If you’re looking for authentic Turkish taste straight from Istanbul, Gunaydin is the legit go-to destination in Bahrain. The restaurant located at the Terminal Building in Block 338 has had non-stop praise from its customers ever since its recent opening. Bahrain Confidential got the chance to visit and see what the talk was all about.
Right after entering the meatery’s large ornamental doors, Gunaydin’s spacious banquet starts the experience. Numerous windows allow light around the spacious hall, showcasing the various prized cuts and aged meats available for every customer. As the enthusiastic staff takes us to our tables, the only thing you hear is the sizzle of grills being worked and smell the various meats and spices being cooked.
For starters, baked bread straight from the oven so good you’ll forget to make space for the main course and fresh salads paired with a variety of dressings and mezza dips. And then the show starts, be prepared for heat and fire as Gunaydin prepares your meals right in front of you. We were left in awe of the theatrical preparation of our main course. It builds up to a mouth-watering anticipation of having the cooked, cut and seasoned meat go straight to the table.
We got to enjoy lamb cooked to perfection that the meat slips from the bone, an amazing rack of beef ribs, and meat grilled to your preference, sliced and plated straight to your table. We also got to try different kebabs and were assisted by staff in making our own doners. For desserts, the show continues, as we indulged the delicious “katmer”, a traditional phyllo dough filled with ground pistachio and served with ice cream.
Great place, great service, and an all-around amazing experience that feasts all of your senses at Gunaydin. The restaurant is perfect for any occasion and any number of people, be it family lunches or intimate evening dinners over drinks. It’s a great place to try for everyone, but a must for genuine meat lovers.