One of the things we weren’t expecting when we moved to Bahrain was an amazing restaurant scene, with everything from roadside shawarma stalls to cool, upscale restaurants that made us feel like we were in New York or L.A. Today, I wanted to share a few of our favorite Bahrain date night* restaurants that combine great food and drinks with an awesome atmosphere for a fun and special night out.

9. Lanterns

There are several Lanterns locations in Bahrain, but the one we go to is in Adliya/Block 338. This Indian restaurant is lovely inside and out, and though we usually eat in the dining room, they also have a gorgeous courtyard garden lounge (with some kind of magical system to lower the outside temperature). The food is great, and I also like the mocktails, though I have to admit their cocktails are usually too strong for me (and their pina colada is not frozen! It’s on the rocks). Definitely a great place to go for a night out.

8. La Vinoteca Barcelona

This Spanish tapas restaurant across from the Gulf Hotel is one of our favorites for upscale dining. Not only is the food delicious, it’s also presented in really cool ways. You and your significant other can order several small plates and share them all, or choose your own food if you’re not into sharing. And, as you might imagine, they have a ton of great wine to choose from.

7. Calexico

Calexico is a great little place for a casual, fun dinner — their tacos are fantastic (my favorite is the fried chicken taco) and the guacamole and margaritas are also delicious. We usually sit downstairs, either inside or outside depending on the weather, but there is a bar area upstairs that has all sorts of special events. It’s a chain that originated in Brooklyn and has several restaurants in New York and one in Detroit.

6. Attic

The Greek food and cocktails at Attic in Adliya are amazing, and the inside of the restaurant is beautiful. But we particularly love the outdoor terrace, which features an awesome view of Manama. You’ll need reservations to sit outside.

5. The Foundry

The first time we walked into The Foundry, we felt like we were back in Old Town Alexandria, Va. The vibe is very cool and the food and cocktails are delicious. Toby particularly likes their steaks, whereas I am a fan of the habanero macaroni and cheese and sticky toffee pudding. Their sangria is also fab!

4. Re/Asian

I was worried about going to Re/Asian (one of two Wolfgang Puck restaurants at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay) because of my seafood allergy, but then we met the (super friendly) executive chef, who said they were happy to specially make all sorts of things for me to eat. Add that to the fact that it’s on the 50th floor, with an epic view of Manama, and the delicious Asian fusion cuisine (plus the bar next door, which has happy hour and ladies night specials), and you get a phenomenal option for a fancy night out.

3. Rasoi by Vineet

The best Indian food in Bahrain, hands down (perhaps not surprising, given that it’s operated by a Michelin-starred chef), but also a beautiful and upscale setting inside the Gulf Hotel. It would be perfect for a special occasion, but we also enjoy going there on a random weeknight to enjoy the food and cocktails. We particularly love the sundried tomato chicken tikka on the appetizer menu.

2. Cantina Kahlo

I think Cantina Kahlo might be one of my favorite restaurants ever, and it’s definitely the best place to get authentic, upscale Mexican food in Bahrain. Many of the staff members are actually from Mexico, so you know you’re getting the real thing. You can sit indoors or out, and the interior decor is very modern, colorful and edgy, just like its namesake. Plus, they have amazing margaritas.

1. Cut by Wolfgang Puck

This is where we ate our last night in Bahrain. The service is over-the-top great, and everything from the little cheese puffs and bread assortment to the desserts is delicious. I don’t even like steak and I like these steaks. Also, after much consideration and testing, I’ve determined that they have the best macaroni and cheese on the island.

 

Other great options:

Senor Paco’s

We went to Señor Paco’s so frequently that they recognized my voice when I called to make a reservation. The food is pretty decent–think East Coast hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant–the margaritas are cheap, and the party atmosphere is super fun. The only reason I didn’t put this on the main list of Bahrain date night restaurants is that it can get very loud and crowded when the band is playing (after 8 p.m. every day), so it’s not really the place for a romantic dinner with quiet conversation.

Imari

I’ve heard lots of amazing things about Imari (at The Domain hotel), which features a chef who is actually from Japan, as well as stunning views of Manama. But I can’t actually eat any sushi or most of the things they serve there, so I’ve never gone.

Passion

I know, this sounds like a lingerie store or something, but it’s actually a delightful casual restaurant serving all types of Middle Eastern, Indian, and European food. They also have great breakfast options and a huge variety of teas. But they don’t serve alcohol, which is why I put it on this portion of the list.

 

*I know this is probably weird, but something about the term “date night” bothers me. I think it’s because I feel like a date is what you go on with a person you’ve only recently met. However, I obviously support the idea of going out to a nice dinner or movie or whatever with your significant other… it’s just the term for it that bugs me.