We had the pleasure of visiting this Jordanian restaurant twice last week. Elegant, leafy courtyard on the outside, beautifully decorated space on the inside. The first night was a Saturday, and there was a lively crowd. The first waiter found us a seat in the courtyard, and then a second waiter saw us and told us we needed to limit our stay to an hour because they were busy.

The food was incredible. Not a bad dish. Perfect hummus with aubergine, chicken livers, chicken with sumac. Our waiter was pleasant and attentive, and made us feel welcome. Because we weren’t familiar with Jordanian food. The red wine was a bit coarse, heavy in tannins and not the best compliment to our food. Still drinkable. We enjoyed the experience, and didn’t mind that it was more expensive than the average Amman restaurant.

We came back two nights later. The second waiter (who limited our time to an hour) hosted us, but insisted we sit alone, indoors, near the bread oven, on a hot day, and not on the terrace because there were no seats. (There seemed to be seats). We reviewed the menu, and were impressed that it had changed, implying the ingredients were fresh and the chef thoughtful. We asked for recommendations, and the waiter seemed taken aback, then gave us some food ideas.

The trouble really began when we asked for a white wine suggestion. He named a Jordanian wine, and I agreed. He brought out a bottle, and the wine was red. We told him we asked for a white wine. He became visibly annoyed, and carried it off in a huff. Twenty minutes pass without food. He brings out Chardonnay, and pours it, apologizing. We rarely see him for the rest of our evening. He’s schmoozing well heeled locals. He ignores us when we wave for him. Food still delicious. I’d heard the knaffeh was great, so after much effort, we get his attention. I order the pastry. It doesn’t come for 35 minutes, and only when we ask for the bill. Altogether killed the mood of the evening.

I was shocked by the difference in service over the two nights. Maybe he was having a bad night. Maybe the wine mistake embarrassed or angered him. I’m heavily tattooed, so perhaps he thought I wasn’t classy enough for his regulars. Whatever it was, the burden of having to figure out what drove his decision to give unkind service should not have been ours to carry. It was not consistent with the overall warm treatment I received from every other Jordanian met during our vacation. Perhaps the time limit he gave when he wasn’t serving us the first night was foreshadowing.

Can I recommend this place? Perhaps, but your service may depend on your luck. We won’t get back to Jordan soon, but I wish this restaurant and both waiters well, and hope the restaurant works out their problems.