Amman is one of the underrated food cities in the Middle East, and in 2026, the restaurant scene is better than ever. Whether you’re visiting Jordan for the first time or you’re returning and ready to eat beyond the usual tourist spots, the capital offers everything from legendary street food and traditional Jordanian dishes to stylish rooftops, modern Levantine kitchens, and upscale dining experiences.
Ive been to Amman almost a dozen times, spending weeks at a time in the city. I have put together the best restaurants in Amman, including local favorites, iconic must-tries, and a few newer spots that are winning major awards! From the best falafel and shawarma to cozy cafés, family-friendly restaurants, and unforgettable fine dining, these are the places worth planning your meals around.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Amman in 2026, this list will help you choose the perfect spot. It includes quick bites between sightseeing stops or a memorable dinner with views of the city.
Whether you have multiple nights in Amman or just one night to pick somewhere to eat, below you will find some well known classics and some new restaurants that feature modern menus and award winning chefs.
Best Traditional Jordanian Restaurants in Amman
The best Jordanian restaurants in Amman focus on classic dishes like mansaf, maqluba, musakhan, fresh mezze, and grilled meats served with warm bread, olive oil, and seasonal sides. Whether you’re eating in a historic house on Rainbow Street or a local spot packed with families, these restaurants are the perfect introduction to authentic Jordanian flavors.
Sufra Restaurant (Rainbow Street)
A long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike, Sufra is one of the most popular restaurants in Amman for traditional Jordanian meals. The setting feels like a classic old Amman home, and it’s an ideal place to try a wide variety of Jordanian dishes in one sitting.
Best for: First-time visitors, traditional Jordanian dinners
Don’t miss: Mezze platters, grilled meats, mansaf-style dishes
Good to know: Very popular at peak dinner time so make reservations
Hashem Restaurant (Downtown Amman)
If you only eat at one place in Amman, make it Hashem. This downtown institution is famous for serving some of the best falafel, hummus, and ful medames in Jordan. It’s affordable, fast, and always buzzing with energy.
Best for: Cheap eats, authentic local experience
Don’t miss: Falafel, hummus, fuul, fresh mint tea
Good to know: Expect crowds, shared tables, and a true street-food vibe. It is open 24/7 and a vegetarian menu.
Tawaheen Al-Hawa (the Windmills Restaurant)
Large Restaurant with multiple rooms, square tables where they bring an assortment of appetizers (hummus, baba ganough and MANY more including moutabel, a garlicky dip) beautifully plated before the mixed grille main dish. Desert is an assortment of fruit and baklava style pastries
The Windmills has a set menu option so no need to worry about deciding what to order. Try the Jordanian sausages that arrive with the appetizers and save the hummus for dipping your meat into. They are known as one of the best places for appetizers in Amman.
Best for: Group dinners, the mezze spread is huge
Good to know: Traditional space. Pace yourself, the portions are generous
Wild Jordan Center (Best Views + Local Ingredients)
If you want Jordanian-inspired food with a view, Wild Jordan Center is one of the best places in Amman. It overlooks the city and has a menu that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, often supporting local producers.
Best for: Lunch with a view, healthier Jordanian-inspired dishes
Don’t miss: Seasonal specials, salads, local-style plates
Good to know: One of the best spots in Amman for daytime dining and photos.
Best Shawarma & Street Food in Amman
No trip to Jordan is complete without diving into Amman’s street food scene. The city is famous for serving some of the best shawarma, falafel, hummus, and grilled meats in the region. They are iconic, cheap and open late!
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite downtown or doing a late-night food run in Weibdeh or Abdali, these are the best places to eat street food in Amman.
Shawarma Reem
Ask locals where to find the best shawarma in Amman and Shawarma Reem is almost always mentioned. It’s a classic, fast-moving spot with huge flavor and a loyal fanbase.
Best for: Shawarma lovers, quick and affordable meals
Don’t miss: Chicken shawarma sandwich, extra garlic sauce
Good to know: Multiple locations, they’re busy even late into the night, but the service is fast.
Abu Jbara (Falafel & Breakfast)
Abu Jbara is one of the most famous falafel spots in Amman and especially popular for breakfast. Many people consider it the best falafel in the city, and it’s a must-stop if you want to start your day the Jordanian way.
Best for: Breakfast, falafel, quick cheap meals
Don’t miss: Falafel sandwich with fresh veggies and tahini
Good to know: Often packed in the mornings.
Hashem Restaurant (Downtown Amman)
Yes, Hashem belongs in more than one section. While it’s best known for falafel and hummus, it’s also one of the most iconic street food experiences in Amman and a must for anyone wanting to eat like a local.
Best for: Falafel, hummus, authentic downtown vibe
Don’t miss: Falafel sandwich, hummus, fuul
Good to know: Expect crowds and simple seating — that’s part of the experience.
Habibah Sweets (Kunafa Stop You Can’t Skip)
Street food in Amman isn’t just savory — dessert is part of the experience. Habibah is one of the most famous places in Jordan for kunafa, and it’s practically a rite of passage to stop here when you’re downtown.
Best for: Dessert lovers, iconic Amman experience
Don’t miss: Hot kunafa served fresh
Good to know: Take it to-go and eat it while walking downtown.
Al Quds Falafel (Rainbow Street)
Al Quds has been serving Amman’s favorite falafel sandwiches since 1966, making it one of the city’s oldest and most beloved street-food spots. It is easy to spot along rainbow street and perfect for a snack at any time of day.
Best for: lunch or snack
Good to know: this is classic street food in the city.
New Restaurants for Food Lovers
Jasmine House Amman
Located in one of Amman’s most charming neighborhoods, Jasmine House is a cozy, villa-style restaurant in Jabal Luweibdeh that’s become a favorite for both locals and visitors. If you’re craving a break from Middle Eastern food or simply want a relaxed but memorable meal, this is one of the best restaurants in Amman for Italian-inspired comfort food.
The menu focuses on fresh Mediterranean flavors, handmade pastas, burrata, seafood dishes, and rich seasonal plates. It is all served in a setting that feels intimate and stylish without being overly formal. It’s the kind of restaurant where you can settle in for a long dinner, enjoy great service, and feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem in the city.
Best for: Italian food, cozy dinners, couples, and foodies
Don’t miss: Burrata starters, seasonal pasta dishes, and chef specials
Good to know: It’s popular and seating is limited, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Dara Dining by Sara Aqel
If you’re looking for a restaurant in Amman that feels like a true experience, Dara Dining by Sara Aqel should be at the top of your list. Set inside a beautifully restored villa, Dara is one of the most talked-about fine dining spots in the city and it’s the kind of place that proves Amman’s food scene has evolved far beyond traditional mezze and grills.
The menu is modern Mediterranean with a Jordanian twist, focusing on seasonal ingredients, elevated presentation, and dishes that feel both creative and comforting. Expect beautifully plated small plates, fresh pasta, and a rotating menu that changes throughout the year. The atmosphere is stylish but still warm and welcoming, making it perfect for a special night out.
Best for: Fine dining, date nights, special occasions
Don’t miss: The seasonal menu, house-made pastas, and anything featuring local ingredients
Good to know: Female Chef Sara Aqel recently won best chef in the Middle East by the World’s 50 Best
Taking a Food Tour in Amman
Food is no longer considered just a necessity during travel, but entire itineraries are now made around food. Jordan is one of those places where you come for the sights, but you will leave with so much more, and food is a piece of that experience! If you want a great introduction to Amman’s food culture, consider taking a food tour while you’re in the city. They are ideal for curious food lovers and those who want to meet and interact with locals without feeling like they are engaging in a transactional service. Book a food tour while you are in Amman from Amman Food Tours.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.