Dara Dining by Sara Aqel

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where Fine Dining Meets an Exceptional Wine Program

Dara Dining by Sara Aqel sits on Al-Mutanabbi Street in Amman as the restaurant arm of one of Jordan's most serious wine and spirits destinations. The dining experience is woven into the broader Dara universe — a space described as "accessible, inspiring and empowering for wine lovers, whisky geeks and novices alike — a place unlike any other in Amman." That ambition carries directly into the dining room.

Rooted in Tradition, Built by Passion

The Dara story traces back to 1954, when Bulos Y. Zumot established one of Jordan's oldest wine and spirits distributorships. The current chapter — including Dara Dining — is built on those foundations by a team of three wine-obsessed friends: a sommelier, a winemaker, and a wine trader, each bringing a distinct perspective to the table. Every bottle in the cellar has been personally tasted and hand-picked, and that same curatorial discipline extends to the food and wine pairing experience at the dining table.

Italian-Mediterranean Cuisine and a Cellar Worth Exploring

The kitchen works within the Italian and Mediterranean traditions, with a menu crafted to sit alongside a wine list of genuine depth. Wine Spectator recognized Dara with its Best of Award of Excellence for 2025 — a distinction that reflects the breadth and quality of a list spanning Burgundy, Tuscany, Rioja, the Douro, and beyond, including Jordanian producers. Mediterranean cuisine and thoughtful wine pairing are at the heart of what the dining experience offers here.

The Cellar, the Bar, the Table

Guests can move through several distinct spaces. The Cellar serves as the setting for guided wine tastings and private dinners. The Bar in the Back invites guests to select from a by-the-glass menu and pair their choice with a food menu. Private events and catering round out the offer, making Dara Dining a considered choice for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Outdoor seating and a tasting menu are also available, giving the experience a flexibility that few Italian-Mediterranean restaurants in Amman can match.