Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 5928800; Al-Emir Hashem bin al-Hussein St; mains JD4-8; 8.30am-1am)
If
you're wondering where Amman's fashionable set go to escape their own cuisine, look no
further than this supercool, glass-and-steel restaurant near Abdoun Circle. Offering an ex-
tensive and imaginative mix of world fusion dishes (try a Kyoto green tea and mint fla-
voured crème brulée), the Blue Fig creates its ambience with seductive world music and
the occasional Arabic poetry reading.
Abu Ahmad Orient Restaurant$$
( 3522520; 3rd Circle; mains JD5-11; noon-midnight)
This excellent midrange Le-
banese place has a leafy outdoor terrace that bustles with life during the summer months.
The standard fare comprises grilled meats, but the real highlights are the hot and cold
mezze - try a
buraik
(meat or cheese pie) or the
yalenjeh
(stuffed vine leaves).
MIDDLE EASTERN
Bonita Inn$$$
SPANISH
( 4615060; off Al-Kulliyah al-Islamiyah St; mains JD12-25; noon-midnight)
If
you're looking for a change from Middle Eastern fare but still want to mix with a Jordani-
an clientele, this primarily Spanish restaurant is a great favourite with locals. The authent-
ic paella Valenciana and gazpacho soup are recommended. The restaurant is located in a
typical Jebel Amman townhouse (opposite the InterCon), lending a cosy charm to the ven-
ue. Don't eat too many tapas if you want to do justice to the paella!
SHWARMA
Reem Cafeteria$
( 4645725; 2nd Circle; shwarma JD1.500)
There are hundreds of shoebox-sized
shwarma kiosks in Amman but few that have the customers queuing down the street at
3am. Even the royal family is rumoured to have dropped in here for a late-night kebab.
And if it's good enough for them…
Haboob Grand Stores$
SUPERMARKET
( 4622221; Al-Kulliyah al-Islamiyah St; 7am-midnight)
Between 1st and 2nd
Circles, this is a handy place to stock up with picnic material. It sometimes closes on Fri-
day.
