Dining

Al Fresco Allure

by BTM

Tue, 30 October 2018

Al Fresco Allure

As the weather changes, so do the dining habits of the islanders, bringing them outdoors to enjoy the pleasure of eating out, literally. BTM rounds up the best open-air hotspots around The Kingdom.

The scorching heat and heavy humidity have made way for cooler climes to grace the island. Now’s the time to get outside and take in the balmy breeze, and what better way to do this than an evening out savouring your favourite food and drinks?

Bahrain being a beautiful archipelago blessed with azure waters lapping the coastline, waterfront eateries offer the best scenes while dining by day or night. Take Tapas Bar and Restaurant at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa for instance. Not only does the view there make you go “C’est magnifique!”, but the marine-inspired outlet at this five-star property has all the trappings of a very chic venue to entertain and be entertained. 

Similar in class and style, and affording stunning water views is The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The terrace of Trader Vic’s offers guests a pleasant ambience, where one can settle in for a long evening of delicious tidbits and signature beverages. Cantina Kahlo’s outdoor area is the perfect place to enjoy exotic Mexican flavours under the gentle swish of palm trees, while Primavera’s classic Italian dishes eaten al fresco in beautiful surroundings are sure to impress. Close by in the same district, Bushido, one of the island’s premier Japanese eateries, has a tranquil outdoor patio. Also in Seef, Nasmat Pool & Lounge at The Westin City Centre Bahrain is a relaxed setting for guests to take a dip in the outdoor pool and enjoy a pint of ale or a glass of grape.
Bahrain Bay Kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay allows diners to take in the sights of the island’s iconic architectural marvels, while savouring an international smorgasbord of dishes. Also in the list of outdoor restaurants in the bustling city centre is Downtown Rotana’s Alto – a rooftop venue offering sweeping views of the urban beauty that is Manama. 

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa houses Kontiki, an old favourite of Bahrain residents. This dining spot that serves a mix of Asian cuisines spills out on a terrace by the sophisticated poolside of the newly renovated property. 

Close to the King Faisal Corniche is Coral Bay Resort, offering an outdoor ambience that can transport you to a beach-front paradise complete with a marina to boast. Albeit away from the city, Al Areen Palace & Spa’s Asian dining outlet, Keizo, has set up gazebos on its man-made islands. These private lakeside pavilions make idyllic dining spots for a romantic evening. 

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s Typhoon Bar and Lounge is a lush, tropical setting – a perfect place to enjoy cocktails and postprandial drinks. Adliya, where this five-star establishment is located, has a number of stand-alone dining hotspots that offer delectable bites under the open sky. Café Lilou, is an all-time favourite for fusion French fare, while Meisei’s rooftop offers the glittering lights of Block 338 along with authentic Japanese delicacies. It may not be easy, no matter the day of the week, to secure a table at Coco’s for lunch or dinner. The wait for space in the cosy little garden can be even longer, but just so worth it. Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant, everyone’s go-to, has comfortable open-air seating in which guests can enjoy some delicious nibbles and beverages. Angelina Paris is a quintessentially Parisian tearoom serving classic pastries for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a chic outdoor area.

 At the far end of Adliya, the Palace Boutique Hotel has the Orangery Tea Room and Patisserie, with twinkling fairy lights and a vintage fountain adding flair to the ambience. Masso, housed in the same property, has an outdoor terrace where guests can chill out with friends while they enjoy excellent Italian fare.

Crossing the highway into Juffair, Wembley Lounge at the Atiram Premier Hotel offers an electric outdoor environment, perfect for nights out or a lazy Friday brunch. The Wyndham Garden Manama, also in Juffair, houses the Terrace @ 28, the ideal place to relish traditional German cuisine and malts with a fantastic view of Juffair’s skyline to go with it. Affording a great view of the Grand Mosque is Via Brazil, the hotel’s venue to gorge on Brasilian delights. 

If you’re looking to take your dinner date to a place that looks far removed from the city, but is actually right in its centre, it’s the fine-dining eatery at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art. The outdoor area has an earthy, minimalist tone and, with the lights and the majestic fountain, it looks straight out of a fairytale.  

After a great round of golf at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa, catch your breath on the outdoor terrace of Links. It’s a unique experience dining before the rolling greens. If it’s a dose of Bahrain’s history that you’re after, then Saffron by Jena offers commanding views of the Riffa Fort. The popular establishment keeps the legacy of authentic Bahraini cuisine alive, but with a twist of the modern thrown in. Similarly, Darseen Café at the Bahrain National Museum also offers outside seating and lip-smacking good food. 

The white Grecian columns at Ya Hala at the Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands lend the al fresco venue a picturesque Mediterranean flair. The food echoes the ambience, boasting influences from coastal Europe, the Levant and the Middle East. The Lagoon, located in the heart of the man-made island of Amwaj Islands has a smattering of café-restaurants that are perfect to spend relaxed afternoons and weekend evenings. Guests have the added advantage of partaking in the numerous social activities that are planned year round while there, or simply take pleasure in the wonderful view of the lights reflecting on the water. 

The island is full of picturesque venues with al fresco dining offerings, so take advantage of this beautiful weather and get exploring!