a social institution
Four Seasons Hotel, 5th Circle, Amman, Jordan
Crepaway
A Lebanese-founded casual dining chain very popular in Amman, particularly among younger locals and families. Crepaway serves creative sweet and savory crepes alongside burgers, salads, and milkshakes in a lively, informal atmosphere across multiple Amman locations.
Known for: Best crepes in Amman — beloved by families and students
Abdali Boulevard, Amman, Jordan
Italian
Romero Restaurant
A Amman institution for Italian fine dining, Romero has been serving the city's most discerning diners since 1987 in its elegant space near 3rd Circle. Excellent housemade pasta, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list make it a perennial favorite for celebrations and business entertaining.
Known for: Amman's best Italian — 35+ years serving the city's elite
3rd Circle, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Maestro
Maestro is a popular mid-range Italian restaurant chain with multiple branches across Amman, particularly beloved for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta. The consistent quality, generous portions, and warm atmosphere make it the go-to family Italian restaurant throughout the city.
Known for: Best wood-fired pizza in Amman at a reasonable price
Sweifieh, Amman, Jordan
Jordanian Traditional
Zuwwadeh
A hidden gem in East Amman, Zuwwadeh serves the most authentic traditional Jordanian cooking in the city to a local crowd that never ventures west. The mansaf here is prepared the old-fashioned way using fresh jameed from Jordanian villages, making it the choice of Amman's most serious food lovers.
Known for: The most authentic mansaf in Amman — local secret in East Amman
East Amman, Jordan
Darna Village Restaurant
A charming traditional restaurant near Rainbow Street set in a restored 1920s stone building with a beautiful garden courtyard. Darna serves classic Jordanian home cooking in a heritage setting, and the nightly live Arabic music performances make it an excellent choice for a special evening dinner.
Known for: Traditional Jordanian food with live Arabic music — cultural dining experience
1st Circle, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Mediterranean
Rumi Restaurant
A sophisticated fine-dining destination in Abdali, Rumi offers creative modern takes on Jordanian and Levantine cuisine in an elegant setting. The chef's use of local and seasonal ingredients, combined with excellent wine and cocktail pairings, makes Rumi one of Amman's most exciting culinary destinations.
Known for: Creative modern Jordanian cuisine — Amman's best fine-dining
Abdali Boulevard, Amman, Jordan
Captain's Restaurant
A beloved Amman restaurant specializing in fresh seafood dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and Lebanese coast. Captain's Restaurant serves excellently grilled fish, seafood mezze, and Lebanese classics in a smart but comfortable setting popular with families and groups.
Known for: Best seafood restaurant in landlocked Amman
Sweifieh, Amman, Jordan
French
La Maison
One of Amman's most elegant restaurants, La Maison offers refined French-Mediterranean cuisine in a beautifully decorated space near 5th Circle. The tasting menu and excellent wine cellar make it a favorite for anniversary dinners and high-end business entertaining.
Known for: Amman's most refined French cuisine — ideal for special occasions
5th Circle, West Amman, Jordan
Japanese
Tori No Su
The acclaimed Japanese restaurant at the W Amman hotel, Tori No Su brings authentic high-end Japanese cuisine to the Jordanian capital. The sushi and sashimi are flown in fresh, the ramen is outstanding, and the dramatic interiors make it Amman's most striking restaurant space.
Known for: Amman's finest Japanese cuisine in a spectacular setting
W Amman, Abdali Boulevard, Amman, Jordan
Jordanian Bedouin
Al-Khayma Restaurant
A distinctive restaurant near the airport road designed to evoke a traditional Bedouin tent (khayma) experience — generous Jordanian and Bedouin dishes including zarb (underground BBQ meat and vegetables) served in an atmospheric traditional setting popular for large family celebrations.
Known for: Traditional Bedouin zarb underground BBQ — a unique cultural dining experience
Airport Road, South Amman, Jordan
Jordanian Organic
Shams El Balad
A pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Amman, Shams El Balad serves traditional Jordanian dishes made with locally sourced organic ingredients in a beautifully restored downtown space. Their breakfast is particularly celebrated — the za'atar manakish and labneh are sensational.
Known for: Best organic Jordanian breakfast — farm-to-table pioneer in Amman
Jabal Al Luweibdeh, Amman, Jordan
Jordanian Street Food
Jabri Restaurant
Another downtown Amman legend, Jabri has been serving traditional Jordanian and Iraqi street food since 1958. Their qouzi (whole lamb), kubba (stuffed meatballs), and rice dishes are particularly celebrated, drawing regular queues of Amman's most passionate food lovers.
Known for: Downtown legend for qouzi and kubba since 1958
King Talal Street, Downtown Amman, Jordan
Levantine
Levant Restaurant
A warm and welcoming restaurant near 3rd Circle serving the full spectrum of Levantine cuisine — from excellent Lebanese mezze and grilled meats to Palestinian musakhan and Syrian dishes. Levant is consistently rated among the best value restaurants in West Amman.
Known for: Authentic Levantine home cooking at fair prices
3rd Circle, Jabal Amman, Jordan
Middle Eastern
Moon Valley Restaurant
A pleasant casual restaurant with an attractive garden setting in East Amman's Ras Al-Ain district. Moon Valley is known for its generous mezze spreads, fresh bread from the outdoor taboun oven, and excellent value — popular with local families and budget travelers.
Known for: Fresh taboun bread and mezze at exceptional value
Ras Al-Ain, Amman, Jordan
Palestinian
Al-Quds Restaurant
One of downtown Amman's most beloved institutions, Al-Quds serves traditional Palestinian and Jordanian dishes in a no-frills environment beloved by locals. Their famous kanafeh (cheese pastry soaked in syrup) is widely considered the best in Amman, and the breakfast spread is outstanding.
Known for: The best kanafeh in Amman — a downtown institution
Prince Muhammad Street, Downtown Amman, Jordan
Pan
Noodasia
A popular Pan-Asian restaurant in the upscale Sweifieh district, Noodasia serves excellent Thai, Chinese, and Japanese dishes in a sleek modern setting. A welcome change of pace from Levantine cuisine, it's particularly popular with expats and locals craving Asian flavors.
Known for: Best Asian food in Amman — excellent for a change of cuisine
Sweifieh, West Amman, Jordan
Seafood
Hamido
A popular casual seafood restaurant in Sweifieh known for its fresh fish counter where diners choose their fish by weight. Hamido cooks the fish to order using simple, excellent preparations — grilled, fried, or baked — making it one of Amman's most reliable seafood spots.
Known for: Choose your own fish by weight — the freshest seafood in Amman
Sweifieh, West Amman, Jordan
Syrian
Baab Al Hara
Named after the famous Syrian television series, Baab Al Hara brings authentic Syrian home cooking to Amman's dining scene. The restaurant is decorated with nostalgic Syrian motifs and serves dishes like kibbeh labaniyeh, mahshi, and authentic Syrian sweets that are hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Known for: Authentic Syrian home cooking — rare and excellent in Amman
Jabal Al Luweibdeh, Amman, Jordan
Yemeni
Osama's Mandi House
Known for the best mandi (slow-cooked spiced rice and meat) in Amman, Osama's is a no-frills restaurant in downtown that draws a devoted following for its authentic Yemeni-style cooking. The whole roasted lamb mandi, cooked in a traditional underground oven, is extraordinary.
Known for: The best mandi rice in Amman — cooked in a traditional underground oven
Downtown Amman, Jordan
Food tours & tastings in Amman
Eat your way through Amman with a guide.
Browse food experiences in AmmanWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Falafel sandwich
Crispy falafel in fresh flatbread with tahini, vegetables, and pickles — the classic Amman street breakfast
Find it at: Downtown around Hashem Restaurant
Shawarma
Slowly rotating spits of chicken or meat carved into flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles
Find it at: King Faisal Street, downtown
Knafeh
Warm cheese pastry drenched in syrup, sold at outdoor counters throughout downtown
Find it at: Al-Quds Restaurant area, downtown
Ka'ak (sesame bread ring)
Street vendors sell circular bread rings studded with sesame seeds — a snack beloved since Roman times
Find it at: Sold by vendors throughout downtown and souks
Fresh juice
Orange, pomegranate, sugar cane, and fruit cocktail juices squeezed to order at downtown juice bars
Find it at: Downtown and Rainbow Street juice stands
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Downtown Amman Vegetable Souk
The sprawling fresh produce market at the heart of downtown Amman where farmers from across Jordan bring seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices
Hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM, daily
Al-Mahatta Market (Thrift & Food)
A mixed market near the old bus station with excellent fresh produce stalls, spice vendors, and cheap street food aimed at locals
Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Friday–Sunday
Hashemi Spice Alley
A narrow alley in downtown Amman lined with spice merchants selling za'atar, sumac, dried herbs, and specialty ingredients — worth a slow walk
Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, closed Friday mornings
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main meal in Amman — most traditional restaurants are busiest 1–3 PM
Restaurants rarely open for dinner before 7 PM; peak dining is 9–11 PM
Tipping is appreciated (10–15%) but not always expected at budget spots
Alcohol is available at licensed restaurants and bars but not everywhere — look for the liquor license
During Ramadan, many restaurants don't open until after iftar (sunset) — check hours in advance
Friday is the holy day; many downtown restaurants are closed until afternoon; upscale restaurants are usually open
The Jordan Pass does not cover restaurant meals — budget JOD 5–15 per person for meals outside hotels
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options are abundant — hummus, falafel, mezze, and vegetable dishes are all meat-free. Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests.
- Halal
- Virtually all restaurants in Amman serve halal food. Pork is not served anywhere except in a small number of international hotels.
- Gluten free
- Gluten-free options are limited in traditional restaurants. Rice-based dishes (mansaf, maqluba) are naturally gluten-free. Upscale restaurants in West Amman can often accommodate requests.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | JOD 3–6 per meal | Street food, falafel shops, and local eateries in downtown — fill up at Hashem's for under JOD 3 |
| Mid-range | JOD 8–18 per meal | Sit-down restaurants with table service, including traditional Jordanian and Lebanese restaurants |
| Upscale | JOD 25–60+ per meal | Fine dining restaurants, hotel restaurants, and international cuisine spots in West Amman |