Solaya Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in Amman

Thursday, September 3rd 2020, dining at Solaya, Abdoun was not a onetime experience; it instantly became our favorite place through a lavish journey. The elegant and romantic garden embraced us into a wonderful theme, cared for by extremely professional staff. We were 8 persons, where we were led to our well prepared table with most elegant cutlery, glasses and plates. Everybody wanted a bite of a Solaya dish so we decided to share the maximum of varieties. Starters varied between elegant salads, creative mushroom parmigiano and wonderlands of pastas. Perfecto for all is the least one could describe that part. Main course and risotto just swept us off our feet and with the perfectly cooked salmon steaks, old aged meat tenderloins and salted fish, one could only look forward to the desserts which were presented close to art pieces, making a perfect finale. I was honored to have my request accepted for touring the kitchen. It was out of this world to see such mechanics behind the scenes; not just because of the sharp kitchen design and the level of hygiene busy via an army of specialized staff. Evidently, the owners have invested in state of the art equipment, pre-preparation areas, dedicated staff and storage spaces and even a recreation and medical area. I was more looking into a seven star hotel operation. Maher the manager at Solaya made us feel special in walking us out as much as welcoming us in where he walked us through the exquisite winter hall of the restaurant that stood so elegantly with the spice of the old brick walls which were imported from Belgium. Lastly, the price was well positioned as it was evident, Solaya is sourcing the best of the best in ingredients, staff and everything a guest would interact with. This is a place we can call home for more to...

We reserved a table for four on the second day of Eid and we got a table right next to the kitchen, where staff were constantly going in and out, therefore ruining the ambience of the lunch. We requested a table right next to the window, however the window was broken, so truthfully there was nothing to look at. When we asked for a table away from all of this bustle, we were told this was the only smoke free area, and that the other table within this area would be available for only one hour. We decided to stay on our original table, however after we left, two hours later, the supposedly reserved table was still empty. The atmosphere of the restaurant would’ve been nicer if we hadn’t been next to the kitchen and if we had had a more pleasant seating situation, because the fact that the smoker area was more open and we were extremely limited with bad seating options felt as though we were being punished for being non smokers. The food generally was okay, the Solaya Seasonal Salad was lacking in dressing, it felt like eating raw vegetables, and the main courses, though they were really good, needed more salt. The tiramisu was very delightful, however we also ordered a vanilla ice cream, and we received chocolate ice cream instead. When we brought the attention of the waiter to this error, he immediately apologized and told us he will replace it, yet the chocolate ice cream was not eliminated from the bill. Despite all of this, the staff were very welcoming and hospitable, yet all of these imperfections are the reason we will not be...

I’ve been to Solaya 2 times now and I have mixed feelings about it. The first time i ordered the Tuna. It was dry even though I asked for medium. Didn’t enjoy it at all. The Solaya salad lacked dressing it was basic and not flavorful. The salmon tartare was amazing. My friend ordered the grilled sea bass and it was great and my other friend ordered the salmon and it was good. I do not recommend the calamari’s there, they were chewy and barely existent in the dough. As for the dessert my friend ordered the cheesecake and it was AMAZING explosion of flavors. We also ordered the apple dessert and it was good but I ordered the Panna Cotta and it was a shame. Too much sour berry sauce and no flavor at all for the cream.

The 2nd time I ordered what I liked from the first time but was bumped as it didn’t taste the same. Salmon tartare was overloaded with onions which made it horrible and the grilled sea bass wasn’t smoked as the last time.

I felt that there was no consistency in preparing the dishes or different chefs.

The place is Amazing. Decorating and atmosphere is great. The service is wonderful. The cleanness...