Hidden a short walk from Madaba’s historic centre, Haret Jdoudna is a welcoming spot that pairs home-style Jordanian cooking with a relaxed, local atmosphere. Ideal for travellers exploring the city’s mosaics, the restaurant offers a selection of mezze, slow-cooked mains, and simple desserts meant to be shared. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or lingering over an evening meal, the friendly service and authentic flavours make it an ideal choice for your trip to Madaba.
When I first wandered into Madaba’s compact, mosaic-paved centre, I was looking for somewhere to rest my feet and follow the flavours of the city. Haret Jdoudna found me instead: a neighbourhood restaurant with a low-key façade and a bustle spilling out onto the street. It’s the kind of place where locals gather, and where the food feels like an invitation to sit longer than you planned.
Arriving and first impressions
I arrived in the late afternoon, after visiting the famous 6th-century mosaic map inside the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George. Haret Jdoudna is an easy walk from the main sights — close enough to be a convenient stop between museums and shops, but just removed enough to feel like a true neighbourhood find. A small sign and a car parking announced the restaurant’s presence; inside, the room was warm and unpretentious, with a hum of conversation and plates being passed between friends and families.
The atmosphere is homey rather than trendy. Tables are set simply, often with a mix of locals and travellers. The staff greeted me with a genuine smile and the kind of attentiveness that’s neither intrusive nor perfunctory — you feel welcomed, not observed. The décor favours functional comfort: wooden chairs, bright tiles in places, and the occasional framed photograph or poster that hints at Jordanian pride.
The food: familiar, generous, and made to share
What stood out most was the menu’s focus on classic Jordanian and Levantine dishes — lots of meze and shared plates, slower-cooked mains, and fresh-baked bread arriving at the table warm and fragrant. I ordered a selection so I could taste a little of everything.
Mezze: Hummus, baba ghanoush, labneh, and a simple fattoush salad arrived in generous portions. The hummus was creamy and lemon-bright; the baba ghanoush smoky without being oily. These starters are ideal for nibbling while you decide on a main.
Mains: For my main, I couldn’t resist ordering the house speciality: slow-braised lamb with rice and a cooling, tangy yoghurt sauce. The lamb fell apart the moment the fork touched it, fragrant with bay leaves and a whisper of cinnamon. The yoghurt—thicker and tangier than the supermarket kind—cut through the meat’s richness and brought everything into harmony. Portions are generous; meals are meant to be shared, and I watched families and groups of friends pass plates back and forth.
By the time I pushed back my chair, the sun had shifted and the restaurant’s warm light felt like the perfect punctuation to the day. Haret Jdoudna isn’t about showy presentations or culinary posturing — it’s about food that comforts, company that welcomes, and flavours that linger long after the plate is cleared. If you’re exploring Madaba’s mosaics and winding streets, plan to stop here: come hungry, share a spread of mezze, order a slow-braised main, and leave room for a simple dessert and conversation. It’s the kind of meal that makes a place feel lived-in rather than visited, and for me it turned a day of sightseeing into a memory I still crave.
LOCATION, ACCESS, FACILITIES AND CONTACT DETAILS
The restaurant is located in the heart of Madaba, a short walking distance from Madaba Archaeological Park, Church of the Martyrs and St George’s Greek Orthodox Church I’ve mentioned before. If you are coming from Amman, it will take you approximately 45 minutes (30 km).
You can find the restaurant on Google Maps at this location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pqoiVbDNELF8Ct4R9
Visitors can park at the premises of the restaurant (free of charge) and explore the restaurant’s building, with its traditional stone architecture and unique historical charm and its facilities, which include a couple of shops offering a range of local products (at premium prices).
I would advise making a reservation in advance by phone (962-5) 324 86 50 or email [email protected]
For more information, please visit the Haret Jdoudna website.
