My first taste of Little Petra was back on Mill Road in 2022. I remember it fondly, as their offering of traditional Jordanian cuisine was simply outstanding and the overall experience, from the vibrant flavors to the warm atmosphere, was almost perfect.

My only real gripe at the time was the limited space in the restaurant that made it a little too snug for comfort. Fast forward several years later and they’ve since moved into a much larger home on Hills Road – tripling their initial size!

This has also allowed them to expand their menu with a charcoal grill and larger vegetarian and vegan menu.

With my only concern now being met, I was expecting big things and was excited to catch up with this thriving Cambridge institution that seems to be constant theme in the Cambridge Foodies community.

What a feast!

As expected, the restaurant was noticeably bigger than my Mill Road visit. Often, when a restaurant expands or moves into a larger building, it can lose some of its charm and character. However, the new(ish) Little Petra is cleverly divided into two smaller, cafe-like areas, separated by a door in the middle (as seen above). This design gives the restaurant a small, intimate feel on both sides without an overcrowding of chairs and tables. Little Petra also benefits from more wall space dedicated to windows, letting in an abundance of natural light.

Jordanian wine

I was genuinely excited to discover Jordanian wine on Little Petra’s menu. Having never tasted wine from this region before, I was very eager to learn what it had to offer. This added a truly authentic element to my dining experience, with everything from drink to dish, rooted in Jordanian culture. It wasn’t just a bottle of two, there was a diverse selection – from Shiraz to Chardonnay and Rosé – each accompanied by a map detailing its Jordanian origin. My choice, the house red, was a delightful surprise with a dry, lip-smacking tanginess that truly livened up my pallet with flavour.

Raheb

For my starter, I asked the waiter for his personal favourite and he recommended the Raheb. This is a type of Lebanese salad made with aubergines, mixed peppers, red onion, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and generously garnished with bright red pomegranates.

The Raheb was accompanied by a basket of soft pita bread, which proved useful for scooping up every delicious morsel. Its an incredibly fresh tasting and juicy dish that was exceptionally refreshing – ideal for a muggy day like today. I can see why it is such a popular dish in this part of the world.

Lamb Moussaka

Chatting with two lovely ladies at the next table, my attention was immediately captivated by the delicious aromas wafting from one of their plates – a moussaka. The irresistible scent alone made my decision for me, so I picked the lamb moussaka for my main meal. This wasn’t the more common Greek style but a traditional Jordanian rendition featuring large chunks of tender lamb, aubergine, red onion, mixed peppers, and tomato, all slow-cooked into a rich, deeply flavorful stew.

When I mentioned the large lamb chunks, I genuinely meant it! Lifting just one from the bowl caused the broth level to visibly recede. This might be the most tender lamb I have had in ages. It was an absolute breeze to eat, requiring minimal chewing. Each piece practically melted in my mouth, leaving behind a beautiful flavor of lightly spiced lamb.

Incredible!!

Jordanian Salad

I also ordered a Jordanian-style salad, a vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, mixed peppers, onion, and fresh mint. Its presentation was absolutely stunning, bursting with a vibrant pop of color that truly stole the show on the table. Every bite offered a satisfying crunch from the onion, peppers, and lettuce, punctuated by delightful little bursts of pomegranate. This textural play was then followed by a complex, zesty flavor of mint and dressing that truly knocked it out of the park. Wow!

Despite the enticing sight of various baklava options lining the counter – a known weakness of mine for anyone who reads this blog – I managed to curb my craving. Dining alone and having already consumed a significant meal, being utterly full made the decision, though difficult, a sensible one.

Let it be known that I have some form of self control!

Even better than I remember!

My experience at Little Petra today was an emphatic reminder of what I have been missing since my last visit. Not only have they managed to meet the one niggling problem I had with the original restaurant on Mill Road but have also used that extra space to expand their menu.

The food is even better than I remembered and the Jordanian wine offers a unique experience in Cambridge offered nowhere else. Everything from the presentation to the carnival of flavours with every bite makes Little Petra one of my favourite restaurants in the city.

Thanks for reading!