After deciding to open a restaurant, geologist George Haddadin chose to name the establishment Mrah Salameh, which translates to “Happiness of Tranquility.” Unlike most other restaurants that boast of calmness, his restaurant's ambience stems from being underground, in a cave dating to the Neolithic era. Haddadin turned the Stone Age cavern into a restaurant after initial protests by members of the local community in Madaba, 20 miles south of Amman, who thought it would represent the destruction of their heritage. Instead, Haddadin has transformed the cave into a historical and culinary destination.

“It is an archaeological attraction that provides food, not a restaurant,” Haddadin told Al-Monitor. Haddadin also describes the space, with dim lighting and a touch of humidity, as the perfect place to meditate.

Mrah Salameh is the result of an accidental discovery. In 2010, Haddadin, who headed the Jordanian Geological Association from 1988 to 1992, had wanted to build a house on a piece of land owned by his father. “When we started digging, I discovered these caves,” he explained. Haddadin alerted the Ministry of Culture about his findings, and the experts sent to examine the cave found that it dated to the Stone Age, as they explained in a report.

“I initially wanted to turn the place into a museum,” Haddadin said. “But after a while, I thought I could turn it into a restaurant where the body and the spirit are fed.” He then sought approval for his idea from the Ministry of Culture, with the local branch in Madaba helping him obtain the necessary licenses.