From authentic Bahraini machboos and Lebanese mezze to lavish Khaleeji feasts — discover the rich tapestry of Arabic cuisine across the Kingdom.
Arabic cuisine in Bahrain spans centuries of culinary tradition, from the Kingdom's own Bahraini specialties to Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian, and other regional influences. As a crossroads of the Arab world, Bahrain offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the diverse flavors of Middle Eastern cooking.
Whether you're craving a quick shawarma wrap, a leisurely mezze feast with friends, or an authentic Bahraini machboos made with generations-old recipes, this guide will help you navigate the best Arabic dining experiences in the Kingdom. From humble eateries in Muharraq to elegant restaurants in five-star hotels, Arabic food is everywhere in Bahrain.
Adliya
Lebanese
Iconic Lebanese restaurant, beautiful setting
Muharraq
Traditional Bahraini
The original machboos destination since generations
Juffair
Levantine & Khaleeji
Elegant Arabic ambiance, live oud music
The Ritz-Carlton, Seef
Pan-Arabic Fine Dining
Upscale Arabic with Gulf views
Adliya
Lebanese
Garden setting, family atmosphere
Seef
Lebanese Contemporary
Modern take on Lebanese classics
Riffa
Traditional Bahraini & Khaleeji
Authentic Bahraini home cooking
Adliya
Lebanese Bakery & Café
Fresh manakish, pastries, all-day breakfast
Traditional Bahraini cuisine features machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), muhammar (sweet rice), madrooba (mashed fish with rice), and balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs). Influenced by Indian, Persian, and Arabian flavors.
Best for: Haji Hassan, Saffron by Jena, local Muharraq restaurants
The most popular Arabic cuisine in Bahrain. Known for mezze (small plates), grilled meats, fresh salads, and dips like hummus, moutabbal, and labneh. Always served with warm pita bread.
Best for: Al Abraaj, Zaitoun, Mirai, Furn Bistro
Similar to Lebanese but with distinct specialties like kibbeh halabiya (Aleppo-style kibbeh), muhammara (red pepper dip), and exceptional sweets like baklava and halawet el jibn.
Best for: Various restaurants in Manama souq area
Hearty comfort food including koshari (rice, lentils, pasta), ful medames (fava beans), and molokhia (jute leaf stew). Street food favorites include falafel (ta'meya) and hawawshi.
Best for: Egyptian restaurants in Gudaibiya and Manama
Bahrain's national dish — aromatic spiced rice with chicken, lamb, or fish. Similar to biryani but with distinct Khaleeji spices.
Marinated meat slow-roasted on a vertical spit, wrapped in bread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables.
Selection of small dishes — hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh, fattoush, kibbeh, and more. The heart of Arabic dining.
Assortment of grilled meats — lamb chops, chicken tawook, kafta, and shish kebab. Served with rice and bread.
Crispy shredded pastry with sweet cheese filling, soaked in sugar syrup. The king of Arabic desserts.
Light, cardamom-spiced coffee served in small cups. A symbol of Arabian hospitality, often with dates.
For Lebanese, Al Abraaj and Zaitoun are excellent. For traditional Bahraini, Haji Hassan (machboos) is legendary. For upscale Arabic, Al Safir at Ritz-Carlton and Layali Zaman offer premium experiences.
Haji Hassan is famous for machboos (spiced rice with meat). Saffron by Jena offers traditional Bahraini dishes. For a local experience, try restaurants in Muharraq or near Bab Al Bahrain souq.
Must-try dishes include machboos (Bahraini biryani), mezze platters (hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush), shawarma, lamb ouzi, mixed grill, and kunafa for dessert.
Street shawarma costs BD 0.5-1.5. Casual mezze restaurants run BD 5-10 per person. Mid-range like Al Abraaj is BD 10-18. Upscale Arabic dining starts at BD 25+ per person.
Many Arabic restaurants offer shisha including Zaitoun, Layali Zaman, and cafes in Adliya. Hotel restaurants generally do not offer shisha. Best shisha spots are often standalone cafes.
Discover more dining options across Bahrain