Monsoon

Monsoon is a pan-Asian restaurant in Block 338, Adliya, the restaurant-and-gallery quarter of Manama, Bahrain. The kitchen combines Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese cooking under one roof, with a sushi bar at the centre of the offer. It is not a Michelin-listed venue, and no single celebrity chef is attached to it; the draw is breadth of Asian cuisines and a polished evening setting. Listings give it very high guest ratings, around 4.8 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and Eatapp. The most talked-about dish is the blowtorch maki, in which sushi rolls are finished with a flame for a smoky top. Sashimi and other maki rolls are staples, and the menu extends to Thai, Korean and Vietnamese plates for diners who want to mix cuisines across a shared table. The dining room is stylish and dimly lit, with a lively evening crowd and a moderate-to-high noise level on Thursday and Friday nights, the busiest of the Bahraini week. Dress is smart casual, and the mood suits friends, couples and small groups rather than quiet business meetings. Beverage choices include cocktails and wine where licensed, along with Asian-style soft drinks and teas. Prices sit in the upper-mid range, roughly BHD 12-28 (about $32-74) per person, depending on how much sushi is ordered. Hours are listed as daily from about midday to 23:30, extending to 01:00 on Thursday and Friday, though visitors should confirm by phone. Reservations are strongly recommended for Thursday and Friday evenings and can be made through Eatapp or by phoning +973 1774 9222; booking several days ahead is prudent for weekend dinner groups. Adliya itself is a convenient base, with galleries, cafes and bars within walking distance, so Monsoon works well as the dinner stop in an evening spent exploring the district. Parking in the block can be tight at peak times, and taxis or ride-hailing are a practical alternative.