Two stars; one night
Amman is about to witness a standout moment in Middle Eastern dining. On 15 December, Chef Sara Aqel of Dara Dining and Dubai’s very own Solemann Haddad of Moonrise will unite for an exclusive four-hands dinner inside The Tasting Room, the restaurant’s intimate 30-seat private dining space. Ranked No. 18 and No. 10 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, the chefs are bringing their combined flair, fire and flavour to a single night designed for diners who love bold creativity.
Expect a specially curated menu highlighting local producers and artisans, with thoughtful wine pairings from Dara’s Wine Shop, known for its organic, small-batch selections sourced from boutique farms.
View this post on Instagram
For Haddad, this marks his first-ever appearance in Amman. Known for his boundary-pushing interpretation of “Dubai cuisine”, he’s stepping into Jordan ready to explore its ingredients and terroir. “It’s an honour to cook alongside Sara in a city rich in history and flavour,” he says.
Aqel, whose Levantine-meets-Mediterranean style has earned global recognition, is equally excited. “We share the same love for playful, flavour-driven food. I can’t wait to see how our styles come together,” she says.
Why It Matters
This dinner isn’t just a pop-up; it’s a moment of regional pride. Aqel and Haddad, both winners of the World’s Best Chef Awards’ One Knife Award for two consecutive years, are part of a rising generation shaping the future of Arab dining. Their collaboration signals a growing culinary kinship across the Middle East – one that celebrates talent, identity and the power of local produce.
View this post on Instagram
For diners, it’s a rare chance to experience two distinct, award-winning voices merging in real time.
The four-hands dinner will take place at 7pm on 15 December 2025 at Dara Dining on Al-Mutanabbi Street. With just 30 seats available, reservations via dara.jo are essential. Catch these two rising stars while you can.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
