Best Restaurants in Petra: Where to Eat Near the Rose City
Most visitors come to Wadi Musa, the town surrounding Petra, expecting a tourist trap food scene. You will find that. But beyond the overpriced buffets near the Visitor Center, there is a legitimate Bedouin culinary culture. Jordan’s food scene is defined by hospitality. Serving food is a matter of honor here. You can find everything from high-end Mansaf served in desert camps to $3 shawarma wraps on the main hill. Focus on the local spots in the upper town for authenticity and better prices. Use this guide to find the best restaurants in Petra and skip the tourist fluff.
Must-try dishes in Petra
Before you head out, know what to order. These are the staples of the region:
- Mansaf: The national dish of Jordan. It is lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt (jameed) served over rice or bulgur.
- Maqluba: Translated as "upside down." It is a pot of meat, rice, and fried vegetables flipped onto a plate before serving.
- Bedouin Tea: Black tea brewed with sage (marmaraya) or mint and plenty of sugar. It is the universal greeting in Petra.
- Zarb: Often called "Bedouin BBQ." Meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in a multi-tiered oven buried in the sand.
- Gallayeh: A simple, spicy tomato and onion sauté, often served with meat or eggs. It’s a breakfast and lunch staple.
- Fattet Hummus: A mix of chickpeas, torn pieces of pita bread, and tahini sauce, usually topped with pine nuts and ghee.
Best restaurants for a splurge
If you want a high-end experience after a 20km hike through the Siq, these three locations offer the best service and atmosphere in Wadi Musa.
The Cave Bar (Near the Visitor Center)
Located in a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb, this is likely the world's most unique bar and restaurant. The interior is carved directly into the rock. It is part of the Petra Guest House and offers a high-end menu of mezze and grilled meats. Go for the atmosphere and the novelty of dining inside an ancient structure. It is one of the few places serving alcohol near the gates.
Al Qantarah (Wadi Musa Center)
Al Qantarah focuses on traditional Jordanian architecture and a massive buffet that actually tastes homemade. The stone arches and clay ovens provide a rustic, upscale feel. It is a favorite for large groups, but the quality of the Mansaf and the fresh-baked bread remains high despite the volume. It is the best place to try a wide variety of Jordanian salads and stews in one sitting.
Hyatt Zaman Restaurant (6km from Petra)
Located in the Haret Zaman village, this restaurant is built inside a restored 19th-century artisan village. It feels like a time capsule. The dining room is expansive with vaulted stone ceilings. The menu focuses on authentic village recipes, specifically slow-cooked lamb and traditional Arabian desserts. It is a 10-minute drive from the park entrance, making it quieter and more exclusive than the downtown spots.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These are the workhorses of the Petra food scene. They are reliable, reasonably priced, and frequented by residents as much as tourists.
My Mom's Recipe (Tourist Street)
This restaurant lives up to its name by serving home-style Jordanian food in a cozy, cushioned seating area. They are famous for their Maqluba and Mansaf. The rooftop offers views of the mountains, and the service is notably friendly. It is the most approachable place for travelers who want an authentic taste without the formality of a hotel restaurant.
Al-Wadi Restaurant (Shaheed Street)
A staple in the heart of Wadi Musa’s town center. Al-Wadi is known for its grilled meats and fresh mezze. The "Clay Pot" dishes are the standout here—stews cooked in earthenware jars that are cracked open at your table. It is central, busy, and consistent. It is where you go when you want a solid meal without a high price tag.
Sajiat Al-Janoob (Town Center)
This is a local favorite that specializes in "Sajia," which is meat sautéed with peppers and onions in a large shallow pan. It’s an interactive dining experience where the pan is often left on the table for everyone to share. The flavors are bold and the prices are far lower than anything you’ll find directly next to the Petra gates.
Reem Beladi (Wadi Musa)
Reem Beladi offers a massive menu covering everything from pizza to traditional Jordanian grills. While it’s casual, the food quality is high, particularly the lamb chops and the mixed grills. Use this as your backup option if other places are full—it’s large, efficient, and the staff understands the needs of hungry hikers.
Best cheap eats and street food
If you are on a budget or need a quick lunch to pack into the archaeological site, stick to these spots in the upper town.
Al-Arabi (Downtown Circle)
This is the best place for Shawarma in Wadi Musa. It is a no-frills shop where the vertical rotisserie is always spinning. A large wrap will cost you just a few Dinars and provides enough fuel for an entire afternoon. It’s fast, hot, and arguably the most popular quick-service spot in the city for locals.
Sanabel Bakery (Main Street)
Traditional Jordanian bakeries are the best way to eat cheap. Sanabel serves Manakish (flatbreads topped with za'atar, cheese, or meat) fresh from the oven. You can buy several pieces for the price of a coffee elsewhere. Grab a bag of bread and some local cheese here before heading into Petra to avoid the overpriced site sandwiches.
Falafel Corners (Various Locations)
You will see several small windows throughout Wadi Musa labeled simply "Bakery" or "Falafel." Look for the ones with a line of locals in the morning. A falafel sandwich—stuffed with pickles, tahini, and fried cauliflower—is the cheapest, most filling vegan meal you can find in Jordan.
Local Nut Shops (Wadi Musa Circle)
For high-energy snacks, visit the "Roasteries" in the town center. They sell roasted nuts, dried fruits, and dates by weight. It is the ultimate "street food" for hikers. The quality is far superior to pre-packaged trail mix and provides a glimpse into the local snack culture.
Best breakfast and brunch
Mornings in Petra usually start early to beat the heat. If your hotel breakfast is underwhelming, head to these spots.
Bukhara (Downtown)
Bukhara is a classic breakfast joint. They specialize in the "big three": Hummus, Ful Medames (mashed fava beans), and Falafel. The food is served in metal bowls with stacks of hot pita bread. It is loud, crowded, and authentic. Eat here for a heavy, protein-packed start to your day that will last until sunset.
Zawaya Coffee (Wadi Musa)
For a more modern, "brunch" feel, Zawaya is the go-to for coffee enthusiasts. They serve excellent espresso-based drinks and light pastries. While not a traditional heavy breakfast spot, it is the best place for a quick caffeine fix and a croissant if you need a break from the standard Jordanian breakfast spread.
Valentine Inn (Upper Wadi Musa)
Known primarily as a hostel, their breakfast spread is legendary among budget travelers. It’s a massive buffet featuring a mix of local items and hiker staples like eggs and fruit. Even if you aren't staying there, you can often pay a flat fee for the breakfast. The views from their dining area over the valley are unparalleled.
Best rooftop or view dining
Wadi Musa is built on a steep hill, which means the views of the Petra mountains are incredible if you know where to sit.
SunSet Restaurant (Upper Town)
The name isn't creative, but it’s accurate. Located high above the main tourist strip, this restaurant offers a panoramic view of the rugged landscape surrounding the Nabataean city. The menu is standard Jordanian fare, but you are paying for the skyline. It is the best place to watch the rocks turn red as the sun goes down.
Petra Panorama (Road to Taybeh)
This restaurant is a short drive away from the main center, located on the mountain road. It offers the most expansive view of the entire Petra basin. It is an upscale buffet-style setup, often used by tour groups, but the outdoor terrace is the real draw. If you have a rental car, come here for a late afternoon tea or an early dinner to see the scale of the region.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
Wadi Musa is divided into two main areas for food.
The Tourist Strip (Near the Gate): This is the road leading directly to the Petra Visitor Center. It is dense with restaurants like The Cave Bar and My Mom's Recipe. It is convenient but prices are higher. You will find more "International" options here, including pasta and pizza.
Downtown Wadi Musa (The Circle): This is the "real" town located about 2km uphill from the gate. This is where you find the best restaurants in Petra if you want local prices. Walk around the main circle to find the best shawarma, bakeries, and vegetable markets. The energy here is authentic, and it’s the best place to stock up on supplies for your hike.
Opening hours and reservation requirements in Petra can change based on the tourist season and local holidays.