Bahrain: Bars & Restaurants
Restaurants
Ok so I’m a little bit of a foodie but also believe you don’t need to spend a fortune to obtain some decent grub. So here are my ‘best of’ options for high end ($$$), mid range ($$) and great budget meals ($) with a few descriptive notes.
$$$:
Bushido by Buddha Bar
Japanese share plates and an interactive teppanyaki option saw me (not) catch an egg in my hat three times! This place balances fun and intimacy.
Masso Restaurant
This gorgeous, dimly lit restaurant offers a degustation or a la carte menu. There is a hidden bar behind for a satisfying night cap. It oozes class and romance and is a real treat.
CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Four Seasons
Food. Views. I have no more words. Head to the Blue Moon Lounge next door for a pre- or post-drink.
Play Restaurant, Jumeirah Royal Saray
Food is nice, atmosphere could be improved, appears to be a local hit. If you wanted an Arabic hotspot, this is it.
$$:
David’s Stir Fry Crazy
David’s is fun, caters to large groups and has delicious seafood for a fraction of the price of large hotels. Upstairs and downstairs tables are available. Walk to Old Beams for an ecletic old school drink after your meal and it’s the perfect beginning to a night …
The Orangery Tearoom & Patisserie
Delicious gourmet pastries and large scale event cakes are the order of the day at this patisserie which has a dedicated seated waiting area due to its popularity. Tables are available on an airy outdoor patio or inside with boutique baroque furniture. Be prepared to wait in the wing until the next table is free on a weekend. It’s popular with locals and not hard to see why!
Fusions, The Gulf Hotel
A newly reopened and curated menu sees this restaurant launch with colour. Views are divine and are on par with the Blue Moon Lounge at the Four Seasons. The upside is you might even be able to book a table here without a significant wait list!
Trader Vic’s, Ritz Carlton Hotel
This lively restaurant with Polynesian traditions is in a more secluded section of the Ritz Carlton. Cocktails galore will see you swoon. Choose a casual seated area by the live music or a more intimate table by the lagoon.
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Sherlock Holmes
Ye Olde English pub with traditional fare and all of the sports will have you feeling right back in the UK. It can be loud during peak times or sporting events, or quiet during the day with an equally appetising Guinness pie or fish and chips on the menu. Get involved with some billiards or darts.
Old Beams
This small non descript pub displays old school movie art on the walls and offers a wide variety of beers. Find yourself a corner and snuggle up or make friends at a bigger table. The food is cheap, filling and quite tasty!
Schwarma next to JJs Irish Pub
Ok so JJs is not on my list of restaurants to visit, however, you may inadvertently find yourself here after a long day/night. There’s live music and a dance floor and if you don’t hear a version of ‘Zombie’ by the Cranberries then there’s a fair chance you’re in the wrong place. Nevertheless, there is a time and a place for everything in this life. And after you’ve been here, or quite possibly beforehand, you need to visit the schwarma place next door and get yourself a cheap as chips chicken or lamb schwarma. Delicious. I’d probably pay for the Uber just to have the evening with schwarma and no JJs. Although I’ve gotta say I’m a bit partial to a little JJs.
Big Texas BBQ
Think lots of beefed up US Navy guys, American flags and food and you’re probably in Big Texas. A note to single females: be en guarde. Especially at the bar.
Bars
Coda Jazz Lounge
Live music lounge in the Atiram Premier Hotel, Juffair, with ladies night on Wednesdays featuring special cocktail deals and a fun dance floor. This is an upmarket venue with great live music and a truly great vibe on both my visits here. Find yourself a cosy booth or free table, kick back and socialise.
Meisei
A classy Japanese fusion rooftop bar in Adliya. This is a great place for dinner or a glass of wine, with a vibing ambience and views of the streets below.
Calexico
A mexican themed cocktail bar in Adliya. Cocktails aplenty, this place is near the ‘I Heart Bahrain’ instagram photo op.
Lanterns
This restaurant chain boasts five branches across Bahrain but the Adliya location showcases a Truck Bar, Courtyard Garden and dining room. It is popular with expats…
Viola
A Caribbean oasis in Adliya with unique art and funky music. It’s an intimate room with funky Central American themes.
Hazel Rooftop Lounge
The next floor up from Viola, Hazel offers gourmet sharing plates and international tapas with signature cocktails. Get your high heels, fake lashes and facial fillers ready…
Blue Moon Rooftop Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel
Classy, dimly lit, sophisticated and quiet, with views beyond measure across the bay. Order an Old Fashioned on the rocks, sit back with a cigar or a pensive look and just be.
Gallery 21
A rooftop cocktail joint in Adliya which might make you feel a little oddball if you’re in the Western Expat grouping… Nevertheless, enchanting cocktails are available here in a neon luminscent setting.
McGettigans
A great place to spend your Saturday recovery (NB: Western Sunday) for a relaxed drink or six; live music and great atmosphere 24/7. It’s Irish. Say no more. It’s really a great all-rounder during the day or night.
The British Club
This is predominantly full of expats wanting a weekend beer poolside to escape the heat or meet with friends. The Brit Club frequently offers entertainment evenings and has great sporting and children’s holiday activity options. It’s friendly and you’ll feel like you’re ‘at home’.
Vins
Ok, this place comes with a caveat. Occasionally I love a seedy, no-fuss venue where I can let my hair down and relax. That is Vins bar. Cheap drinks (compared to the astromonical price tag in most Bahraini venues), no pretence, karaoke and some raucous laughter. It’s a bit of a dive but it’s amazing and real.
