Jordan’s culinary scene has reached a historic milestone with Chef Sara Aqel being awarded one knife by the prestigious Best Chef Awards. This makes her the first Palestinian-Jordanian — and Dara Dining the first restaurant in Jordan — to receive this international recognition.
This honour not only elevates Jordan’s culinary standing but also marks a significant personal achievement for Chef Sara, whose deep-rooted passion for honest, heritage-based cooking has resonated across the region.
“To be the first Palestinian-Jordanian to receive this award is deeply humbling,” said Chef Sara. “This accolade belongs to everyone who brings Dara Dining to life — our guests, our producers, our farmers, and the communities who’ve supported us from day one. It’s a celebration of shared passion, persistence, and purpose.”
A Taste of Home, Refined
Since its inception, Dara Dining has carved out a distinctive space in Amman’s evolving food landscape. Nestled in one of the city’s serene garden settings, the restaurant blends Mediterranean finesse with comforting flavours from across the Arab world. Dishes are personal, thoughtful, and quietly revolutionary — familiar ingredients reimagined with an eye for detail and a reverence for origin.
At its core, Dara Dining reflects Chef Sara’s journey. Born and raised in Amman, she trained at the Royal Academy for Culinary Arts and quickly gained international attention. Her résumé spans global cities and world-class kitchens, including working under Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura and leading regional teams for the acclaimed Fi’lia.
Her return to Jordan — and the launch of Dara Dining — has cemented her voice as one of the region’s most compelling chefs.
Recognition, Rooted in Identity
The Best Chef Awards, held annually, spotlight visionaries who are redefining the culinary landscape through creativity, leadership, and technique. The award — symbolised by a knife — goes beyond accolades; it recognises those who are shaping the future of food with impact and integrity.
For Dara Dining, the honour underscores a broader movement: the rise of culinary voices from the Middle East telling authentic stories through food. With Dara now ranked #18 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, it is clear the restaurant is not only redefining what fine dining can look like in Jordan but also what it can mean. With Dara Dining, Chef Sara Aqel hasn’t just created a restaurant — she’s crafted a new chapter in the region’s gastronomy.
