Bahrain

Haji Ghawa is a no-frills Arabic restaurant serving fresh, traditional dishes highly appreciated by both tourists and locals. A must-try is the freshly baked bread cooked in a clay oven and prepared following the same unchanged recipe since the restaurant opened its doors in 1950.

A popular Thai restaurant with fair prices and fresh, street-food-like fares. Banana Leaf is located at the core of Gudaibiya but is easy to spot thanks to its waterfall windows and vivid green signs. The classic Tomyum soup is a favorite with customers.

This Indian restaurant has become popular among vegetarians and vegans on the island,but its simple yet flavor-rich dishes can easily be appreciated by everyone. Hidden among the alleys of Manama Souq, Swagat is real value for money.

Being the first restaurant in Bahrain headed by a Michelin-starred chef, Rasoi offers one of the finest culinary experiences on the island. As a counterpart to Vineet Bathia's innovative Indian cuisine, it features lively interiors: a modern version of Indian style decor with vivid colours, crystals and a glass-panelled show kitchen. Rasoi is located inside the Gulf Hotel complex.

A longtime favourite in Bahrain for both locals and visitors, Veranda is a beautifully decorated restaurant that invites its guests to linger for hours over the home-style Arabic dishes and some shisha. On Thursday and Friday nights, there is a barbecue buffet, the best way to discover and sample a wide array of local specialities. Many international dishes are also available.

One is first struck by Maki's modern design, and then by how equally sleek the dishes are. Japanese cuisine is taken a step further here, combining typical Japanese ingredients to make innovative Asian fusion meals. It is located on the ground floor of the World Trade Center, in an area that is great for shopping and lounging well into the evening hours.

Masso provides one of the best fine dining experiences to be had anywhere in Bahrain. Located in the Palace Boutique Hotel, the menu consists of southern European cuisine, cooked with organic, seasonal products. The award-winning wine list is the largest in the country.