Ajlun's small town centre has a cluster of local restaurants and a modest produce market that's worth a wander. The food here is typical northern Jordanian — mansaf (slow-cooked lamb over rice with jameed sauce, usually ordered for groups), maqluba (an inverted rice and vegetable dish), and plates of hummus and ful mudammas. Nothing is aimed at tourists and menus are rarely in English, but pointing at neighbouring tables works fine.
The market around the central square sells seasonal vegetables, olives, and olive oil from local farms. In autumn the stalls fill with figs, pomegranates, and freshly harvested olives. If you are self-catering or just want to pick up snacks, the market is an inexpensive and genuine alternative to the overpriced tourist restaurants near the castle. Breakfast options in town include small bakeries selling ka'ak (sesame ring bread) and glasses of sweet sage tea.