Embark on an exploration of flavours with Apple Sharma, as she experiences the tantalising new menu at the Royal Golf Club’s Slice restaurant.

The Royal Golf Club in Riffa is one of those unique dining destinations that doesn’t require any introduction. Tucked away among the pristine greens of Bahrain’s premier golf course lies a culinary experience just as impressive as the surroundings. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or someone simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the club’s restaurants offer top-notch views, impeccable service and flavours that keep you coming back. So, when I was invited for lunch at Slice, the poolside restaurant, I happily obliged, expecting a relaxed afternoon with my colleague.

Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the lovely Sales and Marketing Manager, Faiza Ahmed, who took the time to show us around. Slice boasts a contemporary, bright interior with spectacular views of the pool and beautifully landscaped gardens. One corner of the eatery is home to a wood-fired oven pizzeria adding a rustic charm to the place. A large wooden terrace outside means you can dine al fresco, soaking up the views while enjoying some fresh air.

With floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light, the restaurant feels open, airy and refreshingly laid-back. The minimalist décor, featuring wood-panelled flooring and terracotta brick accents, strikes a balance between cosy and chic, creating a setting where both families and friends can feel at home.

Executive Chef Walid Akl soon joined us to introduce the new Continental menu, which highlights international dishes and reimagined classics, along with generous sharing platters for families and larger groups. With sophisticated, familiar flavours given a unique twist by Chef Walid’s use of specific spices, we couldn’t wait to get started.

First to arrive on the table was a breadbasket of sesame seed bread sticks and garlic bread rolls, which were an instant hit, smothered in buttery garlicky goodness with herbs sprinkled on top. They were the perfect warm-up for what was to come.

We started with Beef Carpaccio, featuring thinly sliced, aged beef tenderloin, topped with grilled artichokes, capers, rocket leaves and parmesan cheese. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender and a lovely balsamic sauce tied everything together. Simplicity done right, this was an appetiser that set the bar high for the rest of the meal.

Next, we tried the Tuna Crudo, a light and refreshing combination of yellowfin tuna, cucumber, celery, mango and capers. The lemon vinaigrette added just the right amount of zing, without overpowering the delicate flavour of the tuna. It also wasn’t overly fishy, which is always a plus for a seafood dish.

We were then presented the star of the appetisers – the signature dish of Black Burrata A la Greek. I had never tasted black buratta before and was super excited to try it! Dipped in balsamic vinegar, the soft burrata oozed onto the plate when cut and was accompanied by quinoa salad, zucchini and roasted peppers. The sweetness from the balsamic complemented the rich creaminess of the cheese perfectly, while the quinoa added a pleasant crunch. It’s a must-try if you’re looking for something truly unique. As if the starters hadn’t already wowed us, the enticing Kataifi Vermicelli Prawns then arrived. These knafeh-wrapped tiger prawns, piled high on a bed of sweet and tangy tomato sauce, were golden and crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Skewered on a wooden stick, this delicious, easy-to-eat-dish looked as pretty as it tasted.

The Mediterranean Seafood Skillet followed, another standout and a perfect seafood lovers’ delight. With a selection of the day’s freshest catch sautéed in a tangy, buttery lemon herb sauce, this dish brought the essence of the sea right to our table.

Then came the Brisket & Cheese – another signature dish and comfort food at its finest. Tender beef brisket, slow cooked for eight hours, was smothered in a rich and cheesy Mornay sauce, topped with wild herbs and spring onion. These square bitesize morsels of meat were delicious and made for a hearty and deeply satisfying bite.

After taking a little breather, we moved on to try the classic Beef Wellington, a dish that speaks to tradition. Wrapped in golden pastry and stuffed with sautéed mushroom duxelle (a mixture of minced mushroom, onion and herbs), the Wagyu beef was cooked to medium-well perfection. The sweetness of the parsnip purée brought a lovely balance to the dish, with the beef jus complementing the richness of the meat.

Next, we tried another classic crowd-pleaser, the Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, which didn’t disappoint. Stuffed with smoked turkey and cheddar cheese, the breaded chicken breast was crispy on the outside and oozing with cheesy goodness inside. Served with spaghetti aglio olio, it was a deliciously comforting dish, with a hint of chilli to keep things interesting. By this point, we were utterly stuffed, but who can say no to dessert? The Baked Cheesecake was a fitting end to the meal, with a perfectly crumbly biscuit base and a lovely tart berry compote that provided a nice contrast to the creamy richness of the pudding. However, the real star for me was the Passion Fruit Panna Cotta, with a silky texture and topped with a thin layer of tangy, sweet passion fruit jelly, which paired wonderfully with the vanilla – a delightful way to round off our feast.

Overall, Slice offers a dining experience that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for unwinding after a long day or celebrating a special occasion. Whether you’re a golfer or just a food enthusiast, this is one spot in Riffa you won’t want to miss. ✤

GO: CALL 1775 0777 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.