Manama - Post Report Question and Answers

What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?

Excellent South Asian and Thai food - albeit prices can vary (and I'm not talking about the overpriced, flavorless restaurants that appeal to most Westerners). There were some good Italian places, but pricey, and one good Japanese restaurant in a hotel (with an actual Japanese head chef), but extremely pricey. With the exception of Nepali food, and one Thai restaurant, and one Chinese restaurant - nothing was worth writing home about. Generally overpriced, and underwhelming food and service.

There is a food delivery service that will deliver from almost all of the chain restaurants, and many of the more well known local restaurants - also, if you have a favorite restaurant, they will probably deliver as well if you ask them to.

GCC nationals LOVE American fast food, so every single American fast food chain (with the exception of maybe Popeye's and Wendy's?) is represented in Bahrain. There is also a Taco Bell on base (not my cup of tea, but people inevitably ask if there is a Taco Bell). Starbucks is everywhere, there is also Coffee Bean, Costa Coffee, and Caribou. - Apr 2017


There's TALABAT, an online delivery service that links all restaurants and delivers. You can even get Burger King/McDonalds delivered (not that I ever would). Restaurants are great and varied. All pretty expensive. Of USA chains there are Elevation Burger, IHOP, PF Changs, Pizza Hut...to name a few. Its hard to get great Mexican food. All the Middle Eastern restaurants are great. - Sep 2016


There is pretty much every American restaraunt you could want as well as every kind of food you want and they deliver to your door. - Nov 2015


Pretty much any fast food restaurant in American you will find in Bahrain, from McDonald's to Hardees. Lots of Baskin Robbins and Krispy Kreme. Adliya is a great nightlife area with world-class international restaurants, all very expensive. Expect to pay US$75 for dinner for two with drinks. Best restaurant in Bahrain is Bushidos, which becomes a nightclub at night. - Aug 2014


Lots of fast food but it is more expensive than in the States. All variety of international restaurants abound, food is excellent, and only some of it is cheap. I’d say DC prices or higher, in some cases. If you have access to the Navy base there are a few over there as well. Delivery is a very popular option here, most restaurants and especially fast food have this option available. - Sep 2012


The food here is really good. American and Arab fast food chains abound. I'm not kidding either. If you see the streets near the Navy Base, you would think you were in the States. At the low end:The shwarma, juice and samosa stands are fantastic and cheap. At the high end, there are some fabulous continental cuisine restaurants, along with various excellent regional fare. And everything in between. This is really where East meets West and it's very easy to gain weight here! - Apr 2010


Most major American chains are here, including Chili's, and they all deliver! Watch your waistline when the heat hits. A DQ Blizzard brought to your door is SO TEMPTING! - Jun 2009


Most American fast food restaurants are there. But since it is a very diverse country, half of the residents are expats, other cusines are very readily available. - Dec 2008


Most American fast food places are here, but you can only eat so much of that and it is expensive. A 6pc chicken McNugget and Coke (no fries) will cost US$3.75. An all you can eat Chinese restaurant is US$50.00. 4 oz of steak will cost US$15.00. It is very expensive to eat here. - Aug 2008


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