Chestnut Restaurant & Pub

One of the latest additions to Amman's dining and nightlife scenes, Chestnut is a well-liked pub run by an enthusiastic, warm team that brought in expertise from businesses local and international. Evening vibes are conducive to a great night, and food restaurant-worthy, not limited to pub grub alone. Happy hour (1-6pm daily at the time of writing) brings 50% discounts on selected menu items and drinks.

• Address:

  Abu Salma Al-Khelal Street, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 7 7500 0075

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–midnight

District Urban Rooftop

District belongs somewhere on the bar/restaurant spectrum, and, along with serving excellent international fusion cuisine, is also a pleasant place to spend the evening having drinks in good company. It's a conceptually one-of-a-kind establishment in Amman, with a welcoming outdoor terrace and views to die for.

• Address:

  Zayd Bin Harethah Street, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 7 7001 7517

• Opening hours:

  Daily 1pm–1am

Fakhreldin

Occupying the building once owned by Jordan's first prime minister, Fakhreldin is an upscale affair — a reputable Lebanese restaurant serving a variety of dishes developed from the Levantine cuisine. There is a spacious outdoor seating area, tables laid with crisp white table cloths and elaborate appointments.

• Address:

  Taha Hussein Street 40, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 79 543 0055

• Opening hours:

  Daily 1pm–midnight

Hashem

This wildly popular local eatery gathers ravenous crowds no matter the time of day, but securing a seat is most likely to happen outside of peak hours of lunch and dinner. Hashem's absolute must is the falafel, accompanied by hummus, fava bean paste, and freshly baked bread. Prices are startlingly low.

• Web:

  www.hashemrestaurants.com/en

• Address:

  King Faisal Street, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 463 6440

• More info:

  Hashem has three locations in Amman

Pizza Roma Cafe

One of international visitors' hangout spots of choice, Pizza Roma is a rooftop space stylised to resemble a Bedouin tent, with a scenic breezy terrace and guest musical performances by talented local youths. The cafe serves far more than just pizza, extending its offerings to dishes likely to appear rather extraordinary to some, such as the lesser-consumed parts of a sheep: the head, stomach, and even testicles.

• Web:

  www.ammanpashahotel.com

• Address:

  Amman Pasha Hotel, Al Shabsugh Streeet 4, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 461 8262

Sufra

Sufra is synonymous with fine, yet affordable, Jordanian dining. Apart from staples like fukharat (clay pots with slow-cooked meat and vegetables) and mansaf (a traditional dish of lamb cooked in yogurt on rice), there is a traditional special which varies by day.

• Web:

  www.romero-jordan.com/sufra.html

• Address:

  Al Rainbow Street 26, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 461 1468

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–midnight

Blue Fig

Although the trendy Blue Fig is a successful dining venue in its own right–their breakfasts are highly praised and so is the eclectic international menu–what makes it especially appealing come sundown are the frequently held live music nights, which feature both live bands and DJs.

• E-mail:

  info@bluefig.com

• Address:

  Irbid Street 30, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 592 8800

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–1am

Cantaloupe Gastro Pub

Cantaloupe's swanky rooftop is one of the city's finest vantage points, affording views of the entire city and the environs, including the Jabal al-Qal'a with the Citadel perched on its top. The first floor is given over to an Italian-leaning restaurant, while the open-air second floor is arguably the location of Amman's best open-air bar.

• Address:

  Rainbow Street, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 7 7000 0717

• Opening hours:

  Daily 5pm–1am

• More info:

  Happy Hour 5pm–8pm

Carakale Brewing Company

It's worth finding your way to Jordan's own craft brewery hidden amidst the rolling hills west of the city. Visitors will get the chance to try several drafts (full glasses or samplers, varieties from IPA through porter) and peek at the factory floor below. The brewery doesn't serve food but bringing in your own is allowed. There are grilling facilities outside that guests are encouraged to make use of.

• Web:

  www.carakale.com

• Address:

  Fuhays, Jordan

• Phone:

  +962 7 9667 7650

• Opening hours:

  Daily 2pm–9pm

Murphy's - House of Rock

One of the city's most popular pubs can get a bit rowdy, which only adds to the good fun had here on a nightly basis. There is a pleasant beer garden outside; live rock bands play every Tuesday, and there is a pool table for further entertainment. Drinks come at rock-bottom prices, especially so during happy hour.

• Web:

  www.theconroyboutiquehotel.com

• Address:

  The Conroy Boutique Hotel, Sahat Al 'Arab Street 17, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 7 7716 5008

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–midnight

Sekrab

Sekrab is a creative hangout spot in every way out of the ordinary, with a VW hippy van perched on its top, and an interior dominated by recycled car parts and other creatively re-purposed pieces. The rooftop offers fantastic views, and three are a few things to choose from in terms of drinks.

• Address:

  Rainbow Street, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 7 9173 5722

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–1am

Books@cafe

Books@cafe set out to create a space of intellectual enrichment (hence the concept of cafe cum bookshop) and mutual understanding, whether it be between cultures - of which there are many in Amman, permanent and visiting - or people of different sexual orientations (it's a welcoming gay cafe/bar known well to insiders).

• Web:

  https://booksatcafe.com

• E-mail:

  info@booksatcafe.com

• Address:

  Omar Bin Al-Khattab St 12, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 465 0457

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–1am

Fann Wa Chai

Fann Wa Chai art gallery and tea bar is a tranquil hideaway in the hip, bohemian Jabal Al Weibdeh district. The establishment has been serving tea, coffee and small bites in the art-filled environment since 1988. Enjoy a quiet afternoon on the terrace or in the garden.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/fannwachai

• Address:

  Al Rabad, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 565 0114

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–10pm

Habibah Sweets

Local tour guides consider a visit to Habibah a city tour essential, and for good reason: this legendary sweets shop, originating in 1947 Jerusalem, has made its way across to Jordan, where it continues to sell and serve some of the finest Palestinian Kunafa (cheese pastry drenched in sweet syrup) for miles around.

• Web:

  www.habibahsweets.com

• Address:

  Al Hazar Street 2, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 553 1555

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am-12am

• More info:

  Marwan Madi Complex

Pizza Roma Cafe

One of international visitors' hangout spots of choice, Pizza Roma is a rooftop space stylised to resemble a Bedouin tent, with a scenic breezy terrace and guest musical performances by talented local youths. The cafe serves far more than just pizza, extending its offerings to dishes likely to appear rather extraordinary to some, such as the lesser-consumed parts of a sheep: the head, stomach, and even testicles.

• Web:

  www.ammanpashahotel.com

• Address:

  Amman Pasha Hotel, Al Shabsugh Streeet 4, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 461 8262

Rumi

Rumi is as close as it gets to an Ammani take on a hipster coffee shop. This gem of a cafe attracts with-it locals, who thoroughly enjoy the shaded outdoor seating and Rumi's extensive selection of international teas. Snacks and breakfasts are also on offer; you can always opt for the excellent coffee.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/rumi.amman

• Address:

  Al-Shariaah College Street 14, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 464 4131

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–late. Closed 12:30pm–1:30pm on Fridays

Shams El Balad

The delightful hip cafe is a rare find in Amman. Set on a hilltop overlooking the downtown's cream-coloured buildings, Shams El Balad is much more than its scenic location — dishes served here are deliciously experimental twists on Middle Eastern classics, and quite possibly warrant a cook book of their own.

• Web:

  www.shamselbalad.com

• Address:

  Mu'ath Bin Jabal Street 69, Amman

• Phone:

  +962 6 465 1150