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Lyra

Manama

A modern ode to Greece

What's the story? The lyre is a Greek symbol of creativity, harmony and culture – Lyra, named for the musical instrument, is a restaurant that exudes each of these attributes, serving up a sumptuous slice of Greek heritage in each of its expertly crafted dishes. A member of the Amriya Group, famous for Masso, The Orangery and Circa, the restaurant is helmed by chef Ilias Tasioulas, a champion of balanced flavours and refined Mediterranean techniques.

Hellenic highlights: An elegant space just steps from the sugary sands of Marrasi Beach, Lyra has a distinctly Mediterranean ambience: think indoor-outdoor vibes, sun-soaked hues and carefully selected Greek-inspired artworks. The focal point is a luminous marble bar, backlit for maximum drama, which rises up like a giant oyster shell, cradling customers in shimmering splendour – a reverential nod to Bahrain's long history of pearl diving.

Elevated Greek staples: Blending traditional recipes and authentic ingredients with modern finesse, Lyra's menu is a scintillating selection of charcoal grills, fresh salads, citrussy seafood dishes and perfectly plated pastas – and of course, this being a Greek-inspired restaurant, there's a solid selection of spreads to dip into: take your pick from spicy feta, tzatziki, smoky aubergine and the house take on taramasalata.

What to order: Start with the grilled octopus with Santorini fava beans and caramelised shallots, then opt for the lemony Greek-style chicken with black garlic and thyme – or double up on seafood flavours with the orange-infused sea bass with brown butter, fennel and tarragon. And for dessert? The baklava mille feuille with vanilla blossom ice cream and rose jam is a must-try.

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