Fusions — Restaurant in Bahrain Island

At Fusions in the Gulf Hotel, the presentation and atmosphere of the restaurant presents itself as "an opulence of fine dining with nostalgic Arabian home cooking." The seasonal menu changes frequently, but signature dishes in the repertoire include items such as the "Ghoozi Tacos".

The culinary approach here is taking comfort foods that are normally standalone such as ghoozi (lamb over a giant plate of rice) or Bahraini tikka (lemon marinated meat chunks in a skewer grilled over charcoal) and repackaging them into a completely different format, while retaining the exact same taste that comes with the traditional comfort food dish.

A good playbook is to make reservations for dinner and then arrive an hour early where you can walk up to the terrace bar and enjoy pre-dinner drinks while overlooking the beautiful Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Once the reservation time hits, head down to the dining area. If you don't finish your drinks, they'll bring it down for you. There is a smart casual dress code policy.

Note: It is no longer Fusions by Tala. Last month, Award Winning Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi announced her departure from the restaurant where she brought her vision of Bahraini cuisine to life. As such, the super popular tasting menu is no longer available. The tasting menu was part of her vision and when she left, the tasting menu departed with her.

Cocktails on the Terrace:

Sake Bucha: home-made ginger kombucha, sho chikubi sake, Titos vodka, yuzu juice

Running on Kombucha: Hendrick's gin, Campari, home-made passion fruit kombucha

Dates Old Fashioned: dates molasses, bourbon whiskey

Curious George: Monkey Shoulder whisky, tamarind pulp, aquafaba

Food:

Ghoozi Tacos: braised lamb shoulder, machboos aioli, crispy onions

Mushroom Risotto: creamy risotto, shimeji, enoki, button mushrooms, a hint of truffle

Leek Ravioli: creamy hand-made ravioli, topped with crispy leeks, leek rings

Tikka Steak: US prime beef tenderloin, black lime, bone marrow jus

Dinner Wine Pairing:

Mud House New Zealand Pinot Noir: A juicy and enticing Pinot Noir from Central Otago. Aromas of bold cherry and fresh red berries are underpinned by savory notes and spicy oak. On the palate, dark fruit flavors flow into a smooth palate, delivering a long finish with fine tannins and...

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fusions by Tala is a hidden gem that dazzles the senses and elevates the dining experience to new heights. From the moment you step through the door, it's evident that this restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a journey into the artistry of flavors and textures expertly crafted by the talented chefs at Fusions by Tala.

The ambiance is enchanting, with a perfect balance of sophistication and warmth. The sleek, modern décor is complemented by ambient lighting that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The attention to detail is apparent, from the stylish table settings to the carefully curated artwork adorning the walls.

The menu at Fusions by Tala is a testament to the culinary mastery of the chefs. Offering a fusion of diverse cuisines, each dish is a harmonious blend of flavors that takes your taste buds on a captivating journey. The diverse menu caters to various dietary preferences, ensuring that every guest can find something delightful.

The presentation of each dish is a work of art, with meticulous attention given to every detail. From the vibrant colors to the exquisite plating, the visual appeal is as impressive as the flavors themselves. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite, showcasing a commitment to excellence in culinary execution.

The staff at Fusions by Tala is a key component of the exceptional dining experience. Attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about their craft, they contribute to the overall ambiance with their friendly demeanor and impeccable service. Whether offering recommendations or explaining the intricacies of a dish, the staff adds a personal touch that enhances the overall dining experience.

Fusions by Tala is not just a restaurant; it's a destination for those who appreciate the finer aspects of dining. Each visit is an opportunity to explore a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, leaving a lasting impression. Without a doubt, Fusions by Tala deserves a five-star rating for its culinary excellence, inviting ambiance, and exceptional service. It's a gastronomic journey that transcends the ordinary, making it a must-visit for connoisseurs of...

After a disappointing visit previously (see review below), I’m happy to say that Fusion by Tala has truly redeemed itself. My last experience was far below expectations, which I shared in a prior review. The restaurant’s management reached out promptly, offering multiple apologies and a complimentary dinner to make up for the shortcomings.

This time around, everything was outstanding. From the moment we walked in, the staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable evening. The dishes were perfectly prepared, with the creative flavors and stunning presentation that the restaurant is known for. The service was impeccable, with every detail meticulously attended to.

Fusion by Tala has certainly lived up to its reputation, demonstrating not only excellence in its dining experience but also integrity and credibility in handling feedback. This experience more than made up for the previous visit, and I’m delighted to rectify my earlier review. I look forward to dining here again soon!

-**

I had high expectations for Fusion by Tala, but my recent experience was deeply disappointing. The occasion was meant to celebrate two birthdays, which I had noted during the reservation in the hope of some special attention—unfortunately, this was completely ignored.

While the taste of the food was good, the service was abysmal. Orders were forgotten, side dishes arrived well before the main courses, and the mains were severely delayed due to a kitchen error. Why serve side dishes without the mains? Additionally, one drink and 2 side dishes were completely forgotten, adding to the disorganized service.

Despite the chaos, the manager failed to take any corrective action or offer any gesture to make up for the experience. For a bill totaling BD 235, I expected a much higher standard of service and value. Sadly, Fusion by Tala fell far short, showing a very poor service mindset and little regard for customer satisfaction. Sadly to say that due to this I won’t...