While everyone loves a quick Starbucks to break up their day—nothing beats the atmosphere of cosy coffee shops, especially in the Middle East. Cafes are a treasured treat, and as Arabs, we tend to take coffee shop vibes pretty seriously.
Luckily, the GCC has a lot to offer, particularly the island nation of Bahrain. We look to their capital Manama to round up their best coffee shops with the coolest vibes.
Café Lilou
Despite having been in business for over a decade, this French cafe continues to be one of the trendiest spots in Bahrain. The atmosphere is quite unique and hard to find anywhere in Manama, with a beautifully decorated space that’ll have you feeling like you’ve just set foot in Paris. Aside from their wide selection of coffee, Café Lilou is known for their delicious desserts—especially their Pistachio brulée.
@cafelilou
PaperCup
PaperCup is every hipster’s paradise. This cosy café is tucked away in Manama’s Diplomatic Area, and is one of Bahrain’s few specialty coffee shops. As part of Man2, a Bahraini creative think tank, PaperCup is on a mission to deliver the perfect coffee cup—using innovative brewing and coffee extraction methods.
@papercupbh
The Orangery
Located at The Palace Boutique Hotel, the Orangery is a sweet getaway right in the heart of Manama. The décor transports you to England, with a vast landscaped garden perfect for a quick coffee, tea, or dessert.
@orangeryme
Al Bindaira Cafe
If you’re looking for more traditional vibes, Al Bindara is the place to go. The café is known for its excellent shisha, Arabic coffee and traditional Middle Eastern food. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for a place to watch their favourite team play. The place is usually packed and parking can get tricky, so it’s best to always plan ahead.
albindaira.com
Crust and Crema
For the coffee connoisseurs, Crust and Crema is definitely where its at. The café has its own in-house roaster, so you can be sure that you’re getting the freshest coffee around. Plus, their selection of coffees is pretty impressive.
@crustandcrema
