Break Time: The Great Coffee Stops of Amman

Unless you’re a seasoned expat, it might seem daunting finding basic lifestyle comforts that you generally get back home. For many tourists a day or two in Amman might seem overwhelming or dull as you are unsure of where to go and what to do. If you are like myself…coffee and cafés are an essential part of life and a way to see more of the city.

Here is an insider’s look of where to go to get that much needed cup of joe and a bit of ambiance in a chaotic city like Amman.

The Favorites

Whether you are looking for American coffee or Italian coffee, a place to work or a place to hang out with friends, there are options for it all. Now, you could easily go to the familiar Starbucks, Costa, Caribou or Paul, but do not underestimate the quirky and lively cafés popping up around town.

Dimitri’s Coffee

Founded in Amman in 2014, Dimitri’s Coffee is one of my personal favorites for a Friday morning coffee. By far the most skilled coffee brewers in Amman, Dimitri’s brews their coffee using methods such as Chemex, V60, AeroPress, French Press, an Nitro Cold Brew, just to name a few. If you are a coffee snob like myself, check this place out.

My Recommended Drink

• Nitro Cold Brew

Location(s)

• Abdali Boulevard Branch, Abdali
• Dahiet Al-Ameer Rashid Branch, Mamdouh al Sarayra St.

Rumi Cafe

Rumi is one of those places that most expats tend to hang out. In the morning and early afternoon it is a good place to work, or relax and read, but come 5:00 p/m. you will be lucky to find a seat. If you are more into Italian style coffee, Rumi is the place to go. Yet, for those who are not coffee fans, try the tea! Rumi has some of the most amazing tea options that I have found in Amman.

My Recommended Drink

• Iranian Tea

Location(s)

• 14 Kulliyat Al Sharee’Ah St., Jabal Al Weibdeh
• Abd Al Hamid Shoman Foundation, Jabal Amman (located in the library and is cheaper than the one in Weibdeh)

Turtle Green Tea Bar

Yes, they actually have turtles. But most importantly, the food and drinks are delicious, too. It is a reliable coffee option, but it is better known for its teas. The baristas are young and friendly, and the ambiance is perfect to sit and work, or meet up for a cuppa with a friend.

My Recommended Drink

• Matcha Shake

Location(s)

• Rainbow St., Jabal Amman

Seven Pennies Coffee

Why Seven Pennies? Well, SPC is a coffee shop with an ethical twist. Every 1JD you spend, you receive a token worth seven pennies to give to one of the featured charities on their wall. This coffee shop is always my first stop on my way to the Airport or the Dead Sea. Not to mention, they have some delicious, mouth-watering baked goods.

My Recommendation Drink

• Flat White

Location(s)

• Abdullah Al Hmood St., 7th Circle

Fann Wa Chai

A quirky café located next to the Italian Cultural Center provides a place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle from the street down below. From goldfish swimming in a television to art exhibitions, Fann wa Chai knows how to provide a stimulating experience.

My Recommendation Drink

• Ice Tea (any kind)

Location(s)

• Kulliyat Al Sharee’Ah St., Jabal Al Weibdeh

Want to try some more?

• Café Strada
• Majnoon Qahwa
• The Good Book Shop
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
• The Film Cafe
• Wild Jordan Center

Yours Truly,

Caitlin B.