Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

Where to Eat in Manama, Bahrain

Mosaic lamps sold at Manama Souq
Mosaic lamps sold at Manama Souq | © Nelson Cena/Shutterstock

With an abundance of international-style restaurants serving up everything from Italian to Iranian to Mexican on the same menu, Manama, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is rich in places to dine out. From smoking a shisha overlooking the city to tucking into a spicy chicken cashew curry, guests can discover something new in one of these Manama restaurants.

Masso

Located inside The Palace Boutique Hotel, Masso restaurant serves up healthy, organic, European cuisine. A fine dining restaurant influenced by the laid-back southern European way of life, the menu comprises a series of sharing plates as well as individual dishes to make dining here an enjoyable, social affair. Complimentary bread and a homemade dips are brought to the table whilst guests peruse the menu. Opt for the date and wild rocket salad, juicy Angus beef rib-eye steak, catch of the day or the pumpkin ravioli. Reservations are recommended and cocktails are available in the bar before the restaurant opens.

Cafe Lilou

An idyllic lunch spot, Cafe Lilou resembles a Parisian brasserie and offers guests a beautiful view from the terrace. Stop by for a coffee and a freshly baked pastry. For something more wholesome try a crisp salad or tasty sandwich made with freshly baked bread. Lunch at Cafe Lilou can easily turn into afternoon tea, as the comfy sofas entice tired tourist legs to stay seated for just a little bit longer. Each day there is a chef’s special cocktail, soup, salad and dinner plat, check the chalkboard for details.

Bushido Restaurant

Certainly eccentric in design, the Bushido Restaurant is surrounded by a small moat and adorned with Samurai statues and plush furnishings in rich, warming colors. Stepping over the threshold is equivalent to walking through a door into another world, a Japanese themed world. An eclectic mix of lounge and ethno-house music adds to the indulgent atmosphere and guests have the choice of four venues to relax and unwind in as the evening draws in. The beautiful al fresco dining area on the terrace, the dark and romantic indoor dining room, the authentic teppanyaki room, and, of course, the sushi bar. For the finishing touch, Bushido also offers diners an extensive cocktail menu and range of sake.

Mirai

An innovative Japanese restaurant tucked away in central Manama, Mirai’s menu fuses traditional Japanese cuisine with elements borrowed from Italian and French classics to create something entirely new and exciting. Reserve a table online and arrive early to enjoy a cocktail in the lounge before being seated. For dinner, opt for the chef’s recommendation of the day or choose the beef teppanyaki (Japanese veal medallions), or a selection of new wave sashimi and nigiri sushi for a meal to remember.

Veranda Restaurant and Cafe

Serving traditional Middle Eastern cuisine in a homely, magically-decorated restaurant, for many the Veranda Restaurant and Cafe is their favourite destination in Bahrain. Dishes on offer include warm Arabic breads, skewered chicken, fresh salads, fried appetizers and plenty of refreshing fruity drinks. For those new to this type of cuisine, Veranda’s Thursday and Friday night barbecue buffets are the perfect opportunity to sample a selection of local meat dishes accompanied by a selection of salads, vegetables and exotic fruits.

Maki Bahrain

Located on the ground floor of Bahrain’s World Trade Centre, Maki boasts an innovative and inspiring menu, with traditional authentic Japanese ingredients used to create unique Asian and Mediterranean gastronomic delights. Both the restaurant and the lounge area are open until late everyday making it a perfect restaurant choice for anyone looking to continue their evening long after dinner is over. Its location within a mall means it’s a great post-shopping dinner spot too. Sleek and contemporary in design, Maki is a sophisticated and modern dining experience that serves up stylish dishes to match.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

About the author

Chloe Hay is a 24-year-old food obsessed Londoner who spends her days thinking, talking and writing about food. When she's not scurrying around her home city seeking out the next hottest deli or underground speakeasy, she's likely to be on the hunt for the best local eateries abroad. To see what she's been up to this month, check out her website or follow her on Twitter.

close-ad