Middle Eastern restaurants in Amman
All Amman restaurants

Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Amman

3 Middle Eastern tables worth the trip in Amman, Jordan — what they cost, what to order and how early to book.

Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.

In Amman the Middle Eastern list is led by Fakhreldin Restaurant in Abdoun (Acclaimed local fine dining, JOD 40-70 / USD 55-100 per person). If you want the same cooking for less, Beit Sitti at JOD 30-50 / USD 40-70 is the value pick.

  1. 1.

    Fakhreldin Restaurant

    Acclaimed local fine dining

    Traditional 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

  2. 2.

    Beit Sitti

    Acclaimed local fine dining

    Home-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

  3. 3.

    Reem Al Bawadi

    Acclaimed local fine dining

    Emirati & 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

Booking a Middle Eastern 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.

And the local dishes 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.

Seven days in Amman

Pair these Middle Eastern tables with the full itinerary: neighbourhoods, museums and what to skip.

Read the Amman travel guide