From elegant Lebanese mezze to authentic Bahraini machboos — discover the best Arabic and Middle Eastern restaurants in Bahrain.
Last updated: 2026-02-24
Mezze, grills, hummus, fattoush
Zahle, Abd El Wahab, Em Sherif
Machboos, harees, Gulf specialties
Layali Zaman, Sablat Al Zain
Shawarma, kibbeh, similar to Lebanese
Various Syrian restaurants
Soujok, manti, unique preparations
Mamig
Complete guide with prices, specialties, and recommendations.
Gulf Hotel, Adliya • Lebanese
Award-winning Lebanese restaurant with decades of history. Known as one of the best Arabic restaurants in the Gulf with authentic recipes and elegant setting.
Must Try: Mezze platter, Mixed grill, Lamb chops
Atmosphere: Elegant Lebanese décor, live music nights
Hours: Daily 12PM-11PM
Reservations: Recommended, especially weekends
Best for: Special occasions, business meals, authentic Lebanese
Adliya • Lebanese
Sophisticated Lebanese dining with beautiful interiors and exceptional mezze. Outdoor terrace perfect for Adliya evenings.
Must Try: Hot mezze selection, Grilled halloumi, Kunafa
Atmosphere: Elegant, indoor and outdoor seating
Hours: Daily 12PM-12AM
Reservations: Recommended
Best for: Romantic dinners, celebrations, groups
Diplomatic Area • Lebanese
Popular Lebanese spot known for generous portions, consistent quality, and great value for money.
Must Try: Mixed mezze, Chicken taouk, Shawarma
Atmosphere: Contemporary Lebanese, family-friendly
Hours: Daily 11AM-12AM
Reservations: Recommended for groups
Best for: Family gatherings, regular visits, groups
Multiple locations • Lebanese/Seafood
Popular Lebanese restaurant famous for fresh seafood and traditional Arabic dishes. Multiple branches across Bahrain.
Must Try: Fish of the day, Shrimp saganaki, Fried calamari
Atmosphere: Casual, family-oriented
Hours: Daily 11AM-11PM
Reservations: Not usually required
Best for: Seafood lovers, families, casual dining
Juffair • Syrian/Lebanese
Beloved neighborhood spot for authentic Syrian and Lebanese food at great prices. Known for shawarma and fresh bread.
Must Try: Shawarma plate, Hummus, Fresh bread from oven
Atmosphere: Casual, bustling
Hours: Daily 10AM-2AM
Reservations: Not required
Best for: Late night, shawarma runs, casual meals
Seef • Armenian/Lebanese
Armenian-Lebanese restaurant with unique dishes and excellent meat preparations. Popular for its soujok and manti.
Must Try: Soujok, Manti, Lamb cutlets
Atmosphere: Contemporary, comfortable
Hours: Daily 12PM-11PM
Reservations: Recommended for weekends
Best for: Armenian cuisine, meat lovers, groups
Seef Mall • Lebanese
Modern Lebanese restaurant in Seef Mall. Great for shopping breaks with reliable Lebanese classics.
Must Try: Mezze combo, Chicken shawarma, Lemonade
Atmosphere: Modern, mall dining
Hours: Mall hours
Reservations: Walk-in friendly
Best for: Shopping breaks, quick meals, families
Juffair • Khaleeji/Arabic
Authentic Gulf cuisine restaurant serving traditional Bahraini and Khaleeji dishes. Popular with locals.
Must Try: Chicken machboos, Fish machboos, Harees
Atmosphere: Traditional, local crowd
Hours: Daily 11AM-11PM
Reservations: Not required
Best for: Authentic local food, Khaleeji cuisine, budget
Muharraq • Bahraini
Authentic Bahraini restaurant in historic Muharraq. Traditional setting with local specialties.
Must Try: Bahraini breakfast, Balaleet, Chicken machboos
Atmosphere: Traditional Bahraini, heritage setting
Hours: Daily 7AM-10PM
Reservations: Not required
Best for: Authentic experience, Bahraini food, cultural immersion
The Avenues • Lebanese
Glamorous Lebanese restaurant known for dramatic presentations and extensive mezze. A theatrical dining experience.
Must Try: Full mezze experience, Mixed grill, Kunafa
Atmosphere: Luxurious, theatrical presentations
Hours: Daily 12PM-12AM
Reservations: Essential
Best for: Special occasions, celebrations, groups
Assorted appetizers - hummus, mutabbal, tabbouleh, etc.
Best at: Zahle, Abd El Wahab
Bahraini spiced rice with meat or fish
Best at: Layali Zaman, Sablat Al Zain
Marinated meat in bread with garlic sauce
Best at: Syrian and Lebanese restaurants
Assorted grilled meats - kebab, tikka, chops
Best at: Zahle, Em Sherif
Fresh salad with crispy bread and sumac
Best at: Abd El Wahab, Mirai
Sweet cheese pastry with syrup
Best at: Em Sherif, Zahle
Arabic food is meant to be shared. Order mezze for the table and share main courses.
Fresh Arabic bread is essential. Use it to scoop mezze. Ask for more — it's usually free.
Mezze comes first, then grills. Don't fill up on mezze! Leave room for the main course.
Arabic restaurants make excellent fresh juices. Try lemon mint, pomegranate, or mixed fruit.
Zahle at Gulf Hotel is widely considered the best Lebanese restaurant. Em Sherif and Abd El Wahab are also exceptional for Lebanese cuisine.
For authentic Khaleeji/Bahraini cuisine, try Layali Zaman in Juffair or Sablat Al Zain in Muharraq for traditional dishes like machboos and harees.
Mezze is a collection of small dishes served as appetizers in Arabic cuisine — hummus, mutabbal, tabbouleh, fattoush, kibbeh, etc. It's meant to be shared.
Machboos is the traditional Bahraini rice dish with meat, chicken, or fish, cooked with baharat spices, onions, and loomi (dried lime). It's the national dish.