In a buzzing city built on hills, you’ll need a good caffeine kick to keep you well-fueled for exploring. Lucky for you, Amman’s café culture is alive and well. This list will lead you to some of the best spots in Jordan’s capital city to tip back a tasty cup of coffee—with epic views, free wifi, and more.
The Jordanian capital of Amman boasts a vibrant café culture, offering a diverse range of experiences from stunning panoramic views to cozy workspaces. Whether you’re a tourist seeking an authentic taste of Jordanian hospitality or a local looking for a new favorite haunt, Amman’s cafés have something to offer everyone. This guide highlights some of the best cafés in Amman, categorized by their unique appeal.
**Best Cafés for Epic Views**
For those seeking breathtaking vistas alongside their caffeine fix, look no further than the **Wild Jordan Center**. Within this center lies a café so remarkable, its name speaks for itself: “The View.” This multi-level haven in Jabal Amman provides unparalleled panoramic views of the old city. You can gaze upon the ancient ruins of **Citadel Hill** while savoring specialty coffee drinks. These beverages are crafted with precision and care, using locally-sourced ingredients that add a unique flavor profile to your experience. Refreshing smoothies, bursting with the flavors of Jordanian produce, are also available. For tea enthusiasts, a selection of reserve teas awaits. The Wild Jordan Center prides itself on being a family-friendly destination, welcoming visitors of all ages. Feel free to bring your children along, as the ambiance is designed to cater to families seeking a memorable experience.
Just a pleasant stroll from the Wild Jordan Center, **books@café** beckons with its own incredible views and a laid-back atmosphere. However, what truly distinguishes this establishment is its pioneering concept. books@café holds the distinction of being the first café of its kind in Jordan – a café seamlessly integrated with a bookshop. It extends a warm welcome to individuals from all backgrounds, inviting them to come together, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and engage in meaningful interactions. The aim is to foster understanding and promote peace within the community. Over the years, books@café has evolved into a beloved gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a safe and inclusive space for socializing and connection. The relaxed environment encourages conversations and the sharing of ideas, making it a unique and valuable asset to Amman’s social landscape.
**Best Cafés with a Cause**
There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing that your indulgence is also contributing to a greater good. At **Jungle Fever** and **Seven Pennies**, you can enjoy your coffee while simultaneously supporting local initiatives. Jungle Fever is nestled within the esteemed **National Gallery of Fine Arts** in **Jabal Weibdeh**, offering a delightful combination of art and refreshment. Meanwhile, Seven Pennies can be found at **Seventh Circle**, conveniently accessible to residents and visitors alike.
Seven Pennies operates on a generous principle: for every dollar you spend, seven pennies are donated to the Jordan River Foundation. This foundation plays a critical role in combating the abuse of women and children, providing vital support and resources to those in need. By choosing to patronize Seven Pennies, you’re directly contributing to this important cause.
Jungle Fever’s commitment to community extends to supporting local small businesses. They proudly serve Dimitri’s coffee, Turtle Green tea, and a variety of snacks, all sourced from local producers. This not only ensures the quality and freshness of the offerings but also strengthens the local economy. Furthermore, Jungle Fever is dedicated to empowering local youth by providing them with training and employment opportunities. Your patronage helps these young individuals develop valuable skills and build a brighter future.
**Best Cafés on Rainbow Street**
**Rainbow Street**, a vibrant thoroughfare in Amman, is renowned for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and, of course, cafés. Among the many options, **Caffé Strada** stands out with its European-inspired design, clean lines, and abundance of natural light. The thoughtfully designed space creates a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists. Free Wi-Fi is readily available, making it an ideal spot for catching up on emails or simply browsing the internet.
Caffé Strada offers a diverse selection of teas, coffees, and refreshing beverages, catering to a wide range of tastes. These delectable drinks can be enjoyed in one of the two indoor spaces or in the charming internal courtyard. The café’s prime location, a mere 100 steps from Rainbow Street, makes it easily accessible. A unique feature of Caffé Strada is its smoke-free environment. Unlike many establishments in Amman, Caffé Strada prohibits smoking, providing a haven for those seeking to enjoy their coffee in a clean and fresh atmosphere.
Just a short distance from Caffé Strada, you’ll discover **Turtle Green**, a delightful two-level tea and coffee house that showcases locally sourced products. This cozy and inviting space is the perfect place to sample unique blends and brews, carefully crafted with the finest Jordanian ingredients.
In addition to beverages, Turtle Green offers a variety of locally-made products for purchase. These include delectable jams, creamy labneh (an extra-thick, tangy yogurt), and beautiful ceramics, all made by talented artisans in the region. While the small space exudes a welcoming charm, it’s important to note that it can become quite smoky, particularly during peak hours.
**Best Cafés for Wifi & Working**
For digital nomads and those seeking a productive workspace, Amman’s newer cafés offer a surprising abundance of free Wi-Fi. Open laptops are a common sight, indicating the cafés’ suitability for working remotely.
For reliable internet access and exceptionally prepared coffee, **Dimitri’s** is a top choice. As the first local coffee roaster in Jordan, Dimitri’s has established a reputation for quality and innovation. Their brick and mortar location at **The Boulevard**, a modern and upscale shopping promenade in chic **Abdali**, provides an ideal working environment. Large windows flood the space with natural light, while ample power outlets ensure that your devices stay charged. Comfortable seating options are plentiful, allowing you to settle in and focus on your tasks.
Once you’ve completed your work for the day, you can easily transition to leisure by taking a short walk to the nearby wine bar, **JR The Wine Experience**. Here, you can sample Jordan’s native varietals and unwind after a productive day.
Another excellent option for working online is **Shams al Balad** at the **First Circle**. This breezy two-story café boasts a friendly staff, a sun-drenched patio, and a farm-to-table menu. Shams al Balad is widely recognized as one of Amman’s best brunch spots, offering a delectable selection of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
While the café doesn’t explicitly advertise its free Wi-Fi, the servers are always happy to provide the password. With its comfortable seating and inviting atmosphere, there’s truly not a bad seat in the house. To maximize your productivity, arrive early on a weekend and secure a quiet indoor spot. Order the apricot and rose labneh, a true culinary delight, along with a cup of rich Yemeni coffee, and get ready to tackle your tasks in a serene and inspiring setting.
**Best Cafés to See and Be Seen**
For those who enjoy socializing and being part of a lively atmosphere, Amman offers several cafés that are known as hotspots for people-watching and mingling.
**Rumi Café**, a bright and bustling café in Weibdeh, attracts social butterflies from all over the city. Coffee and tea aficionados flock to Rumi Café for its expertly crafted drinks and stay for the vibrant scene. Located on a busy corner in the heart of the neighborhood, Rumi Café features floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating, creating the perfect vantage point for observing the comings and goings of Amman’s stylish residents.
**Ropes Restaurant and Café** in **Khalda** offers an equally lively, though perhaps less well-known to tourists, scene. This two-level space provides a diverse selection of beverages and a full menu of local and international dishes. From salads and pizzas to pancakes, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Ropes Restaurant and Café cultivates a welcoming atmosphere with a youthful vibe, making it an ideal place to relax, smoke shisha, and mingle with locals.
**Best Cafés for Turkish Coffee**
No visit to Amman is complete without experiencing the rich and aromatic tradition of Turkish coffee.
While exploring downtown Amman, be sure to include **Jafra** on your itinerary. This charming restaurant and café offers authentic Turkish coffee and argeeleh (shisha), along with a delectable selection of local mezzes and fresh bread. In the evenings, Jafra often features live music, adding to the vibrant and cultural ambiance. To secure a table, particularly during peak hours, it’s recommended to arrive early or call ahead to make a reservation.
**Ayman Coffee Shop**, tucked away on a side street in Jabal Amman, is a hidden gem that’s easy to miss if you aren’t actively searching for it. This is not the kind of café where you linger for hours; rather, it’s a place to grab one of the best “Turkish Sand Coffees” in the capital. The traditional and mesmerizing technique of heating the water in a cezve (a small, long-handled pot) placed in hot sand is a sight to behold. While you’re there, be sure to ask for a soothing “herbal” made from hot water, honey, and lemon. This comforting beverage is the perfect complement to your Turkish coffee experience.
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