Quick answers — eating in Amman
- Best restaurant overall
- Fakhreldin Restaurant
- Best value
- Beit Sitti (JOD 30-50 / USD 40-70)
- Strongest cuisines
- Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Seafood, Steak & grill, Italian
- Dishes to try
- Mansaf, Falafel, Kunafeh, Shawarma
- Booking window
- For Amman's top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation at least 3-7 days in advance, especially if planning to dine on a weekend or during peak seasons, to guarantee your preferred time.
Booking highly acclaimed restaurants a few days to a week in advance is advisable, especially for weekends. While dress codes vary, smart casual is generally expected; some establishments prefer more formal attire. Tipping typically ranges from 10-15%. Dinner hours usually commence around 7:00 PM, with peak times from 8:00 PM onwards.
Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Amman
Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.
Fakhreldin Restaurant
Acclaimed local fine diningTraditional Lebanese · Abdoun · JOD 40-70 / USD 55-100
Set in a beautifully restored historic villa, Fakhreldin offers an authentic and luxurious Lebanese dining experience. The menu features classic mezze, succulent grilled meats, and fresh seafood, all prepared with exceptional quality and presented elegantly. It's renowned for its ambiance, service, and consistency, making it a cornerstone of Amman's high-end dining. The vibrant garden seating is particularly sought after.
Order: Fatteh with lamb, Mixed Grill
Beit Sitti
Acclaimed local fine diningHome-style Levantine · Jabal Al Weibdeh · JOD 30-50 / USD 40-70
Perched on a hill overlooking Amman, Beit Sitti provides an intimate, home-cooked Levantine culinary experience in a charming old Jordanian house. What sets it apart is the interactive aspect, allowing guests to participate in preparing their meal. The focus is on traditional family recipes, fresh ingredients, and a warm, personalized atmosphere, embodying true Jordanian hospitality. It's less a restaurant, more a unique dining event.
Order: Mansaf (with prior arrangement), Mezze selections
Reem Al Bawadi
Acclaimed local fine diningEmirati & Middle Eastern · Abdoun · JOD 35-60 / USD 50-85
Reem Al Bawadi offers a lavish and expansive dining experience, celebrated for its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly from the Emirati tradition. The restaurant boasts a vibrant atmosphere, often accompanied by live entertainment, and features an extensive menu from elaborate mezze to expertly prepared grilled dishes and stews. It's a popular choice for large gatherings and those seeking an opulent cultural dining event.
Order: Camel Meat Biryani, Lamb Mandi
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Amman
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Nena
Acclaimed local fine diningModern Mediterranean · Abdoun · JOD 45-80 / USD 65-115
Eyad Thewaby
Nena delivers a sophisticated take on Mediterranean cuisine within a chic, contemporary setting. Chef Eyad Thewaby focuses on seasonal ingredients, innovative plating, and a lighter touch, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and refreshingly modern. The restaurant's elegant decor and attentive service create a refined dining atmosphere suitable for special occasions. The menu evolves to reflect market availability.
Order: Seafood Risotto, Grilled Octopus
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Amman
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Vinaigrette
Acclaimed local fine diningInternational / Seafood · Abdoun · JOD 45-75 / USD 65-105
Known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite seafood offerings, Vinaigrette provides a refined international dining experience. The menu expertly blends Mediterranean and Asian influences, with a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially fish and shellfish flown in daily. The service is impeccable, and the interior design creates a luxurious yet comfortable setting. It is consistently rated among Amman's top destinations for upscale dining.
Order: Fresh Oysters, Chilean Sea Bass
Steak & grill
Best steak and grill restaurants in Amman
Grill rooms are about sourcing and fire: ask where the beef comes from, how long it was aged, and order one cut to share rather than two on separate plates.
The Corner's Pub & Grill
Acclaimed local fine diningSteakhouse / American · Abdoun · JOD 40-70 / USD 55-100
While primarily a pub, The Corner's is renowned for its excellent grilled meats and premium steak selections, earning it a spot as a top casual fine dining choice. It offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere where guests can enjoy perfectly cooked steaks, hearty mains, and a comprehensive beverage list. The quality of ingredients and consistent preparation of its grill items elevate it beyond typical pub fare, appealing to meat connoisseurs.
Order: Ribeye Steak, Burger Platter
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Amman
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Gustino
Acclaimed local fine diningClassic Italian · Abdoun · JOD 40-70 / USD 55-100
Gustino presents an authentic taste of Italy in a refined, elegant setting. The menu features classic Italian dishes, from handmade pastas and risottos to delectable meat and seafood mains, all prepared with high-quality imported ingredients and traditional techniques. The warm ambiance, coupled with attentive service, creates a delightful experience for those seeking a sophisticated Italian meal in Amman. It's known for its consistent quality.
Order: Osso Buco, Truffle Pasta
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Amman
Hashem Restaurant
An Amman institution for authentic, delicious, and incredibly affordable falafel, hummus, and fuul. Open 24/7, it's a must-visit for a true local experience. Expect to pay JOD 3-7 for a hearty meal.
Abu Jbara
Famous for its traditional Jordanian breakfast and light meals, particularly its creamy hummus and foul dishes served with fresh bread and pickles. A beloved spot for locals to start their day. Meals typically cost JOD 5-10.
Al Quds Restaurant
Specializing in mansaf, Jordan's national dish, Al Quds serves large portions of tender lamb cooked in jameed (dried yogurt sauce) with rice. It’s a no-frills, traditional eatery offering exceptional value. A plate of mansaf is around JOD 8-12.
Shawarma Reem
Widely considered to serve some of the best shawarma in Amman, offering both chicken and meat options. Quick, satisfying, and incredibly popular, especially for a late-night snack or quick lunch. Shawarma wraps are JOD 2-4.
Salaheddin Bakery
A popular bakery known for its fresh saj bread, manakish (flatbreads with za'atar, cheese, or meat), and other traditional pastries. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and inexpensive breakfast or snack on the go. Manakish typically cost JOD 1-3.
Local dishes
What to eat in Amman
Mansaf
Jordan's national dish, Mansaf, features tender lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce (jameed), served over a bed of rice and thin bread (shrak), garnished with toasted nuts. It's traditionally eaten communally with the right hand. Find an excellent version at Sufra Restaurant in Jabal Amman, served with authentic hospitality.
Falafel
These deep-fried patties made from ground chickpeas and spices are a ubiquitous and beloved street food. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, they are often served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce. The legendary Hashem Restaurant Downtown is the quintessential spot for the best falafel in Amman, a true local institution.
Kunafeh
A delightful Middle Eastern dessert, Kunafeh consists of thin noodle-like pastry or fine semolina dough soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, layered with cheese, and baked until golden. It’s served hot, often with a sprinkle of pistachios. Habibah Sweets Downtown is renowned for serving some of the freshest and most delicious Kunafeh in Amman.
Shawarma
Thinly sliced, marinated meat (chicken or beef/lamb) roasted on a vertical spit, served wrapped in flatbread with various sauces and pickled vegetables. It's a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. Reem al-Bawadi on Rainbow Street is a popular spot, famous for its juicy and perfectly spiced shawarma wraps, a must-try for any visitor.
Galayet Bandora
A simple yet flavorful dish of diced tomatoes, garlic, and sometimes chili, cooked down until rich and thick, often served with olive oil and fresh herbs. It's typically eaten with fresh bread for dipping. Many traditional Jordanian restaurants offer this, with Sufra Restaurant providing a particularly fresh and savory rendition, perfect for sharing.
Maqluba
Meaning 'upside-down,' Maqluba is a rice dish cooked with meat (chicken or lamb) and fried vegetables (eggplant, cauliflower, potatoes) layered in a pot, which is then inverted onto a platter for serving. It's a hearty and aromatic meal. Beit Sitti, a cooking school, often features this dish, offering both a culinary experience and a delicious meal.
Hummus
This creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is a staple of Jordanian cuisine. Served with olive oil and fresh pita bread, it's a versatile and healthy option. Hashem Restaurant Downtown is legendary for its exceptionally smooth and flavorful hummus, a true taste of local tradition.
Kofta bi Tahini
Ground meat (usually lamb or beef) mixed with herbs and spices, formed into patties or balls, and baked in a rich tahini sauce, often with sliced potatoes and onions. It's a comforting and savory dish, typically served with rice. Sufra Restaurant offers a delicious and well-prepared version of this traditional Jordanian casserole.
How to book a table in Amman
- · For Amman's top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation at least 3-7 days in advance, especially if planning to dine on a weekend or during peak seasons, to guarantee your preferred time.
- · While full deposits are rare in Amman, some high-demand venues might request credit card details to confirm bookings. Always clarify cancellation policies to avoid potential no-show charges.
- · Consider trying lunch menus at acclaimed restaurants; they often provide a more accessible entry point to the chef's culinary style at a significantly lower price, without compromising quality.
- · Be aware of each restaurant's no-show or late cancellation policy. Communicate any changes promptly; failing to do so may result in a charge or difficulty booking future reservations.
FAQ
Amman restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Amman?
Fakhreldin Restaurant in Abdoun is the benchmark table — Traditional Lebanese, acclaimed local fine dining, around JOD 40-70 / USD 55-100 per person. Order the Fatteh with lamb, Mixed Grill
Where is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Amman?
Fakhreldin Restaurant in Abdoun is the Middle Eastern table to book in Amman (JOD 40-70 / USD 55-100 per person). Other strong options: Beit Sitti, Reem Al Bawadi.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Amman?
Nena in Abdoun is the Mediterranean table to book in Amman (JOD 45-80 / USD 65-115 per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Amman?
Vinaigrette in Abdoun is the seafood table to book in Amman (JOD 45-75 / USD 65-105 per person).
Where is the best steak and grill restaurant in Amman?
The Corner's Pub & Grill in Abdoun is the steak and grill table to book in Amman (JOD 40-70 / USD 55-100 per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Amman?
Gustino in Abdoun is the Italian table to book in Amman (JOD 40-70 / USD 55-100 per person).
Where can I eat well in Amman without spending a fortune?
Beit Sitti is the best-value table on this list at roughly JOD 30-50 / USD 40-70 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Hashem Restaurant, Abu Jbara, Al Quds Restaurant.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Amman?
For Amman's top fine-dining establishments, secure your reservation at least 3-7 days in advance, especially if planning to dine on a weekend or during peak seasons, to guarantee your preferred time. While full deposits are rare in Amman, some high-demand venues might request credit card details to confirm bookings. Always clarify cancellation policies to avoid potential no-show charges.
What food is Amman famous for?
Mansaf, Falafel, Kunafeh, Shawarma, Galayet Bandora — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Jordan's national dish, Mansaf, features tender lamb cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce (jameed), served over a bed of rice and thin bread (shrak), garnished with toasted nuts. It's traditionally eaten communally with the right hand. Find an excellent version at Sufra Restaurant in Jabal Amman, served with authentic hospitality.
Planning the rest of Amman?
The full Amman guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Amman travel guide