For a taste of authentic Italian flavours combined with Amalfi Coast charm, Apple Sharma headed to Scalini at Royal Saray Resort to try the delicious offerings on its new menu.

Italian cuisine is one of the most popular in the world, and while our little island has plenty of restaurants serving it, few capture the quintessential charm of the Amalfi Coast quite like Scalini. Set within the elegant grounds of the Royal Saray Resort, the restaurant’s authentic flavours and relaxed setting made it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch with my friend.

There’s an instant sense of ease the moment you enter, from the chic yet welcoming atmosphere to the warm reception from the staff – in our case Floor Manager Kumar Thapa and the lovely waitress Susan, who both looked after us throughout.

The Amalfi-inspired hues of azure blue seating and crisp white tablecloths immediately transport you to a sophisticated coastal trattoria. The venue feels intimate and calm, with a low, square coffered ceiling in pristine white, matching chandeliers and cerulean walls adorned with watercolour scenes of Italy. Offering a sophisticated yet cosy ambience, the restaurant features a well-stocked bar in one corner, a small bookshelf in another, marbled pillars and gold-framed artworks on nearly every wall. Overlooking a small terrace, we took our seats opposite a small stage where a live Italian duo performs each evening.

As a breadbasket appeared on the table, we turned our attention to the new menu, which tempts with both popular favourites and novel additions. We began by sampling the bread – sliced, rolls and soft focaccia – smothered in black olive pâté and chopped tomatoes to create our own bruschetta. We were recommended a choice of the signature mocktails: The Scalini Sunset – combining strawberry, lychee, apple and lime – was tangy and refreshing, while the Fior di Mandorlo, made with passion fruit, coconut and almond, had a tropical sweetness.

Our appetites suitably whetted, we started our culinary escapade with the Antipasti – first to arrive was homemade Arancini. These lovely little golden bite-sized risotto rice balls stuffed with tomato sauce and stringy mozzarella were my absolute favourite. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they were surprisingly light and made for the perfect starter. 

Next came the Gamberoni al Limone – king prawns cooked in a spicy garlic and lemon butter sauce, garnished with dill. The juicy, tender prawns, with just the right amount of kick from the chilli, were soaked in a delicious, slightly tangy sauce that demanded to be mopped up with bread, which of course we did.

From the salads, the signature Mista Scalini stood out. A colourful mix of greens and seasonal vegetables was lifted by zesty segments of orange and grapefruit that brought a burst of freshness. The citrusy-sweet flavours paired beautifully with the earthiness of thinly sliced beetroot medallions stuffed with creamy cheese, reminiscent of ravioli – a lovely surprise. Chopped nuts added a satisfying crunch to this delightful dish.

No Italian meal feels complete without pizza, and the Vegetariana was spot-on. Its thin crust, topped with perfectly grilled courgettes, broccoli and bell peppers, looked scrumptiously inviting with its summery colours and tasted just as good, especially with a drizzle of chilli oil.

For mains, we moved on to the Trancio di Salmone – grilled Scottish salmon served in a silky lemon butter sauce. The fish was tender and flaky, beautifully presented on a lemon-patterned plate that echoed the dish’s zest. Accompanying it was a large, deliciously crunchy shrimp tempura and crispy confit potatoes with plump, skinned tomatoes perched like cherries on top – all tied together beautifully with the citrusy sauce. The Ravioli Alla Bolognese followed – homemade parcels filled with a hearty meat sauce. Rustic and warm, each bite carried the comforting depth of slow-cooked Bolognese, perfectly balanced with the soft pasta. 

I was ecstatic when the next dish arrived – Gnocchi Al Pesto – one of my favourite pasta combinations. Soft potato dumplings coated in creamy, aromatic pesto – what’s not to love? Topped with cherry tomatoes for added sweetness, it was a comforting dish that I could go back to again (and again).

For something heartier, the Controfiletto Di Manzo – carved prime Australian striploin with roasted baby potatoes and broccolini – was another hit. The melt-in-the-mouth meat paired with a mild peppercorn sauce was subtle and sophisticated. Simple but very well executed, it needed no embellishment.

By this point, we were almost full but who can resist dessert? And what arrived next was a showstopper: a beautiful platter complete with smoky dry ice theatrics. Presented this way for special occasions or large groups, this was a real treat as we got to sample several of Scalini’s signature sweets – a decadent chocolate cake with a biscuity, mousse-like interior; a classic tiramisu with silky mascarpone; the restaurant’s famous Crème Brûlée with a crispy white chocolate topping and red berries (my personal favourite); and the Homemade Artisanal Gelato. Served with mini macarons, the gelato came in seven flavours – rose, chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, coffee, lotus and coconut – each one rich, creamy and ever so moreish.

As I finished the last spoonful, I thought how perfectly Scalini captures the ease of Italian dining – honest food, warm service and an atmosphere that makes you slow down. Whether for a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner, Scalini is well worth a visit. D

GO: CALL 3353 9777 OR FOLLOW @SCALINIBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION.