Rayes must have a team of Lebanese mamas working their magic in its kitchen, because Time Out is blown away by the authentic cuisine. Each stew, from mellow jew to okra, will satisfy even the pickiest of Arab grandmothers; that may explain why during lunch time, Bahrain’s male Lebanese population descends upon Rayes like packs of hungry wolves ready to tear the buffet apart. Never mind the bad service, and never mind the cloud of shisha smoke that lingers just below the ceiling, you wouldn’t come here for atmosphere. But you would come to sample the array of fresh salads, the delicious spread of meat and vegetable stews, and the numerous desserts on offer.