With the start of the new year BTM highlights the best gastronomic spots around town for you to celebrate life in the company of great food and a feel-good atmosphere. They’re places you must try this year.
Crisp table linen, stewards in smart attire and shining silverware is what the mind conjures up with the term ‘fine dining’. The food and beverage industry has evolved since the classical era, and Bahrain is a hotbed of luxury gastronomy native to various corners of Earth.
Here’s a round-up of some of the best venues that deserve our mention.
Gulf Hotel Bahrain
Bahrain’s indigenous five-star brand is as up there alongside the multinational hotel chains of the world, especially when it comes to fine dining options. Royal Thai restaurant is fit for discerning customers who know the finer points of Thai cuisine. A variety of modern and traditional favourites are on the menu, to be enjoyed in elegant Asian décor. Sato is the place to savour authentic Japanese delicacies, while La Pergola caters to a quintessentially Italian palate. Rasoi by Vineet is the only venue in Bahrain where you can sample the ingenious creations of Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, where the Indian fare is innovative, modern and, most importantly, outstanding.
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
The iconic structure is home to dining outlets par excellence. Celebrated chef Wolfgang Puck’s CUT by Wolfgang Puck is touted to serve some of the most sought-after steaks in the Kingdom, and re Asian dazzles diners with the chef’s modern take on ancient Asian cuisine. Vento is a mélange of authentic Italian flavours, fantastically mixed beverages and the best Arabic shisha in town.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
This five-star heavyweight has been on the island for a while now and is a hot favourite when one is seeking to dine at the very best. From Mediterranean specialities to innovative Indian and Mexican cuisine, this hotel has it all. Plums is a must-try for succulent steaks that draw the sophisticated crowds in, and Primavera is known for delectable Italian. Cantina Kahlo’s characteristic Mexican food and interiors stand in stark contrast to La Med’s understated elegance. Take your pick!
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain
This award-winning property offers luxurious dining to the jet-set, thanks to its proximity to the airport. It truly reflects Bahrain’s cosmopolitan and rich lifestyle with its culinary offerings. Silk’s restaurant offers various theme nights on different days of the week, which warrant a try – after all, variety is the spice of life.
Sheraton Bahrain Hotel
This hotel, a landmark of Manama, is the first choice of royal dignitaries and Bahrain’s business community. Savour the authentic flavours of China at Soie with friends, family and colleagues in a charming Oriental ambience. If you fancy the delicate flavours of Persia, head to Golestan for a fine fusion of contemporary and classic elements.
Downtown Rotana
This hotel has two outlets that’ll take you far away from the hubbub of Manama, even though you’re at the centre of it all. Teatro Downtown beckons with its open kitchen serving up Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Italian bites. It claims to be the city centre’s hottest destination to be seen at, and has a sushi bar, pizza oven and two tandoors to show off its versatility. The other hotspot is the rooftop Alto Lounge and Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the capital while you enjoy delicious Middle Eastern fare.
Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa
This towering property has two noteworthy pockets of culinary genius within its sophisticated confines. Ruka gives diners stunning views of Seef from the 24th floor. The menu features the best tastes of Japan – sushi, robata, teppanyaki and ramen in an ambience designed to impress. Rasoi greets you with hearty aromas of Indian food. The food is enriched with exotic spices that impart flavours fit for royalty.
The Domain Hotel and Spa
Located in the Diplomatic Area, the hotel’s Le Sauvage takes the fine dining cake, along with Imari, the sleek Japanese venue. While the former is known for its cured meats and mouthwatering steaks, Imari usually has a range of promotions to tickle the Japanese food fan’s taste buds.
InterContinental Regency Bahrain
Legendz Steakhouse shares its passion for prime cuts, fine grape and warm service, while it’s at Medzo that you can taste Italian fare that speaks the language of today’s urbanite. The dining room is a sophisticated one, lending the right dose of cheer for entertaining and being entertained.
Al Areen Palace and Spa
Keizo is a veritable dining paradise, especially when the weather is balmy. Seat yourself at the man-made island for an uber romantic evening, highlighted with fine Asian gastronomy from the kitchen. The staff are thoughtful enough to go the extra mile and decorate your table with candles and flowers, if you so wish. A perfect 10 for special occasions.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
This ultra-luxury hotel perched on the pristine beaches of Zallaq boasts a bundle of extravagant dining options. Pashawat lures you with a Middle Eastern spread, replete with an exciting ambience and live entertainment. Lovers of seafood should head to La Mer, where they can watch their selection of fish being prepared live. Dine out at the venue’s jetty with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
La Vinoteca Barcelona
Located in hip Adliya, this upscale restaurant is the only all-Spanish eatery on the island, known for its robust flavours that result from using top-quality ingredients, a stylish outdoor seating area and family-friendly entertainment. If you crave something out of the ordinary, opt for the degustation menu for the real taste of Spain, or start the night right with small plates of tapas.
Café Amsterdam
This one fits the bill no matter what your mood, with its bright interiors and tasty Anglo-Dutch dishes. Open for breakfast right up to a late dinner, the sumptuous flavours will ensure you’ll be returning for more, time and again.
The Orangery, Tea Room and Patisserie
This quintessentially European venue at Palace Hotel is especially known for its delicate high-tea and patisserie offerings, but does a mean lunch and dinner as well. Its surroundings are as much appreciated as the food it serves. Cake lovers (aren’t we all?) will be on cloud nine just looking at the sheer variety of baked treats available.
Monsoon
Step into the tranquil environment of this Balinese palace in Adliya,to enjoy the true flavours of Far Eastern cuisine. The varied choice of food and the characteristic ambience makes it stand out from the crowd of other fine-dining spots in the area.
Maki Bahrain
The swish set head to Maki at the Bahrain World Trade Centre for exciting flavours, textures and aromas that Japanese food affords. This restaurant is a must-visit for tastes that transcend cultural boundaries, enthralling diners with innovative Japanese cuisine.
