Exclusive on Eat: La Mer, Wok, Fiamma and More...
Island fever is inevitable in Bahrain, and the only remedy is usually a trip to nearby Dubai or Oman for a change of pace and scene. But if you're in need of a city break, why not head down to the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa and refresh with some tantalising foodie options! This week we've added 5 new restaurants to our reservations app for Bahrain, including the haute seafood restaurant La Mer, authentic vietnamese with Wok, some classic Italian at Fiamma, and ... well you'll just have to read on to find out more!
La Mer
Potentially Bahrain's top spot for seafood, La Mer is the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa's signature restaurant. Winners of Time Out Bahrain's 2014 Best Seafood Restaurant, you haven't been eating fish properly till you've eaten here, where the grub is pretty much fished out of the salty waters of the Arabian Gulf and slapped straight onto your plate. The Ambience is spacious, intimate and classy - just how we like it. A sense of elegance is created through the minimalistic vibe that La Mer gives off; the few decorations are all tasteful and not overdone. Besides fantastic seafood, the view is also top-notch, with the floor to ceiling windows opening out onto the serene ocean. Our top tip? Get here in time for the sunset.
Make a reservation at La Mer
Wok
Wok is definitely a contender for our hidden gem award for 2016! Renowned for its pho and steamed dumplings, it's one of the island's real epicurean delights, offering diners some of the best authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in Bahrain. Tucked away under the grand staircase at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, it's a modestly sized venue that's ideal for a romantic getaway dinner with most of the tables set up for couples and the dim lighting adding to the atmosphere. The food is a riot of colour and taste, with many surprising (but delicious!) combinations, such as the chilli-infused exotic fruit. If you love the Vietnamese cuisine as much as we do, you might be tempted to sign up for their traditional Vietnamese cooking classes so you can whip up a similar feast in your own kitchen!
Make a reservation at Wok
Fiamma
There's no shortage of Italian restaurants in Bahrain, but only a select few can really offer bona fide Italian cuisine, and Fiamma is one of them. This trendy eatery is decked out in a relaxing aquamarine and light brown colour scheme that makes us think of the Mediterranean coastline, while the menu is a real reflection of Italian cuisine as it's done in the motherland. The menu has a good range of choices, including antipasti, soup, pizza, fish, meat, pasta and risotto. Featuring a wood-fire oven and an abundance of fresh ingredients, this joint may just be our new favourite Italiano.
Make a reservation at Fiamma
Saraya
Sprawled out under the main lobby area, Saraya is the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa's all-day dining restaurant. The space is quite special due to its unique combination of spaciousness and light; the ceiling stretches high above and a range of glistening, tasteful Moroccan chandeliers add a sparkle of colour. The floor to ceiling windows let in an abundance of natural light, and the view is a soothing combination of greenery, pristine beach and tranquil ocean. Serving up international cuisine with a haute twist, breakfast, lunch and dinner are all delicious here. Check out their famous Friday brunches for a taste of the truly decadent!
Make a reservation at Saraya
Pashawat
Pashawat offers pretty darn tasty Lebanese and Persian cuisine in a contemporary Arabian setting. It's definitely a spot for late diners and night owls, with its opening hours extending all the way until 1.30am! There's regular entertainment in the form of live music, singers and even belly dancing, making for quite a festive atmosphere.