Time Out Market Bahrain confirms five chefs and restauranteurs for grand opening

For Time Out Market, it all started with Lisbon. And now, 10 years and nine markets later, Time Out Market Bahrain is set to join the network, bringing the best of the city’s food scene together under one roof.

Yes, the finest chefs, restaurateurs and cultural experiences on the island are set to be brought together in one delicious space.

Today, the first five local culinary talents to join Time Out Market Bahrain’s all-star line-up have been revealed and they represent the best of the city and Bahrain’s rich, diverse food scene.

Spanning more than 3,000 square metres and housing 900 seats over two levels, Time Out Market Bahrain will feature a carefully curated mix of 11 kitchens, a dessert counter, a coffee shop and a stage. Oh, and there’s also a rooftop for the ultimate al fresco meal.

Time Out Market Bahrain is set to open later this year, with the exact date to be announced closer to the opening (so stay tuned).

Here’s everything you need to know about the first five culinary talents joining the anticipated line-up.

Restaurants to expect at Time Out Market Bahrain

Villa Mamas by Roaya Saleh

Cuisine: Khaleeji

What we know so far: This authentic Khaleeji restaurant is a massive hit in the city and for good reason. Chef Roaya Saleh, who is known as the “Daughter of the Gulf”, is a celebrated Bahraini culinary visionary and pioneer of Khaleeji cuisine, dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique culinary traditions of the Gulf.

As the founder and driving force behind Villa Mamas, with a presence in Bahrain and other cities including London, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, she’s all about authenticity, locality, sustainability and community empowerment – and we’re here for it.

You’ll quickly realise after dining here that dishes are made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Plates feature influences from Iran, India and Europe with each dish telling a story of the region’s history and cultural heritage.

Time Out Market Bahrain will be the go-to place to enjoy traditional Bahraini and Gulf dishes blending Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Persian influences.

Banu

Cuisine: Persian

What you need to know: Considered one of the best Iranian restaurants in Bahrain, Banu has been a go-to place for locals since its opening in 2018. The menu offers an authentic Persian culinary experience, using old family recipes.

Later this year, foodies will be able to enjoy the island’s best tahchin at Time Out Market Bahrain. Behind Banu, which has won numerous awards, is the passionate wife and husband duo Hanieh Mirbaha, co-owner and head chef, and Ebrahim Ali.

By Mirai

Cuisine: Japanese

What you need to know: If you are a sushi fan, then this one will be high on your list. Having opened its doors in 2002, Mirai has become a cherished dining spot in Bahrain, known for its top-notch Japanese food.

Now, Mirai is coming to Time Out Market Bahrain with its new concept, By Mirai. Chef Junior Gomez, who used to work at ROKA London, will be showcasing a rotating range of Mirai’s signature dishes, including tempura, gyoza, bao buns and selections from the sushi bar.

Florencia Ice Cream

Cuisine: Ice cream

What you need to know: Ice cream-lovers will be well looked after at Time Out Market Bahrain. Florencia Chaldu, the woman behind Florencia Ice Cream, grew up in Argentina with an Italian couple as neighbours who served freshly made gelato – something she barely could find once moving across the globe. Her solution? Learning how to make ice cream herself through classes in both Italy and Argentina.

When she moved to Bahrain, Florencia decided to open her own artisanal ice cream shop, featuring flavours created all by herself and handmade by her team in the old-fashioned way. With ice creams made of only natural high-quality ingredients, Florencia Ice Cream is much loved by locals and visitors and is renowned for its exciting collaborations across the Kingdom.

Ô Liban

Cuisine: Lebanese

What you need to know: The homey flavours of Lebanon and a modern take on its cuisine will be served up at Time Out Market Bahrain by Ô Liban. When you’re looking to snap up authentic Lebanese food in the city, this will be your first port of call.

The local restaurant is popular for its tender and juicy mixed grills, flavourful koftas, delicious kale tabbouleh and a variety of fatteh, the creamy kibbeh bil laban or its classic Lebanese zaatar tartine, all of which will be on the menu at Time Out Market Bahrain.

More on Time Out Market Bahrain

The main entry to Time Out Market Bahrain will be via Le Meridien Hotel, and will be a uniquely designed space where guests will get to experience some of the city’s very best food. Just like Time Out Markets around the rest of the world, expect a variety of concepts while dining with family and friends – on real flatware – at communal tables.

Ian Russell, general manager of Time Out Market Bahrain said: “We are delighted to announce the first chefs and restaurateurs to join Time Out Market Bahrain when we open later this year. At the heart of what we do is celebrating the best of the city – from award-winning chefs and much-loved local gems to up-and-coming home-grown restaurateurs.

“The Market will boast some of Bahrain’s best culinary experiences, but just as important will be the cultural element which we will offer. Our mission is to be a place to which both locals and visitors – whether that’s families or friends – come back over and over again, as there will always be something new to experience.

“We are particularly excited and proud that as part of our curation for Time Out Market Bahrain, we have discovered incredible female chefs and restaurateurs – in fact, this Market is set to have the highest share of top female culinary talents across all of our existing Markets around the world and we will give them a global platform to further grow and showcase their impressive skills.”

How Time Out Markets are curated

Before a new Time Out Market opens its doors, the Time Out editorial team explores the hottest, most talked about cuisines and restaurants that make that particular city and region the vibrant culinary destination it is.

The team has a tried and tested approach to discover the best of the city right now. But it’s important to note, Time Out Markets are not just about ‘big names’ – the city’s up-and-coming chefs and much-loved local gems will also be proudly featured, all showcasing their culinary skills and creativity in the kitchen.

Time Out Market is rooted in the heritage of Time Out – a publication created at a kitchen table in London in 1968 to help people go out better and discover exciting new urban cultures in every corner of the city.

Today, a global team of local expert journalists are curating the best things to do, see and eat in 333 cities in 59 countries (in Bahrain since 2009) across websites, social media, video, audio, newsletters and live events. And now this curation is also brought to life at Time Out Market Bahrain.