What should I order at Shams El Balad?
Shams El Balad
Makdos
Mentioned as a must-try by multiple reviewers, praised for being one of the best ever had. The staff even went out of their way to package it for a customer to take on a plane, highlighting its popularity and uniqueness.
Olive Oil Cake
Recommended by friends and given complimentary by the restaurant, the olive oil cake is noted for creating an unforgettable experience, often paired with cream and highly appreciated by guests.
Spicy Cheese
One of the dishes specifically noted as amazing by reviewers, appreciated for its fresh, local flavors and creative mix.
Green Salads
Mentioned as part of the delicious and fresh food offerings, these salads contribute to the overall positive dining experience.
Eggplant Tahini
Highlighted as a great dish by reviewers, appreciated for its taste and authenticity.
Sfee7a
Included in the list of highly enjoyed dishes, praised for its quality and flavor.
Batata 7aram
Noted as great by customers, adding to the diverse and flavorful menu.
Date & Rose Dessert
Complimentary dessert mentioned as 'so good' by a reviewer, indicating its popularity and delicious taste.
Stuffed Cucumber
Recommended by a reviewer as a special dish to try, indicating it's a unique offering with a distinct appeal.
Zaatar Chicken
Specifically highlighted as very good, showcasing the restaurant's ability to deliver authentic and flavorful Middle Eastern dishes.
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM to 11:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM to 11:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM to 11:30 PM |
About Shams El Balad
Shams El Balad is a restaurant and cafe in Amman, Jordan, serving Levantine and Arab cuisine with a modern twist. Reviewers consistently praise the fresh, seasonal food, especially the hummus, beetroot falafel, manakeesh, and olive cake, along with the attentive service. The atmosphere is described as cozy, historic, romantic, and upscale, with outdoor seating and a backyard garden. It is popular for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and solo dining, and reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Halal food
- Happy hour drinks
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Valet parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Shams El Balad known for?
Shams El Balad is best known for its Levantine dishes with a creative twist, especially the beetroot falafel, hummus, and manakeesh. Reviewers also mention fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes like red cabbage freekeh, makdos, and olive cake as standouts.
What dishes are most recommended at Shams El Balad?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the hummus, beetroot falafel, and manakeesh, plus specific plates like oyster mushroom omelette, orange ginger chicken wings, red cabbage freekeh, spicy cheese, eggplant tahini, sfee7a, and batata 7aram. Desserts and drinks that come up often include olive cake, olive oil cake with cream, and chai karak tea with less sugar.
What is the atmosphere like at Shams El Balad?
The restaurant is described as beautiful, cozy, and welcoming, with a backyard garden and both indoor and outdoor seating. It suits breakfast or relaxed meals for groups, couples, and solo diners, and the setting is also noted as romantic and quiet.
Is Shams El Balad good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is JOD 10 to 35, which fits a mid-range meal in Amman. Reviewers say the food, presentation, and service feel worth it, especially because many dishes are fresh, creative, and generously praised for quality.
What should I know before visiting Shams El Balad?
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, which suggests it can get busy at peak times. Reviewers also mention fast service in some visits, but a few note that service can feel a little slower when the restaurant is crowded.
Is parking available at Shams El Balad?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking, Valet parking is available.
Does Shams El Balad have vegetarian options?
Yes, Shams El Balad offers vegan options.
Is the food at Shams El Balad halal?
Yes, Shams El Balad serves halal food.
Is Shams El Balad kid-friendly?
Yes, Shams El Balad is good for kids.
Restaurants like Shams El Balad in Amman
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