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Fakhreldin

Amman

• The Best Restaurant in Jordan 2023

Next-level Lebanese meets Jordanian hospitality in a historic villa

On the Pass

Rafic Nakhle

What makes it special? Come for the food, stay for Fakhreldin’s infallible hospitality and personalised service. Diners are treated like family: the service style is heavily based on the spirit of Jordanian generosity and is truly tailored to each individual customer. Regulars don’t even need to order as the waitstaff remember each diner’s preferences, from their mezze order and bread preference to how they take their coffee at the end of the meal.

A brief history: The restaurant is located in one of Amman’s oldest residential neighbourhoods. Established in 1997, Fakhreldin is housed in the former family home of Prime Minister Fawzi Al Mulki. The villa was restored by renowned Jordanian architect Ammar Khammash, known for his preservationist approach: each room reflects the original spirit of the home and a lot of the original fixtures remain untouched.

What’s the vibe? Traditional and elegant, this bustling restaurant is a favourite for family celebrations, business dinners and is a mandatory stop for any guests from out of town. Enjoy your meal in one of the light-filled rooms in the winter, but make sure to book your table in the lush Levantine garden in the summer to enjoy your meal under the stars.

What to order: As well as fresh mezzes and grilled meats, standout dishes include a variety of raw meats, namely the signature kebab of charcoal-grilled minced meat, pine nuts, onions and tomatoes, served with chilli paste. End your meal with a cup of cardamom coffee and enjoy the seasonal fruit platter – or, if you’re in the mood for something decadent, standout desserts are the osmalieh (baked vermicelli with cream and pistachio) and halawet jibn (sweet cheese rolls).

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