CHILD FRIENDLY DINING

Below are a few that I have visited or have been recommended by friends, along with some that Ii have seen advertised but have yet to obtain a word of mouth review.

 

The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Residence & Spa - Olivos Restaurant
Location: Manama
Contact: 17531666
Description: Highchairs available, baby changing, plenty of space for buggies (you can take in or leave at reception).
Comments: Staff very welcoming and helpful with my sons fussy eating (OVER cooked broccoli please!) no comments from anyone on the mess we caused (which was substantial!) and plenty of space which enabled us to keep buggies to hand.

We went on a buffet lunch day which had loads of different options and as my sons eating habits (loves something one day and hates it the next) are pretty erratic I could pick up a little of everything and see what would be popular, we also were able to try something new without the pain of me cooking it.
Reasonable prices and super clean facilities.
RECOMMENDED

 

Chilli's
Location: City Centre Mall
Comments: While I know that Chilli's is a chain, the quality of your experience is often determined by the staff at the venue. Happily city centre branch of chilli's has hit the nail on the head with this one, Acel, Blessie, Sol and Hussain were very attentive, helpful with baby chairs, kids menu and entertainment!

They have clearly aimed for staff with a love of children and energy for this family favourite. The familiar Chilli's menu is always popular with my little chap and the food was served quickly. Tom was having such a good time he ate all of his meal (amazing!) and complained when we left. Pop in next time you are there.

 

Trader Vics, Ritz Carlton
Location: Ritz Carlton
Comments: Again, another chain but a very popular one which I was fairly keen to check out! Alas I felt a little let down at this branch. we were greeted with a stern 'we're fully booked' at the door, despite the inside being empty at this time. I stated as much and begrudgingly put us in the far corner (during the time we were there only 50% of the indoor tables were used).

This aside I was still happy to be there. We were not offered a kids menu and the portions are pretty small for grown ups with no sides on offer, the service was OK but not as good as much cheaper options. Not one to take the kids to - perhaps a night out (two person cocktails are fun).

Also note that there are hardly any ramps for buggies anywhere (lots of stairs) and in the 'family' outdoor dining the food, & service are good but we had a table of cigar smokers put right next to us which meant we had to leave. Shame as the facilities at The Ritz are incredible. The beach is wonderful!

 

The Meat Co.
Location: Adliya
Description: We arrived here after having a horrible time at a hotel restaurant (wont get into that now!) so were really hungry and with guests in tow the pressure was on to find a good meal. We were not let down by The Meat Co.
By far the best service I have experienced on the Island so far; polite, knowledgable but not intimidatingly posh. The staff have clearly been handpicked and brought from South Africa (the chain is South African) As long as you like meat you will be in heaven as we all ordered a different meal and they were all great. they do have highchairs now

 

The Crowne Plaza Friday Brunch
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel
Description: There are high chairs, you can leave buggies (and car seats if coming by taxi) at reception there is a kids food section (albeit junk food, but you can choose from the adult food for them), and there is free henna/face painting and a magician/balloon man. Staff are very friendly and helpful, and there is achanging table in the disabled cubicle in the ladies toilet. Food is fantastic and the free flowing sparkling wine is not bad either! Just make sure you book the non smoking section.
RECOMMENDED By Elea (thanks).

 

The Butcher Shop and Grill
Location: City Centre Mall, 2nd floor
Description: Went here with some freinds and my son and had a great meal - I had pie and everyone else hits the steaks with no complaints all round. The food was good and service too but I hear that if you are going off-peak this may dip as they are still training staff. Best thing though was the amazing high chair which I show below.
I would recommend this for slightly more grown up food (with kids stuff available) and really good pie!