Early morning is when I prefer my dose of
Luweibdeh. A
variety-packed district made up of art galleries, bookstores, endless cafés,
and numerous restaurants that spill onto the sidewalks. You can easily spend an
entire day exploring the neighborhood without a plan in place.
اضافة اعلان
Sipping an espresso on the balcony of the National Gallery, overlooking
Sculpture Park, is how I like to reset my thoughts and welcome the day ahead.
If books are your preferred escape, the gallery offers a selection of reads for
guests to help themselves to. The space is also ideal to set up your laptop and
do a little work with a view, or simply browse the gallery walls that are
filled with the works from over a thousand artists.
You may know
Luweibdeh for its art scene and cafes, but actually, the
area quietly hosts some of Amman’s most incredible restaurants. If you’re not
familiar with the area, “Papaya Thai Kitchen” is one of my personal favorites.
I make sure to regularly visit to get my creamy shrimp curry fix. Served with
jasmine rice and a side order of vegetable noodles, this meal is everything you
crave. In addition to the consistently delicious food, I always look forward to
the friendly banter with Ibrahim, who owns the place.
“Joz Hind” is another top recommendation. This family-run restaurant only
sources fresh, local ingredients; Chef Luca designs a different menu every day
of the week for an exclusive experience with every visit. If you’re looking for
mouth-watering risotto and pizzas, then “Su Casa” is your spot — their desserts
alone are pretty unforgettable. I cannot recommend enough the Affogato, a
classic Italian dessert made of a shot of espresso poured over sweet, vanilla
ice cream — a simple but incredible encounter for your taste buds. Last, but
certainly not least, “Jasmine House” is arguably the best restaurant in Amman,
period. Order the fillet that is accompanied with its signature mustard cream
sauce — that is if you’re lucky enough to catch it on the menu that day.
Burn off your meal by exploring this charming area through its winding
streets. Any direction you take you’ll find yourself stumbling on to something
inspiring, such as
Darat Al Funun. This art gallery is split between six
renovated historical buildings where you can discover the works of various artists
from the Arab world. An entire afternoon could be spent here, but if time only
permits a quick visit, try to make it in the late afternoon where you can head
up to their outdoor terrace and indulge in a small snack while watching the sky
change colors as the sun sets over the capital city.
Evenings in Luweibdeh are just as exhilarating as the days. The streets
fill with people taking evening strolls with friends and family as the air
cools. Familiar faces I’ve come to recognize emerge. Such as the well-dressed
man with his nonchalant strut, walking his dog, with a personal flair that adds
yet another layer to this already colorful neighborhood.
In the evening, you might not be able to find a place to sit as cafés get
busier. People getting off work gather to take in the area’s friendly
atmosphere, filled with conversation and laughter.
I end my night at “Rumi” café where any night of the week you find likeminded
people who flock to this endearing spot to enjoy each other’s company over tea
and coffee. I recommend their rich, hot chocolate — best in town, bar none!
Read more national features
.jpg)
.jpg)
