Romero

Romero is one of Amman's longest-established restaurants and its best-known address for traditional Italian cooking. It opened in 1979, its story tied to Italian immigrants who came to the city through Amman's Italian Hospital and wanted to share the food of home with the local community. The success of the original has since led to five sister restaurants across Amman, including Sufra on Rainbow Street.

The dining room is formal in a classic way, with high ceilings, wooden floors, white tablecloths, candelabras and crystal chandeliers, and there is also a terrace for dining outdoors in the warmer months. The menu is built around a leisurely four-course meal at lunch or dinner, in the traditional Italian manner. Dishes include cacio e pepe, bresaola with figs, Parmesan and olive oil, and classic desserts such as tiramisu and homemade gelato.

Romero suits couples, business lunches and anyone wanting a break from Middle Eastern food during a longer stay. It is also a reliable choice for a special occasion, and the formal setting makes it popular for anniversaries and family celebrations. Average spending is around 50 US dollars a person, which places it among the city's pricier restaurants, so it is worth treating as an occasion rather than a quick meal.

The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Book ahead for dinner, particularly at weekends, and ask for the terrace if the weather is good. Dress smartly: this is not a shorts-and-sandals kind of place. Staff can advise on how to pace the courses, and sharing a pasta between two leaves room for the main and dessert. Allow a couple of hours if you want to follow the full four-course rhythm, and pace yourself, since the pasta course is designed to be followed by a main.

The restaurant is on Mohammad Hussein Haykal Street in Jabal Amman, a short taxi ride from Rainbow Street and Abdali, which makes it a convenient dinner for guests staying in the central hotels.

Because the group runs several restaurants, check you have the right address when booking; the original Romero is the one on Mohammad Hussein Haykal Street.