Established since 2001, Bahrain Confidential is a Bahrain-based monthly publication available both in print and online editions. It is the definitive guide to high-end Arabian luxury and lifestyle. It covers the best in lifestyle, luxury, fashion and dining, as well as local events, art, society, fashion, beauty and travel.
The monthly print edition of Bahrain Confidential is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers.
Welcome to the February issue of Bahrain Confidential! Now we’re well into 2025 and geared up to celebrate the first of many festivals this island is about to witness. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re excited to bring you a whole set of guides along with a dining spotlight for those heartfelt celebrations! As always, you will also find some of our favourite stories of the month, giving you a round-up of exciting staycations, the best eat-outs, and some big news that’s making waves on the island.
Don’t forget to visit our website, www.bahrain-confidential.com for the latest stories from around the Island.
Happy reading!
Traditions
display: A woman weaves a traditional Bahraini basket at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Annual Farmers Market.
Valentine’s Spotlight
Celebrate love at Bahrain’s new Japanese hotspot
Since its highly anticipated opening in October 2024, Sumosan Bahrain has established itself as one of the island's most sought-after destinations for contemporary Japanese cuisine. Located at The Address Beach Resort in Marassi Al Bahrain, the restaurant has rapidly earned a reputation for its food, vibe, and service.
On Valentine’s Day, Sumosan takes the celebration of love to the next level with two distinct dining experiences. If you’re looking for an intimate celebration or a gathering of friends and loved ones, we recommend checking out what Sumosan has to offer.
Heartbreaker’s Brunch
Sumosan’s Heartbreaker’s Brunch promises a lively and exciting way to kick off your Valentine’s Day celebrations. Set from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, this brunch offers a vibrant atmosphere where guests can indulge in a curated set menu filled with Sumosan’s signature dishes. Expect to savour a variety of sushi rolls, as well as other innovative Japanese creations, all paired with a special dessert to sweeten the experience.
On Valentine’s Day, Sumosan takes the celebration of love to the next level with two distinct dining experiences.
But it’s not just about the food. With live entertainment featuring upbeat music and energetic vibes, the Heartbreaker’s Brunch is designed to be a fun and festive affair, celebrating love, friendship, and everything in between. Whether you’re with a partner, a group of friends, or simply looking for a lively way to spend the afternoon, this event sets the tone for a memorable Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Dinner
For those who prefer a more intimate and refined experience, the Valentine’s Dinner at Sumosan provides the perfect setting. From 5:30 pm to 2:00 am, couples can enjoy an a la carte menu featuring Sumosan’s signature dishes, alongside exclusive Valentine’s specials. Every dish is crafted with care, offering a harmonious blend of flavours that highlight the restaurant’s dedication to culinary excellence.
The ambience is equally important— candlelight, soft floral arrangements, and romantic touches create an intimate atmosphere ideal for connecting with a loved one. The dinner is accompanied by live entertainment, further enhancing the
evening’s charm and creating a romantic backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Whether you're celebrating with friends, a partner, or simply enjoying the spirit of the season, Sumosan Bahrain offers two distinct experiences that cater to different moods and preferences. The Heartbreaker’s Brunch delivers a lively and spirited way to celebrate, while the Valentine’s Dinner offers a more intimate and refined setting for couples. Both events promise to deliver a memorable celebration filled with exceptional food, engaging entertainment, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. n
For reservations or more information, guests can contact Sumosan Bahrain at reservations@sumosanbahrain. com or 17008800.
Fabianca
New Look Same Drive Bigger Impact
Fabianca is a Bahrain-based creative agency, founded in 2015, with exciting expansions into Saudi Arabia and the UAE. We’re passionate about delivering innovative digital solutions that make brands stand out and thrive in a fast-paced world.
Valentine’s Day
For The Sweet-Toothed Valentine
Say it with indulgent chocolatey treats! Your Valentine’s Day celebrations would be incomplete without some delicious sweets crafted by some of Bahrain’s expert artisans. With cute messages, special packaging, and accompanying ornaments, these chocolatiers have you covered this Valentine’s.
Creolate Chocolatier
If you want to experience premium flavours, stunning presentations and pure chocolate bliss, Creolate Chocolatier is the place to go!
Haute Cafe & Patisserie
Cookies, cakes, cake pops, doughnuts, and delightful assortments – name whatever you like and Haute Cafe has that for you. They can even customise cakes and cupcakes.
Leaves
Founded in 2005, Leaves offers luxury chocolate gifting and custom arrangements, handcrafted in Bahrain by a team of artisan chefs and expert designers.
Maya La Chocolaterie
Maya La Chocolaterie is an upscale chocolate boutique. For Valentine’s, they offer a whole range of treats – chocolate bars, boxes, and even a warm glass of hot chocolate.
Lalabella
Satisfy the chocolate connoisseur in you and indulge in Lalabella’s premium creations. Their bespoke floral arrangements and gifts add the perfect touch to your Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Raw Candy
Raw Candy’s plant-based artisanal chocolates hit a different note! Made for the vegan love bugs, the cafe at Bahrain Financial Harbour specialises in delicious treats that are free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugar.
Vibes
Shower your loved one with roses and a heartfelt box of chocolatey goodness. Vibes lets you personalise your cakes in the shape of a letter or with toppings.
Ghazl Chocolatier
If you’re looking to gift a beautiful box of specially designed chocolates to your loved one, you can’t go wrong with Ghazl.
For The Anthophile Valentine
Say it with a gorgeous bouquet prepared by these shops in Bahrain
Flowers speak the language of love, friendship, generosity, and more. Did you know that flowers represent every emotion? Gifting a beautiful bouquet is a timeless tradition that transcends the occasion. It's a wonderful way to show someone you care. If you're looking for gorgeous blooms in Bahrain, here are a few shops you should check out.
Singapore Flower
Singapore Flower is a floral design shop that focuses on fresh, seasonal flowers. It is known for its unusual designs and unique arrangements.
Floward
Floward is an online store delivering beautiful floral arrangements, curated gift packages and more! They also offer cakes, chocolate and perfumes curated by the most exciting local designers.
Alia Flowers
Alia Flowers is the biggest and most established florist in Bahrain. They offer bright, bold and beautiful flowers or plants sourced locally and internationally.
Lalabella
Lalabella specialises in bespoke floral arrangements, seasonal gift items, giveaways and high-quality chocolates.
Fleur
Fleur is dedicated to making every moment special and memorable by offering a wide array of beautiful blooms and more.
Kaia
Kaia is a concept store in Bahrain comprising of a florist and home décor, as well as a mini-boutique retailing luxury linen robes, maternity and childrenwear, first opening its doors in late 2018.
The Breakfast Guide
20 spots giving you the right start in Bahrain
From balaleet to pancakes, croissants to hash browns and more… Here are some of our favourite picks for delicious and satisfying breakfast in Bahrain – whether you’re looking to dine in, take away or order home.
Café Chantilly & Pâtisserie
If you’re looking for a delicious Frenchinspired breakfast, Café Chantilly is your place. We love their fresh Croissants in particular. Their elaborate breakfast menu features an array of European dishes.
Haji’s Cafe
Bahrain’s favourite dining spot needs no introduction! Whether you’re trying Bahraini delights for the first time as a tourist or looking for a homely spot to eat with your loved ones, Haji’s offers the quintessential Bahraini experience.
Green Bar Cafe
GB Cafe stands within a UNESCO-designated site – Bahrain Fort or Qala’at Al Bahrain, offering visitors a unique blend of culinary excellence and cultural exploration by the sea when the tide is high. This fermentation-forward dining spot has an array of delicious breakfast item inspired by Middle Eastern flavours.
This modern Middle Eastern restaurant owned by Chef Roaya Saleh serves up a delicious breakfast menu comprising traditional and international flavours.
Furn Bistro & Bakery
Located within City Centre Bahrain, Furn is a contemporary-designed bistro and bakery offering Middle Eastern cuisine with a Western twist.
Origin Kitchen and Culture
The LAZY BREAKFAST SATURDAY at Origin Kitchen and Culture is the perfect addition to the weekend. Start a slow Saturday with a leisurely breakfast buffet, featuring live cooking stations and a spread of continental, Asian, and Arabic favourites.
Selections Restaurant
Ladies, this one’s for you! Gather your gang and make your way to the Ladies Breakfast spread at Selections every weekday (Sunday – Thursdays).
Villa Mamas
Indigo Terrace
Located at the Merchant House, Indigo serves a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian delicacies. The restaurant combines fresh seasonal produce with bold flavours – one of the reasons why they have a scrumptious breakfast selection.
My Cafe
My Cafe is a boutique restaurant serving fine gourmet meals. All of their dishes are made by hand and from scratch using fresh and fine ingredients. They have a scrumptious menu including Spinach Fatayer, Samosa Platter, freshly baked bread, and more. Perfect if you’re craving breakfast for lunch or dinner!
Darseen Cafe
If you’re craving a traditional Bahraini breakfast, Darseen is a great option. The cafe has several options for breakfast. They also serve delicious Bahraini eggs and tomatoes, Balaleet, Chapati and more!
Café Lilou
Inspired by classic French dining, Café Lilou’s menu is comprehensive. The café is a good choice for a classy breakfast.
Lumee Street Cafe
Lumee is devoted to capturing the essence of Middle Eastern street food in a contemporary way. They have a pretty good breakfast selection featuring Bahraini favourites like Balaleet, Fatayeer, Mehyawa on Flat Bread, and Baked Beans, among others.
Crust and Crema
Besides serving specialty coffee, Crust and Crema also offers great breakfast items, including waffles, crepes and pancakes. They also have acai bowls if you want a healthy option. Whether you like your breakfast sweet or savoury, you have an option!
Emmawash
Emmawash offers amazing traditional Bahraini dishes at a great price. This restaurant is one of the local favourites for breakfast so you should add it to your list.
Angelina Paris
Known for its iconic reputation as a Parisian café, Angelina embraces traditional Parisian favourites creatively curated with Middle Eastern ingredients.
Nomad Urban Eatery
As the name suggests, Nomad is an urban eatery that boasts a wide array of international dishes. Their breakfast menu includes freshly baked bread, healthy bowls, breakfast baos and other decadent delights.
Naseef
Naseef has been a part of Bahrain’s food scene since the 1920s; offering traditional tasty meals as well as a variety of ice cream flavours. Now, the restaurant is continuously making a name for great Bahraini dishes as well as other Arabic dishes.
Cine Café
W ith branches across the island, Cine Café serves a wide selection of crepes and waffles, available in sweet and savoury flavours which makes for a filling breakfast.
The Orangery
The Orangery is an elegant tea room and patisserie which is located on the grounds of the Palmyard Hotel in Adliya. Apart from having great afternoon tea, they also serve a delicious breakfast.
Paul
Paul Café offers a selection of bread, patisseries, sandwiches, soups and salads, plus a selection of signature French dishes.
Elite Escapes
Enjoy a family staycation at these hotels in Bahrain!
Elite Hospitality Group is bringing festive cheer and memorable experiences for families and loved ones in 2025.
Refresh your weekends with a family stay at Elite Resort & Spa Hotel in Muharraq. This beachfront property offers breathtaking views of Bahrain Bay, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation. The hotel features spacious, modern suites equipped with the latest amenities, ensuring maximum comfort for all visitors. Whether you’re planning a short escape or an extended stay, the facilities are designed to cater to your needs and rejuvenate your senses.
Elite Resort & Spa - Muharraq
This February, Elite Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Night on 14th February 2025 at La Brasserie Specialty Restaurant. Couples can indulge in an unlimited buffet while enjoying live performances by specialty singers. Each couple is welcomed with a glass of wine, and packages are available for
BD 35 net per couple or BD 45 net per couple with unlimited wine. This romantic evening promises to create cherished memories for you and your partner.
For families, the Mediterranean Lunch Buffet at Elite Resort & Spa Hotel offers a delightful dining experience. Served at La Brasserie Specialty Restaurant, this buffet is available at BD 9 net per person from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. For evening entertainment, Grill Nights on Thursdays and Fridays from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM offer authentic live grills. Adults can enjoy this culinary treat for BD 12, while children aged 6 to 12 dine for BD 6 net.
Throughout February, room service features a special Family Meal, offering a Mix Grill accompanied by Hummus and Tabouleh. Guests can also unwind at Shift7, the resort’s sea view lounge bar, which hosts a daily Happy Hour with buy-one-get-one-free drinks between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Shift7’s vibrant ambience makes it the perfect spot to relax with friends and family.
Elite Seef Residence & Hotel
Elite Seef Residence & Hotel, situated in the heart of Seef near popular shopping destinations like Seef Mall, combines convenience with a warm, homeaway-from-home atmosphere. The hotel offers spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, ideal for both corporate and leisure guests. Each suite includes a fully equipped kitchenette, a living room, and a dining area, making it a perfect choice for short- and longterm stays. Complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast buffets enhance the overall experience, ensuring guests feel at ease throughout their visit.
Guests can also enjoy open-air evenings under the stars at Captain Jack’s Poolside, where weekly entertainment takes place every Thursday and Friday starting at 8:00 PM. The popular Khaleeji Nights feature live music and an electric atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long week. On Valentine’s Night, Captain Jack’s offers a 5-course set menu with sparkling wine and live singers for BD 25 net per couple, providing a magical setting for the occasion.
For those seeking vibrant nightlife, Caribbean Nights at Elite Seef Residence Hotel promises a lively experience every Sunday. Guests can enjoy special cocktails with a buy-one-get-one-free offer throughout the night, adding a tropical twist to their evening.
Julio’s Specialty Restaurant complements the hotel’s offerings with a daily Business Lunch Buffet priced at BD 5++ per adult. This value-for-money dining option includes bottled water, canned juice, or soft drinks, making it a popular choice for professionals and visitors alike. Additionally, in-house guests benefit from a 15% discount on room service orders, available 24 hours a day, ensuring convenience and satisfaction at any time.
Elite Hospitality Group continues to go above and beyond in creating exceptional experiences for its guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a family getaway, or simply seeking relaxation, their diverse offerings cater to every preference. n
For bookings and inquiries, please call 1755 8200 or visit www.elitegrouphotels.com.
Dining Awards
MENA’s 50 best restaurants have been revealed!
Manama Gems Featured Bahrain made its mark with Fusions (formerly known as Fusions by Tala), ranked No. 6 and named The Best Restaurant in Bahrain. CUT by Wolfgang Puck, represented by Chef Brian Becher returned to the list on No. 43.
Bahraini Chef Tala Bashmi’s reimagined heritage dishes have redefined modern Middle Eastern gastronomy, earning her the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award. This prestigious accolade, voted by her peers, highlights her positive impact on the region’s culinary community.
Em Sherif’s Yasmina Hayek Recognised
Another standout was Yasmina Hayek, Executive Chef of the Lebanon-based Em Sherif Group, who won the Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef Award. Her work with Em Sherif, particularly at its flagship restaurant in Beirut (ranked No. 9 and named The Best Restaurant in Lebanon), has set new standards for Lebanese fine dining, blending tradition with innovation.
The Best Restaurant in Lebanon
Sustainable Restaurant Award
Regional Highlights
Topping the list for the third year in a row was Orfali Bros Bistro, a Dubai gem founded by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali.
The fourth edition of the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards brought together culinary stars from across the region in Abu Dhabi, celebrating a diverse gastronomic landscape.
The list showcased a wealth of culinary diversity across the region. The UAE dominated with 22 entries, including Trèsind Studio (No.2), known for Chef Himanshu Saini’s inventive Indian cuisine, and Kinoya (No.3), celebrated for its soulful ramen and izakaya dishes. Khufu’s in Cairo secured No.4 and the title of The Best Restaurant in Egypt, while Shams El Balad in Amman, at No.8, earned Jordan’s top spot.
Saudi Arabia and Morocco each had five entries. Riyadh’s Marble (No.16) was crowned The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia, while Casablanca’s La Grande Table Marocaine (No.22) took the same honour for Morocco. Tunisia also made a notable debut with Le Golfe in La Marsa (No.44), named The Best Restaurant in Tunisia.
Special Awards Celebrate Sustainability and Innovation
Dubai’s Boca (No.12) won the Sustainable Restaurant Award, recognised for its ecoconscious practices, from zero-waste initiatives to ethical sourcing. Under the leadership of Omar Shihab, who received the Icon Award, Boca has set a benchmark for responsible dining in the region.
Carmen Rueda Hernandez, Executive Pastry Chef at Brix and 3 Fils in Dubai was honoured with MENA’s Best Pastry Chef Award for her inventive chocolate artistry and technical brilliance.
Other accolades included the Art of Hospitality Award for Ossiano in Dubai and the One To Watch Award for Table 3 in Casablanca, led by Chef Fayçal Bettioui. n
Estrella Damm N.A. - Chefs Choice Award Icon Award
Middle East & North Africa_s Best Female Chef
Best of the Best
Manama ranks among the world’s trending travel destinations!
Heritage interspersed with modern landscapes, a cultural immersion that leaves you in awe, and an island experience you’ll seldom find elsewhere – Manama has been named among Tripadvisor’s Trending Travel Destinations! Ranking fourth in the world, after Osaka (Japan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Buenos Aires (Argentina), the capital of Bahrain has featured in the list compiled through recommendations made by travellers.
The Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best title is awarded to destinations that receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone – the online travel information and bookings site stated.
Travellers have chosen Bahrain for its day tours, shopping experiences, and private sightseeing adventures. A special mention goes to the island’s vibrant nightlife, dazzling skyline, and cultural escapades, courtesy of the iconic Bab Al Bahrain. The index underscores Bahrain’s growing economy and its status as a major financial centre.
25 Trending Destinations Make It To The List
Apart from Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Buenos Aires, and Manama, the list highlights 21 other cities that travellers must watch in 2025. Closer to home, Moroccan city, Casablanca, Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh and Giza, as well as Doha in Qatar, are featured.
Another Japanese city, Kyoto makes it to the list along with Hong Kong in China; while South Korea’s Seoul and Jeju Island round up the East Asian destinations.
In Southeast Asia, travellers have recommended Luzon in the Philippines, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Singapore, and Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
Fancy a trip to South American cities? Lima (Peru), Santiago (Chile), Medellin, and Bogota (Colombia) have also made it to the Best of the Best list.
Auckland Centra in New Zealand, Johannesburg in South Africa, Nairobi in Kenya, Banff in Canada, and the Island of Malta complete the list of 25 trending travel destinations to check out in 2025! n
