Restaurant
Fakhreldin
An elegant Levantine restaurant in a restored Jabal Amman villa, open since 1997 and known for its kibbeh, mezze and attentive, old-school hospitality.
Al Quds Falafel
A Rainbow Street falafel counter founded in 1966, one of Jordan's oldest eateries, visited by kings, presidents and generations of Ammanis.
At a glance
- Type
- Falafel
- Area
- Jabal Amman, Amman, Jordan
- Price
- $ · Budget
Why we recommend it
Al Quds Falafel on Rainbow Street is one of the oldest restaurants in Jordan and a much-loved Amman institution. It was founded in 1966 by Hani Rasas, and today his son, Adib Rasas, runs the business. For nearly six decades it has served falafel to generations of Jordanians and visitors, and it has become a symbol of the city's street food.
The list of famous customers is long. The late King Hussein visited in 1984, and King Abdullah later stopped by with Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Salma and Prince Hashim for a quick falafel breakfast during a surprise visit, with the younger royals returning the next day. Former US President Bill Clinton, former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband and several ambassadors and ministers have also eaten here. Despite this, the place has kept its simple, everyday character.
Falafel is the reason to come, and a sandwich makes a quick and filling snack. A classic local meal pairs falafel with hummus, pickles, tomatoes and onions, the same combination customers remember from the 1960s. The success of the original has led to branches abroad, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Austria, but the Rainbow Street counter is the one with the history.
Al Quds suits anyone wanting a cheap, fast bite, from students to families and travellers on a budget. Breakfast is a traditional time for falafel in Jordan, as the royal visit shows, but it works just as well as an evening snack when Rainbow Street fills with people. It is a good stop before or after a coffee or a drink in one of the street's rooftop cafés and bars.
The restaurant has stayed in the same family for two generations, and the story of a falafel counter that has fed both ordinary Ammanis and heads of state is part of what makes a visit enjoyable. The counter is on Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman, near First Circle. From here you can walk the length of the street, browse the craft showrooms or take a taxi down to Downtown for the Roman Theatre and the souks. Combine a falafel here with kunafa at Habibah later in the day for a budget-friendly taste of Amman's classics.
Al Quds Falafel FAQs
When was Al Quds Falafel founded?
In 1966, by Hani Rasas.
Who runs it now?
His son, Adib Rasas.
What should you order?
A falafel sandwich, or falafel with hummus, pickles, tomatoes and onions.
Is it expensive?
No, it is a cheap and quick meal.
Where is it?
On Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman, near First Circle.
Is it good for breakfast?
Yes, falafel is a traditional Jordanian breakfast, and it works well as an evening snack too.
Who has eaten there?
The late King Hussein, King Abdullah II and members of the royal family, Bill Clinton and David Miliband, among others.
Are there other branches?
Yes, there are branches abroad, but the Rainbow Street counter is the original.