5 affordable restaurants to eat well in Petra Wadi Musa

Exploring the ancient city of Petra is not just about the breathtaking ruins and history; it's also about indulging in the rich flavors of Jordanian cuisine. After a long day of hiking through the canyons and marveling at the stunning architecture, finding a great place to refuel is essential. In this guide, we’ll take you through **five fantastic restaurants** in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra, where you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

Discovering dining options in Wadi Musa

Wadi Musa is the gateway to Petra, bustling with restaurants, hotels, and shops catering to tourists. Although the town is compact, its hilly terrain often makes you work up quite an appetite while exploring. Fortunately, the abundance of dining options means you can easily find **good food at reasonable prices**. Here are our top five picks for restaurants in Wadi Musa that serve up delicious Jordanian fare.

Jordan Heart Restaurant

Our culinary journey began at Jordan Heart Restaurant, where we dined after an exhilarating trek through Petra. With our appetite at an all-time high, we ordered the **mansaf**, Jordan's national dish featuring tender lamb served with rice and a flavorful yogurt sauce. We also enjoyed a bowl of exceptional **lentil soup** and a selection of **mezze** including hummus, mutabal (eggplant dip), and kibbeh, the latter being some of the best we tasted throughout our travels.

The staff here was incredibly welcoming, sharing insights about the cultural significance of mansaf, often reserved for special occasions. One delightful recommendation was their **mint lemonade**, a refreshing treat that perfectly complemented our meal. Overall, we spent around **24 JOD**, including drinks, which is a great value for the quality of food served.

Sajiat Al Janoob

On our last evening in Petra, we opted for a cozy night in our hotel, but our stomachs soon demanded attention. A quick search led us to Sajiat Al Janoob, where we ordered **shawarma** and **aryes** (a type of Arabic pizza). The food was not only delicious but also delivered promptly to our hotel, making it a perfect option for those too tired to dine out. Our total bill came to **11 JOD**, making it an affordable and satisfying dinner option.

My Mom’s Recipe

Though we didn't manage to dine here during our visit, we heard rave reviews about My Mom’s Recipe, a favorite among travelers. Its prime location near the Petra visitor center makes it an ideal stop after a long day of exploring. Notable dishes to try include the **mansaf** and **maqluba**, a flavorful layered rice dish often made with meat and vegetables.

Be sure to have your **Revolut card** handy to avoid foreign transaction fees while dining in Jordan. It's one of the best ways to manage your finances abroad.

Abu Elias

Recommended by fellow travelers, Abu Elias is a great spot in the center of Wadi Musa. We sampled a delightful **mezze platter** featuring a mix of hummus, beetroot hummus, mutabal, and fresh salad, followed by **koftas in tomato sauce**. Our total bill was **21.70 JOD**. We felt we might have missed out by not ordering their famous barbecue skewers, which looked absolutely tempting as they passed by our table!

Al Wadi Restaurant

Another must-visit eatery is Al Wadi, where you can't go wrong with the **mansaf** or **maqluba**. For the adventurous eater, they also serve **camel kebabs**, a unique experience that reflects the local culinary culture. Pair your meal with a refreshing **pomegranate juice** to complete your dining experience.

Dining within Petra’s archaeological site

If you find yourself in the heart of Petra and need a quick bite, there are several basic dining options within the archaeological site. Located mainly around the Basin area and near the amphitheater, these eateries serve simple meals like sandwiches and shawarmas at prices starting from **6 JOD**. Some places even offer complete meals for around **12 JOD**.

These locations are perfect for taking a break from the heat, where you can sip on tea, juice, or soft drinks starting from just **2 JOD** while soaking in the views of the ancient ruins.

Finding your way around Wadi Musa’s restaurants

To help you navigate the dining scene in Wadi Musa, here's a handy map featuring the recommended restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals:

These recommendations highlight just a few of the excellent dining options in and around Petra. Whether you're craving traditional Jordanian dishes or looking for something quick and casual, Wadi Musa has plenty to offer. Don't hesitate to explore and discover even more hidden gems!

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