Bold flavours, fusion dishes and friendly service were on the menu for Apple Sharma on her latest visit to The Bossman in Seef.

For those of us who live, work or hang out in Seef District, we know all too well that it’s teeming with cool and quirky eateries. As loads more mushroom in the area, some remain popular favourites that have stood the test of time. The Bossman is one such gem. A late lunch was the call of the day, which took me and my colleagues there for some relaxed bites, close to work.

As soon as we entered, we were warmly greeted by Founder Abdulla Ahmed, whose friendly disposition trickles right down to his staff, from Chef Jandar Haj Tass to our lovely server Fabio, who took great care of us.

The interior strikes you immediately with its industrial chic meets urban cool aesthetic. Sleek black and gold accents dominate, with plush seating adding a touch of modern luxury. Polished brass chandeliers fitted with Edison bulbs hang overhead, while bold geometric metal walls create a contemporary, minimalist feel. Signature neon signs like KEEP IT BO$$ and FOR CHEE$E SAKE instantly give a playful yet confident vibe. My favourite part was the clever word-search wall that spells out celebratory messages in glowing purple letters – a nice Instagram-worthy touch and perfect for a fun birthday or anniversary. From quirky artworks to a mural splashed with hot pink words reading ‘Eat Hustle Repeat’, the restaurant’s dollar theme runs throughout. With its mix of cosy corners, elegant tables and stylish mezzanine level, The Bossman strikes the perfect balance between relaxed dining and upscale ambience – a spot that makes you feel like, well, the boss!

Best known for burgers and Italian fusion, we couldn’t wait to jump right in. We began with the Crispy Chicken Caesar – layers of romaine leaves underneath a veil of finely grated parmesan on a base of golden fried chicken strips. The dressing was lovely and unlike a classic Caesar, the chicken was breaded and provided a satisfying crunch, almost like a replacement for croutons. A perfect way to start our meal.

The McKrispy followed, a colourful mixed lettuce salad with red and white cabbage tossed in a rich, creamy mayo pickle dressing. This bowl was full of surprises, from crispy spring roll sheets and tortilla sticks to cashews and peanuts (my favourite) that provided the most delightful crunch.

Then came Holy Smokes, and what an entrance it made. The seasoned fries arrived in a small bucket, generously drizzled with three sauces: avocado, ranch and cheese. As we tried to pinch the fries, Fabio told us to hold on and, to our shock, expertly turned the container upside down. We quickly realised the theatrics were to reveal the thick base of crispy fried onion, which now sat proudly atop the mountain of fries. These were divine, with melt-in-your-mouth shreds of brisket meat calling my colleagues’ names, to which they answered with glee. A definite hit at the table.

The Steak N’ Crunch had us all intrigued as we tried to decipher what lay underneath a perfectly formed mound of golden, crispy julienne potatoes. Parting them revealed juicy pieces of tenderloin steak and meaty mushrooms, complemented beautifully by a delicious chipotle-ranch sauce with a slight kick. The umami flavours balanced perfectly with the subtle smokiness of the chipotle. Soft yet crunchy and totally sublime, it was one of those dishes that had us going quiet for a moment – always a good sign.

Next came the much-anticipated Double Smashed Miso. No visit to The Bossman is complete without trying at least one of its burgers. Presented simply on a wooden platter, it was anything but simple. Juicy smashed patties, cooked to perfection and smothered in gooey, melted cheese and fried onions, sat between the softest burger buns imaginable. The deliciously punchy miso-roasted garlic sauce added a tangy-savoury depth that made the whole thing irresistible. It was everything a burger should be – pure comforting, meaty satisfaction.

The lovely earthy smell of the Truffle Lemon Ravioli wafted through the air even before it arrived at the table. Soft ricotta cheese filled the fresh, in-house pasta parcels, coated in a luscious lemony sauce and dusted with lemon zest. This struck just the right balance of citrus and creamy flavours – comfort in its most elegant form. The Pesto Pistachio Spaghetti soon followed and was another simple yet flavourful dish. The pasta was perfectly cooked and coated generously in a delicious creamy pesto, with sundried tomato and pistachios for a lovely crunch. It’s one of those quietly impressive dishes that’s humble but utterly satisfying.

Throughout our meal, we sipped on some of The Bossman’s creative mocktails – from Sun Ki$$ed (a tropical mix of passion fruit and saffron) and I’m In Love With The Coco (pomegranate, passion fruit and coconut) to the delightful Lavanta Limone, made with lavender and lemon.

We ended on a sweet note – or two. The Crispy Hazelnut featured multiple layers of chocolate sponge and mousse encased in a chocolate shell. Soft mousse, spongy cake and a layer of hazelnut brittle in between ticked all the boxes. It didn’t feel heavy at all, instead surprisingly light, fluffy and deliciously chocolatey – what’s not to love? The San Sebastian cheesecake was baked and presented beautifully ‘en papillote’ in parchment paper with a medley of berries. This little parcel of joy, with its golden caramelised top and creamy, custard-like centre, was the perfect ending to our afternoon as we enjoyed it over cups of Americanos, cappuccinos and lively conversation.

The Bossman delivers exactly what it promises: bold flavours, creative fusion and an atmosphere that’s equal parts fun and sophisticated. For Seef regulars, it’s a reliable choice that continues to impress. For everyone else, it’s well worth the visit. ✤

GO: CALL 1790 0907 OR FOLLOW @THEBOSSMAN.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.