Dara Dining by Sara Aqel

Amman, Jordan

• No.30 Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2026
• No.18 Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2025

Set in a lovingly restored villa from 1958 in the heart of Amman, Dara Dining by Sara Aqel offers its guests Mediterranean flavours and wines from regional producers and community-driven values. The light-filled space comprises both a wine shop and a Mediterranean restaurant complete with chic outdoor terrace surrounded by a lush garden, that’s perfect for al fresco lunches. Dara – which means home in Arabic – was born from the vision of its co-founders, Lana Alamat, Maher Mouasher and Palestinian-Jordanian chef Sara Aqel. Small plates are irresistibly moreish — baked feta, veal meatballs, beef tartare — while the pasta selection spans cacio e pepe, pappardelle al ragù and paccheri alla norma. Round things out with pizza, or go larger with a Gaza-inspired moussaka, fish of the day, lamb shank or slow-cooked octopus. A brunch menu with Jordanian influence (think eggs cooked with Nabulsieh cheese and za'atar) is available Friday and Saturday as well.

Key Information

• Average price per person $50
• Lunch and dinner: Mon – Sun
• 962 7 9370 0900
• Visit Dara Dining by Sara Aqel's Website

Location

Al-Mutanabbi St, 46, Amman, 11183