Ma'an Governorate is Jordan's largest governorate by area, encompassing the legendary rose-red city of Petra, the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historic market town of Ma'an city. This southern region is home to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary monuments, carved by the Nabataean civilization over two millennia ago. From rugged desert canyons to Crusader-era castles, Ma'an offers an unparalleled journey through layers of human history set against spectacular natural scenery.
The culinary traditions of Ma'an Governorate are rooted in Jordanian Bedouin cooking — generous portions of slow-cooked lamb, fragrant rice dishes, and a rich tradition of mezze. The signature dish is mansaf, a celebration feast of lamb cooked in fermented dried yoghurt (jameed) served over rice with flatbread. The region's proximity to the ancient Incense Road means spices feature prominently, including cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and sumac. In Wadi Musa, restaurants range from authentic Bedouin tents and family-run kitchens to international hotel dining, with increasing options for vegetarians and those seeking fusion cuisine.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Ma'an.
Mansaf
Jordan's national dish — lamb slow-cooked in fermented yoghurt (jameed) served over saffron rice with nuts and flatbread
Where to try: Al Qantarah Restaurant or any local family restaurant, especially on Fridays
Price: JOD 5-15
Maqluba
An inverted rice dish ('upside down') layered with vegetables, chicken or lamb, and aromatic spices
Where to try: Al-Wadi Restaurant or Petra Moon Restaurant
Price: JOD 5-8
Zarb
Bedouin underground barbecue — lamb or chicken slow-cooked in a buried clay oven for 4-6 hours
Where to try: Bedouin Tent Restaurant or any desert camp
Price: JOD 12-15
Musakhan
Roasted chicken with caramelised onions, sumac, and pine nuts on flatbread — the national dish of Palestine widely enjoyed in Jordan
Where to try: Nakheel Restaurant, Wadi Musa
Price: JOD 6-8
Knafeh
Hot cheese pastry soaked in rose-water syrup with shredded wheat crust — Jordan's favourite dessert
Where to try: Desert Rose Sweets, Wadi Musa
Price: JOD 2-3
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Cave Bar
One of the world's most unique drinking and dining venues, the Cave Bar is set inside a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb carved into rose-red sandstone at the Petra Guest House. Stone walls, candlelight, and ancient carved niches create an unforgettable atmosphere for evening drinks, Jordanian mezze, and light meals.
Known for: Atmospheric Nabataean cave dining and cocktails
Petra Guest House, Petra Entrance, Wadi Musa
Al Qantarah Restaurant
A well-regarded restaurant near the Petra entrance serving generous portions of traditional Jordanian food including mansaf, maqluba, and grilled meats. The friendly service and authentic recipes make it a favourite with both locals and tourists seeking a genuine taste of Jordanian hospitality.
Known for: Traditional Jordanian mansaf and maqluba
Tourism Street, Wadi Musa
Petra Kitchen
A unique dining experience in which guests participate in cooking their own Jordanian meal alongside local women from the Wadi Musa community. The evening begins with an introduction to Jordanian spices and ingredients, followed by a hands-on session preparing traditional dishes, culminating in a shared meal around a communal table.
Known for: Interactive cooking class and communal Jordanian dinner
Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Red Cave Restaurant
A popular mid-range restaurant in the heart of Wadi Musa serving a broad menu of Jordanian classics, grilled meats, and international dishes. The terrace seating offers pleasant views over the town and the restaurant stays open late, making it ideal for post-Petra dinners when many other establishments have closed.
Known for: Grilled meats and traditional salads
Main Street, Wadi Musa
Wranglers Pub & Restaurant
The liveliest evening venue in Wadi Musa, Wranglers serves burgers, pasta, and snacks alongside a full bar with local Jordanian beer, arak, and imported spirits. Popular with tour guides, expat workers, and travellers seeking a familiar atmosphere after long Petra days. The pool table and sports TV add to the convivial feel.
Known for: Evening drinks and pub food in a relaxed setting
Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Basin Restaurant — Inside Petra
The only full-service restaurant inside the Petra Archaeological Park, the Basin is located at the far end of the colonnaded street near Qasr al-Bint. It serves a daily buffet lunch including Jordanian salads, stews, grilled items, and desserts, making it convenient for visitors deep inside the site who do not want to walk back to the entrance.
Known for: Only restaurant inside Petra — convenient buffet
Inside Petra Archaeological Park, near Qasr al-Bint
Silk Road Restaurant
A reliable restaurant in Wadi Musa named after the ancient trading routes that passed through the Nabataean kingdom. The menu features generous portions of traditional Jordanian food including hummus, falafel, grilled kebabs, and slow-cooked lamb, with vegetarian options clearly marked and friendly service throughout.
Known for: Traditional Jordanian and Arabic cuisine
Tourism Street, Wadi Musa
Cleopatra Restaurant
A well-priced restaurant on Wadi Musa's main street offering a mix of Jordanian and international dishes. Popular for breakfast with travelers preparing for early Petra entry, the Cleopatra serves excellent fuul medames, eggs, Jordanian flatbread, and fresh-squeezed juice that provides perfect fuel for a long day of walking.
Known for: Early breakfast for Petra-bound travellers
Main Street, Wadi Musa
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Jordanian
Al Qantarah Restaurant
Petra Kitchen
Red Cave Restaurant
Basin Restaurant — Inside Petra
Silk Road Restaurant
Cleopatra Restaurant
Friends Restaurant Wadi Musa
Al-Saraya Rooftop Restaurant
Petra Moon Restaurant
Shoubak Castle Café
Al-Arabi Restaurant Ma'an
Al-Madinah Restaurant
Nabataean Nights Rooftop
Bab Al Siq Terrace
Nakheel Restaurant
Rum Stars Restaurant
International
Cave Bar
Wranglers Pub & Restaurant
Movenpick Petra Dining
Jordanian Traditional
Al-Wadi Restaurant
Dana Guesthouse Restaurant
Hayat Zaman Village Restaurant
Café
Treeclimbers Café
Siq Café
Bdoul Bedouin
Um Sayhoun Village Kitchen
Bedouin Traditional
Bedouin Tent Restaurant
Fusion
Gallery Restaurant
Italian
Hani's Pizza & Pasta
Jordanian Pastry
Habiba Bakery Wadi Musa
Jordanian Street Food
Siq Street Food Stalls
Jordanian Sweets
Desert Rose Sweets
Juices
Petra Juicery
Middle Eastern
Oriental Restaurant
Organic Jordanian
Feynan Ecolodge Dining
Street Food
Mahmoud's Shawarma
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Shawarma
Spiced chicken or lamb carved from a rotating spit and wrapped in bread with garlic sauce, tahini, and pickles
Find it at: Mahmoud's Shawarma and stalls near Petra visitor center
Falafel Sandwich
Deep-fried chickpea patties with salad, tahini, and chilli in flatbread — the standard Jordanian budget meal
Find it at: Street stalls on Wadi Musa main market street
Fuul Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, lemon, and cumin — a traditional Jordanian breakfast
Find it at: Local cafés in Wadi Musa and Ma'an city
Ka'ak
Sesame-encrusted ring cookies, sold by street vendors and bakeries throughout the region
Find it at: Habiba Bakery and market stalls
Fresh Juice
Freshly squeezed pomegranate, orange, carrot, and seasonal fruit juices from roadside stands
Find it at: Petra Juicery and street stalls near Petra entrance
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Wadi Musa Central Market
A small but lively daily market selling fresh produce, spices, olives, dried herbs, and local food products
Hours: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Ma'an City Souk
The main traditional market in Ma'an city with a food section selling dried goods, spices, grains, and local preserved foods
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Friday morning)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Friday is the day for mansaf — many local restaurants only serve it on Fridays
Petra Kitchen cooking classes must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
Most restaurants are alcohol-free — the Cave Bar and Wranglers are exceptions
Breakfast is the most important meal — Jordanian breakfasts are substantial and excellent value
Tipping 10% is customary at sit-down restaurants; round up for café and street food
- Vegetarian
- Many Jordanian dishes are naturally vegetarian — hummus, fuul, falafel, fattoush, and mezze plates. Request 'bala lahm' (without meat) in Arabic.
- Halal
- All meat in Ma'an is halal. Alcohol is available only at a handful of tourist venues.
- Gluten free
- Limited options — rice-based dishes are safe but bread (khubz) is ubiquitous. Communicate dietary needs clearly.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | JOD 5-10 per meal ($7-14) | Street food, falafel stands, bakeries, and local teahouses |
| Mid-range | JOD 10-20 per meal ($14-28) | Sit-down restaurants with table service and full Jordanian meals |
| Upscale | JOD 30+ per meal ($42+) | Hotel restaurants, Petra Kitchen experience, and fine dining |