Sufra

Sufra is a traditional Jordanian restaurant at 26 Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman, Amman, housed in a restored house dating to the 1940s. The kitchen focuses on classic Jordanian home cooking rather than a chef-led or award-winning concept, with dishes presented in the style of a family table, which is what the Arabic word sufra means. Signature dishes include mansaf, the national dish of lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) and served over rice, priced at about 10-15 JOD; maqluba, an upside-down dish of rice, vegetables and meat, at about 8-12 JOD; and musakhan, roast chicken with sumac and onions on taboon bread, at about 8-12 JOD. Starters of hummus, mutabal, salads and stuffed vine leaves are commonly ordered to share. Meals typically cost 12-25 JOD per person. The dining room has the character of a converted domestic building, with stone walls, high ceilings, arched windows and several rooms plus an outdoor area, giving it a calm, homely feel that suits families, groups and visitors seeking traditional food. Dress is casual to smart casual and noise levels are moderate, rising on Thursday and Friday evenings when Rainbow Street fills with visitors. Beverages include Arabic coffee, mint tea, fresh juices and soft drinks, and the programme is not a major feature of the restaurant. Reservations are recommended at weekends, particularly for groups, and booking a day or more in advance is sensible for Friday and Saturday evenings. On weekdays and at lunchtime walk-in tables are usually available. Opening hours are listed as about noon to 11 PM daily. The location on Rainbow Street, a short walk from the first circle, the Jordan Heritage cafes and the viewpoints over Jabal Amman, makes it convenient to pair with an afternoon of sightseeing. The telephone number given for the restaurant is +962 7 7843 2222.