Year after year, the fact Dining Awards (FDA) continue to shine a spotlight on Bahrain’s thriving food and beverage scene, paying tribute to the people and places that shape it.

What began as a select gathering for the FDA has now grown into one of the island’s most anticipated hospitality events – a night that brings together chefs, restaurateurs, industry leaders and foodies in a shared appreciation for excellence.

Looking Back

Last year marked a special milestone – the 15th edition of the FDA – and it was one for the books. After months of preparation, the island’s hospitality community gathered at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa for an evening of recognition and reflection. The night recorded the highest attendance to date, with 550 guests and more than 110 awards handed out across 56 categories.

Record Numbers

The 2024 awards drew close to 900 nominations, many of them submitted by readers who make the FDA what they are – a celebration of public opinion and professional expertise. More than 68,000 individual votes were cast online, setting a new record and reaffirming how deeply Bahrain’s residents care about their dining experiences.

Honouring the Industry’s Best

Each of the 56 categories recognised two winners – the Favourites, decided by public online voting, and the Best, selected by industry experts and the fact editorial team. The awards honoured the island’s most popular establishments, including restaurants, cafés, bars and lounges, as well as beach clubs and Ramadan experiences that continue to set high standards across Bahrain. From newcomers, fine dining and international favourites to casual eats, value-for-money and speciality offerings, the mix reflected the diversity and creativity that keep the Kingdom’s dining scene exciting.

Chef of the Year

The Chef of the Year award, first introduced to much acclaim in 2023, once again proved a highlight of the evening. Following public voting, the title went to Chef Tala Bashmi, formerly of Fusions at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa. Her win came as she was named a UN Tourism Special Ambassador for Gastronomy Tourism, adding another accolade to her growing list of achievements.

Top Honours of the Night

Among the most anticipated awards of the night were the overall titles. Salero, at The Westin City Centre Bahrain, was named Overall Favourite Restaurant – a crowd-pleasing spot loved for its warm atmosphere and authentic Spanish fare. The Overall Best Restaurant went, once again, to CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, recognised for its consistency in both quality and service.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Behind every successful event is a team of partners who help bring it to life. Last year’s awards were supported by Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, Porsche Centre Bahrain, BMMI Shops, Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School, Bidfood, Anorris Events, Asgharali, AQS De Parfum and HSP Marketing. Their generous backing reflects the collaborative spirit that drives the fact Dining Awards forward.

Words of Gratitude

“Every year, when we start out on this journey, I always ask myself, how can we make it better? The answer is always the same, this industry is what makes fact magazine and these awards possible. The support from the dining sector and our readers and voters never fails to amaze and humble our whole team and we are, as always, so very thankful.”
– Rami Khalil, Group Publisher, fact Magazine

FDA 2024: MOMENTS CAPTURED

The 15th fact Dining Awards created an electrifying atmosphere at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Guests enjoyed superb food, elegant surroundings and lively entertainment, which included a DJ, roaming musicians, dancers and more… And our cameras were there to capture the energy of the night!

How It Works

• This year’s edition features close to 900 nominees across 55 categories – check them out!
• There are two winners in each category – BEST and FAVOURITE – except for Chef Of The Year, which has one winner decided purely through online public voting.
• BEST is decided by an anonymous panel of judges made up of industry experts and the fact team.
• FAVOURITE is decided through online public voting, which began on August 15 and continues until November 16. There are just a couple of weeks left, so make sure your voice is heard! Scan the QR code to go to our voting page.
• In addition to the winners for each specific category, we will also celebrate the overall BEST and overall FAVOURITE restaurants in Bahrain.
• The fact Dining Awards Bahrain is part of a wider initiative by fact M.E. Publishing House, the original home of the awards, headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, with annual ceremonies across the Gulf.

What to Expect This Year

The 16th edition promises to be even bigger, with new players on the scene, more nominations and 56 categories, including Chef of the Year.

This year also sees the introduction of several new categories: Experience: Highlighting immersive dining that engages all the senses.

Greek: Spotlight on authentic Greek cuisine.
Rooftop: For meals paired with stunning skyline views.
Steakhouse: Showcasing casual and fine dining to reflect the rise of new steakhouses.
Pan-Asian: Expanded from Southeast Asian to include the growing variety of Asian cuisines offered on the island.

As always, the evening will include the Overall FAVOURITE and Overall BEST restaurants, chosen by the fact team. Attendees can expect a night of glamour filled with exceptional food, drinks and entertainment. While some surprises will remain under wraps, it is set to be another magical evening in true fact awards fashion.

This Year’s Venue & Sponsors

The 16th fact Dining Awards Bahrain will take place on November 23 at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, the award-winning five-star venue known for its world-class hospitality and dining. The stunning outdoor pool and garden areas provide the perfect backdrop, with ample parking and exceptional service, combining the warmth of Arabian hospitality with Swiss excellence.

This year’s awards are made possible with the generous support of our partners: Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, Audi Bahrain, Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School, BMMI Shops, BidFood, Asgharali, Anorris Events, HSP Marketing, the Entertainer, Twigs and Red Bull. Their commitment to elevating the island’s dining scene helps make this event a premier occasion in Bahrain’s dining calendar.

Don’t miss the full recap on November 24 on our social media channels and in the next issue, which will feature all the winners and highlights from the 16th fact Dining Awards. Stay tuned… we look forward to seeing you all there! ✤

GO: VISIT FACT-MAGAZINE.COM OR FOLLOW @FACTMAGAZINE ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.