Bahrain is famous for its heritage. However, it also has a cuisine that’s as multi-layered as its history. As a major port and trading hub since ancient times, this nation is home to many expat communities, and Arabic, Persian, Indian, African, European and East Asian cultures, influences the food.

So which are the places to get a taste of Bahrain? Check out our list of some of the best restaurants in Bahrain, divided by category.

Fast Food Category:

Shake Shack

From its humble beginnings as a hot dog cart outside the Madison Square Park in Manhattan, Shake Shack has become one of the fastest growing fast food joints today.  Styled like a “roadside” burger stand, the menu offers deliciously juicy burgers like their classic Shack Burger, Cheeseburger, hot dogs, frozen custards, shakes and more.  

The Shake Shack favourites – The ShackBurger and Flattop hotdog

Location: 2nd Floor, City Centre Bahrain, Manama
Phone: +973 1 757 101
Website:  shakeshack.com/location/city-centre-bahrain-bahrain


Wagamama

Wagamama resembles Japanese ramen bars and displays an Asian inspired cuisine. The extensive menu features classic Japanese dishes like Donburi, a big bowl of rice stir fried with chicken, beef or prawn and vegetables, steaming bowls of fresh ramen topped with your choice of meat, vegetables and other garnishes and sushi, sashimi and lots more. You should not miss the chef special omkase of grilled teriyaki lamb with mushrooms, asparagus, kale and mangetout served on a bed of soba noodles in a pea, herb and wasabi dressing.

The chef’s special – Omkase at Wagamama

Location:  Shop #2216, Bldg. 2758, Road 4650, Manama Seafront
Phone:  +973 1 650 5051
Cuisine: Asian

Jasmi’s

Coffee with muffin, Jasmi’s Daily Offer

Bahrain’s answer to McDonald’s, Jasmi’s has some of the best burgers and fries in town. Their breakfast meals are a hit with locals and expats: sausage muffins, bagels with eggs and cheese, and a variety of coffees including the toffee frappe and the caramel de leche frappe. Do try out their Good Morning Breakfast: a power combo of sausage, baked beans, egg, jam, butter and brown bread with Jasmi’s signature coffee or tea.

Location: Level 2, City Centre Bahrain, Road 4650, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Manama
Phone: +973 17179000
Website: https://www.jasmiscoffee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasmisbh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmis_bh

Vapiano

The upscale Italian restaurant, Vapiano brings a modern twist to fast food dining in Bahrain. Order your favourite pizza, pasta, soup or salad with a chip card and have your dish delivered at your table within 3 minutes. If you are a lover of Italian cuisine, visit Vapiano for their scrumptious made-to-order hand tossed pizzas, fresh, house-made pasta and hand tossed gourmet salads.

Fresh salad of roasted butternut squash cubes and avocado on a bed of mixed lettuce, cucumber, carrots and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a homemade lime-chili-dressing

Location: Level 1, City Centre Bahrain, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Manama
Phone:  +973 1 749 1391
Cuisine: Italian
Facebook: facebook.com/VapianoBH/


Family Restaurants Category:

Baan Saeng Thai

Baan Saeng Thai authentic Thai cuisine in Bahrain

This restaurant is best known for serving authentic Thai cuisine in Bahrain. Chefs flew in from southern Thailand to prepare the food. We highly recommend the seafood dishes at Baan Saeng Thai. Seafood fanatics will especially enjoy their grilled items, as well as their Thai Seafood Buffet, served on every Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The restaurant has ample parking space, so it’s ideal for families.

Location: Road No. 2629, Manama, Bahrain
Phone: + 973 1771 0467
Cuisine: Thai
Website: https://www.hotelseashell.com


Beit El Dar

Beit El Dar Cafe & Restaurant reinvents the Oriental parlour with its warm, spacious ambience and breezy atmosphere. It’s a perfect place for casual dining as well as special occasions and their appetizers, grills and salads are some of the best in town.

Location: Entrance 649, Road 1509, Al Shamali, Riffa
Phone: + 973 1362 0330
Cuisine: Mediterranean and International Food

Website: https://thewalk-bh.com/outlets/beit-el-dar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beiteldar_bh


Asha’s



At Asha’s in City Centre Bahrain

Founded by the iconic singer Asha Bhonsle, Asha’s is a unique Indian restaurant that serves up a combination of dishes from northwest India, home-style cooking, and fusion recipes. The restaurant has cozy seating is in private booths and is great for families out for a weekend dinner out.

Location: Level 2, City Centre Bahrain, Road 4650, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Manama
Phone: +973 17179751
Cuisine: Indian
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Website: https://ashasrestaurants.com/bahrain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshasOriginal
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashasmiddleeast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashasrestaurant
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WAFIRestaurants


Veranda

Open Buffet, Veranda

Veranda in Bahrain

Enjoy the simple pleasures of life at one of the few Wi-Fi-enabled cafes in Bahrain. Veranda offers a variety of fusion dishes in a soothing ambience and has special areas for families. Take the opportunity to sample items from their specialty fruit juice bar, bakery and ice cream delicatessen.

Location: 66 Avenue 206, Manama, Bahrain
Phone: +973 17715868
Website: https://www.verandabahrain.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/VerandaBahrain1


Fine Dining Category:

Nasmat- Poolbar

View of the poolside, Nasmat

Located in the Westin Hotel at City Centre Bahrain, Nasmat Lounge and Restaurant provides a chilled out dining experience away from the hustle and bustle of Manama. Enjoy Mediterranean delicacies, refreshing beverages and a variety of light snacks by the poolside, as well as traditional shisha service.

Location: Ground floor, City Centre Bahrain, Road 4650, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Manama
Phone: +973 17171000
Cuisine: International

Website: https://www.westinbahraincitycentre.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westincitycentrebahrain
Twitter: https://twitter.com/westinbahrain
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westinbahrain



Masso by Chef Susy Massetti

Enjoy the farm to table dining concept at Masso in Bahrain

Located inside The Palace Boutique Hotel, Masso serves healthy and organic European cuisine. Masso is influenced by southern European culinary trends and has a seasonal menu based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Location: Shaikh Isa Avenue, Manama
Phone: +973 1772 1061
Cuisine: South-European

Website: https://massorestaurant.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Masso-by-Chef-Susy-Massetti-257547000956665
Twitter: https://twitter.com/massorestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massorestaurant

Enjoy the best food and service while dining out in Bahrain. Bon appetite!