For a meal that keeps everyone at the table happy, Bushra Hakim dines at The Butcher Shop & Grill, City Centre Bahrain.

There are certain restaurants you suggest when no one in the group can agree on what they want to eat. Someone wants steak, someone wants chicken, someone’s in the mood for seafood, and at least one person insists they’re ‘not that hungry’ (they always are). The Butcher Shop & Grill is one of those places where everyone finds something they’re happy with, without it feeling like a compromise.

Set slightly away from the constant buzz of the food court at City Centre Bahrain, the restaurant strikes a careful balance between open and cosy. The layout feels airy and uncluttered, yet the tufted seating and thoughtful spacing create an intimate dining atmosphere, ideal for lingering conversations and unhurried meals. Marbled walls and tabletops lend a clean, modern aesthetic, while metallic accents add warmth. Then there’s the giant green cow that injects colour and personality into the space and immediately sets a lighter, more relaxed tone. It’s a small detail but one that makes the interior feel less formal and far more inviting.

Having previously dined at the Marassi Galleria outlet, my expectations were already set fairly high. The meal began with a warm bread basket, quickly followed by a series of salads that proved surprisingly memorable. The Fantasy salad combined mesclun greens with walnuts, fresh blackberries, strawberries and goat’s cheese, finished with a citrus dressing. Fruit isn’t usually what I reach for in a salad, but this combination surprised me. The berries added a sharpness that balanced the creaminess of the goat’s cheese, while the dressing kept everything light and refreshing. The Exotic salad followed, and it really earnt its name. Made with black quinoa, baby spinach, mango, avocado, dried cranberry, dried fig and grapefruit, with a passionfruit dressing, it was colourful, textured and full of flavour. Every bite was slightly different, which is what kept it rather interesting.

The starters, however, were where the table really came alive. The Chicken Coxinha was an instant favourite. A deep-fried croquette filled with shredded chicken, cream cheese and spring onion, it had a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, gooey centre. It’s rich, comforting and dangerously easy to keep eating, even when you know mains are still to come. Equally hard to resist were the South African Truffle Mushroom Tenderloin Strips. Served in a hot skillet with a creamy truffle and mushroom sauce, the meat was genuinely succulent. Paired with toasted bread, it was indulgent, full of umami and, honestly, one of those dishes that makes sharing feel like a chore. The sauce alone was reason enough to go back in for more.

With appetites thoroughly whetted, the mains followed. The Chicken Espetada came skewered upside down over a bed of fragrant saffron rice. The chicken was well-seasoned, lightly spiced and grilled just right – juicy, flavourful and satisfying without being heavy.

From the seafood options, the Mussel Pot was a clear favourite at the table. Cooked in a creamy sauce with subtle notes of onion and parsley, the mussels were tender and balanced, accompanied by crisp garlic bread that disappeared almost as quickly as the dish itself.

The Butcher Shop & Grill is known for its South African cuts, which are displayed prominently, but the menu also includes Australian and Wagyu options. From the signature selections, the Tenderloin Medallions with bacon sauce leaned into classic steakhouse comfort, with thinly sliced tenderloin, vegetables on the side and a rich sauce. The African Suya Rib-eye, however, was the standout for me. I’m someone who genuinely enjoys a bit of fat on my steak, and this cut delivers. Cooked medium rare, the meat was tender yet firm, full of flavour and paired with a rocca mix and some seriously good potato cubes – browned, spiced and very moreish. Everything came together with an African peanut sauce, which added depth without overpowering the steak itself.

We also tried the Surf & Turf from the signature section: medium-rare sirloin paired with prawns and sweetcorn ribs, finished with a creamy, slightly tangy horseradish yoghurt sauce. Rich but balanced, it works especially well if you’re torn between steak and seafood.

Then there was the All In Burger, easily the most dramatic dish on the table. A beef patty topped with slow-cooked ribs, pickled cabbage, sautéed mushrooms, cheese and jalapeños, finished with a generous stack of onion rings and served with Cajun-style house chips. Big, messy and unapologetic, but surprisingly not overwhelming, it held together better than expected.

Despite the generous portions, dessert felt non-negotiable. The cheesecake was classic and comforting, topped with strawberry syrup and fresh strawberries. Smooth, creamy and exactly what it should be. The Smores Skillet went all out. Built on a chocolate cake base and layered with chocolate, marshmallows, cookie crumbs and ice cream, it was rich, indulgent and definitely one to share, although not everyone was willing.

The Butcher Shop & Grill is the kind of restaurant you return to when you want something familiar, filling and satisfying without overthinking it. Whether you’re there for the steaks, the starters or simply because everyone at the table wants something different, it delivers where it counts. Good food, generous portions and a setting that makes you want to stay just a little longer. ✤

GO: CALL 1717 2323 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.