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.
Jordanian
Wild Jordan Cafe
Tawaheen Al-Hawa
Joz Hind
Makan Restaurant
Ghofran Restaurant
Abu Ahmad Orient Restaurant
Jaafar Sweets
Lebanese
Fakhr El-Din
Potager
Salaheddin Restaurant
Fakhreldin Lebanese Restaurant
Mandaloun
Tche Tche Cafe
Al Nafoura Restaurant
International
Books@Cafe
Citrus Restaurant
Crepaway
Mediterranean
Cantaloupe Gastro Pub
Rumi Restaurant
Captain's Restaurant
Italian
Romero Restaurant
Maestro
Jordanian Street Food
Hashem Restaurant
Jabri Restaurant
Jordanian Traditional
Zuwwadeh
Darna Village Restaurant
Traditional Jordanian
Sufra Restaurant
Beit Sitti
Arab
Rakwet Arab
French
La Maison
Japanese
Tori No Su
Jordanian Bedouin
Al-Khayma Restaurant
Jordanian Organic
Shams El Balad
Levantine
Levant Restaurant
Middle Eastern
Moon Valley Restaurant
Palestinian
Al-Quds Restaurant
Pan
Noodasia
Seafood
Hamido
Syrian
Baab Al Hara
Yemeni
Osama's Mandi House
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 |