It’s the month of moonlight and music and love and romance, so we’ve picked our top ten of the island’s most romantic venues for that all-important dinner à deux.
Camelot
Dinner in your very own castle; what could be more romantic? OK, Camelot isn’t actually a real castle but the impressive exterior, plush furnishings and a menu with a decidedly French feel coupled with a rather superior cellar make this an obvious choice for that romantic dinner for two. Call 17 717-745.
Fusions
Described as ‘where East meets West’, Fusions, at The Gulf Hotel, would make this list on its views alone without the eclectic interiors and a menu that includes something to suit almost every palate. Get there early and watch the sun go down over the rooftops of Adliya as you share a glass of bubbles. Call 17 713-000.
La Fontaine
The original and still one of the very best, once described as a place where even dinner for one would be romantic, La Fontaine has serious credentials on the loving front since it even hosts weddings in the gorgeous outdoor courtyard. Whether you want to dine al fresco, beside the fountain which gives the place its name, or in the glass-fronted terrace, you can expect some seriously good food in beautifully atmospheric surroundings.
Call 17 230-123.
La Mer
One of the island’s prettiest settings, La Mer sits above the water upstairs from Tapas at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. The restaurant itself has excellent service and a varied fish menu but, to really add to the romance factor, ask for a table downstairs on the outdoor terrace. Gently lapping waves and candlelight are just what Cupid ordered. Call 17 636-363.
anterns
Put some spice into your evening with a Valentine’s meal at Lanterns in Adliya where you can enjoy the pretty garden, complete with heaters, or move inside to the authentic – looking Indian interiors for some of the finest sub-continent food on the island coupled with sitar music and subdued lighting. Call 17 250-999.
Mai Tai
Part of Trader Vic’s but a much more intimate option, Mai Tai offers super comfortable seating, subdued sounds and lighting and a bar-bites menu that’s made for sharing with dishes such as beef cho cho that you cook at the table for a little extra togetherness. Call 17 586-555.
Monsoon
The Asian eatery, with its wooden pagoda exterior certainly looks the part. Inside you’ll find intimate booth-style seating, perfect for getting away from the crowd, gentle orange-hued lighting and food to Thai for, if you’ll excuse the pun. The menu does include a sprinkling of other Asia cuisines, all done with flair, but the Thai fare is truly exceptional and guaranteed to put a smile on your lover’s face. Call 17 749-222.
Passion
The clue with this one really is in the name. In the heart of Adliya, Passion offers a varied menu of dishes prepared with love in a venue that provides plenty of talking points with its eclectic collection of wall art, trinkets and antiques – testimony to the owner’s love affair with travel. If you fancy something a little different for Valentine’s Day, this could be the ideal spot. Call 13 632-103.
Soie
You could be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped through the ‘bamboo curtain’ to old Beijing from the decor at Soie. Lacquered panelling and antique-style china perfectly complement the extensive Chinese menu, and the influence continues in the kitchen with chefs who have actually learned their craft in China. There’ll be a special Valentine’s menu as well as roses for the ladies to add to the romance of the Orient.
Call 17 533-533.
Vinoteca Barcelona
A relatively new kid on the block, Vinoteca is fast making a name for itself with its authentic Spanish food and wines. Opt for a plate of pinchos which not only look beautiful but are great for a Lady and the Tramp moment of partner feeding that would be over the top at any other time of the year. With mood enhancing lighting and genuine Catalan guitar music, you’ll get the genuine feel of an evening on Las Ramblas.
Call 17 007-808.
