Against all odds, there’s a new culinary kid in town, so of course we made our way over immediately. Meet: Crossroads Bahrain.

Entering Crossroads at Marriott Executive Apartments, we immediately notice an atmosphere that doesn’t come along often in Bahrain’s dining scene. Why? Well, there are restaurants with interior décor so elegant that you almost can’t get comfortable. Then, there are restaurants so comfortable that they don’t quite manage to create a sense of occasion.

And then there’s Crossroads, where the interiors erase the distinctions between comfort and elegance. Wood elements, nook seating, plants, and plenty of warm lighting come together to create a setting that’s equal parts elegant and inviting. After getting seated by a friendly waiter, we start searching for the menu, but to no avail. Turns out it’s under our plates in the form of a one-time use placemat. Safe and atypical – we’re off to a good start.

We also love the sound of what awaits us upon a glance at the menu. Strawberry & Date Salad? Yes, please. Beef Tenderloin? Always. As the dishes arrive in succession, we take a few moments to give the signature Crossroads Mezza a try. It comes complete with the usual suspects like falafel, muhamara, hummus, moussaka, nojoumia, and vine leaves – except they’re all done with a twist at Crossroads. The vine leaves are enriched with pomegranate juice, adding a touch of tang, while caramelised onions unexpectedly elevate the humble hummus.

Next comes the aforementioned salad, a refreshing combination of mixed greens, fresh strawberries, and sweet date balls accented with a balsamic reduction and lemon-oil dressing. Bonus: it’s vegan. Where have you been all my life? Another must-try salad is the Crossroads Salad, but this one’s for the carnivores as a choice of lamb kofta or grilled chicken accompany baby spinach, rocket leaves, and a pomegranate dressing. Comfort food connoisseurs, meanwhile, should head straight for the Crossroads Burger.

We can’t help but notice it’s encased in a crispy bun stuffed with cheese. And we can’t resist a happy dance. Another crowd-pleaser, this time in the Mains section, is the Beef Tenderloin – a thick, juicy, rosemary-crusted steak complemented by grilled vegetables and baby potatoes that are not only roasted to perfection, but also enveloped in cheese. Win-win. Come dessert, we opt for the Orange & Polenta Flourless Cake that, admittedly, looks dull at first sight. But we’re wrong. Boy, are we wrong. It’s zesty, it’s flavourful, it’s surprisingly light. And because we’re told the Russian Honey Cake at Crossroads is the Beyoncé of honey cakes, we can’t help but make space for it, too. Because why not? If you prefer your desserts with more layers than you can count, this one’s a winner. ✤

GO: CALL 3361 4447 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO MAKE RESERVATIONS.

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