As an island nation, Bahrain takes its seafood seriously. From traditional hammour machboos to contemporary waterfront dining — discover the freshest catches in the Kingdom.
Bahrain's maritime heritage runs deep. For centuries, Bahrainis have lived off the sea — from pearl diving to fishing. Today, this connection continues through the Kingdom's excellent seafood restaurants. Whether you prefer your fish grilled simply with local spices or prepared with international flair, Bahrain delivers.
The best seafood in Bahrain starts at the source: the fish markets of Muharraq, where local fishermen bring in their daily catches at dawn. Many top restaurants source directly from these markets, ensuring the freshest possible ingredients. From casual beachside grills to elegant waterfront fine dining, this guide covers the best seafood experiences in the Kingdom.
The Ritz-Carlton, Seef
Mediterranean Seafood Fine Dining
Stunning sea views, premium imported seafood
Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay
Premium Steakhouse & Seafood
Celebrity chef restaurant, whole grilled fish
Muharraq
Traditional Bahraini Seafood
Authentic Bahraini fish house, local favorite
Sitra
Bahraini Seafood & Grills
Waterfront location, fresh daily catch
InterContinental, Manama
Interactive Seafood
Pick your fish, choose your cooking style
Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay
Casual Mediterranean Seafood
Outdoor terrace, relaxed waterfront vibe
The Ritz-Carlton, Seef
Japanese Seafood
Premium sushi and sashimi, sake bar
Muharraq
Casual Bahraini Seafood
No-frills fresh fish, local atmosphere
The king of Bahraini fish. Firm white flesh, mild flavor, perfect grilled or in machboos. Found on every seafood restaurant menu. Best from September to April.
Rich, oily fish with firm texture. Excellent grilled or in curries. A staple in traditional Bahraini cooking. Best during winter months.
Small, flavorful fish often served whole. Sweet, delicate taste. Popular fried or grilled with simple seasoning. Available year-round.
Local shrimp are sweet and tender. Essential in machboos rubian, grilled, or in curries. Pearl-diving era made shrimp a Bahraini staple.
Nothing beats fresh seafood with a sea view. Bahrain Bay, Al Bandar Resort, and Amwaj Islands offer stunning waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy your meal watching the sunset over the Gulf.
Best for: La Mer, Bahri Bar, Al Bandar Resort
For the freshest possible seafood, visit Muharraq Fish Market early morning (5-7 AM). Select your catch and have it cleaned on the spot. Some nearby restaurants will even cook your purchases for a small fee.
Best for: Muharraq Central Market, local fish co-ops
At restaurants like The Fish Market (InterContinental), you choose your fish from a fresh display, select your cooking method (grilled, fried, steamed, baked), and watch it being prepared.
Best for: The Fish Market, various hotel seafood restaurants
For authentic Bahraini seafood, head to Muharraq or Sitra. Local fish houses serve hammour machboos, sayadieh (fish with rice), and simple grilled catches with local spices. No frills, just fresh fish.
Best for: Dar Al Shawarb, The Fisherman's Hut
Fish markets are best visited at dawn. Restaurant fish is freshest at lunch. Avoid Monday for the freshest catches — boats often don't go out on Fridays.
Some fish are seasonal. Hammour is best September-April. Summer brings different catches. Ask what's freshest and in season for the best experience.
Local fish and shrimp are often better value and fresher than imports. Lobster, oysters, and salmon are typically imported and priced accordingly.
Fresh fish should smell like the sea, not fishy. Eyes should be clear and bright. Flesh should spring back when pressed. Don't hesitate to inspect.
For fine dining, Cut by Wolfgang Puck (Four Seasons) and La Mer (Ritz-Carlton) offer premium seafood. For traditional, Dar Al Shawarb and Al Bandar Resort are excellent. For fresh catches, head to Muharraq fish market.
The Muharraq Fish Market (near Arad) is the best place for fresh catches. Many restaurants source from here daily. Bahrain Fisherman's Association market and various co-ops also sell fresh fish.
Try hammour (grouper) — Bahrain's most popular fish. Also excellent: safi (rabbitfish), chanad (kingfish), and shrimp/prawns from local waters. Ask for catch of the day at restaurants.
Yes! Al Bandar Resort in Sitra, La Mer at Ritz-Carlton, and restaurants along Bahrain Bay have waterfront seating. Amwaj Islands also has several seafood spots with marina views.
Fish market prices vary by catch (BD 3-15/kg). Casual seafood restaurants cost BD 8-15 per person. Mid-range like Dar Al Shawarb runs BD 15-25. Fine dining seafood starts at BD 30+ per person.
Discover more dining options across Bahrain