Diana’s Eatery & Café: Lebanese Heritage and Mediterranean Travels Inspire This Spot’s Flavours

Diana’s Eatery & Café in Hamala Hills is quickly becoming a neighbourhood favourite, and it all started with a Spicy Salmon Bowl. What began as a single dish created in Diana Ali’s home kitchen has blossomed into a Mediterranean-inspired café that celebrates her Lebanese heritage and love for authentic flavours.

The café is rooted in warmth and hospitality. It’s the kind of place where the food tells a story, and every guest is welcomed like family.

We caught up with Diana to learn more about her journey from that first iconic dish to opening a community space that brings people together over delicious, heartfelt food.

Your story began with the Spicy Salmon Bowl – what made it so special, and how did it help with setting up Diana’s Eatery & Café?

The Spicy Salmon Bowl was born in my tiny home kitchen when I was simply experimenting with flavours I loved and sharing them with family and friends. I never expected it to become so popular. My cousin’s colleagues even created a WhatsApp group called ‘Salmon Bowl Orders’ to make sure they placed theirs every Thursday. The bowl was fresh, vibrant, and simple, and it gave me the courage to dream of something bigger. 

That single dish inspired me to create a space where food and community could come together. It still stands out as the only non-Mediterranean item on the menu, which otherwise is filled with flavours from across the Mediterranean and from my Lebanese heritage, always honouring my grandmother, my Teta, may she rest in peace.

How would you describe the atmosphere you’ve tried to create at the eatery?

I wanted the eatery to feel like an extension of my own home: warm, welcoming, and filled with soul. From the rattan chairs and walnut tables to the earthy colour palette, every detail was chosen to create a sense of calm and comfort.

I spent months searching for the right details, from cushions and bench sponges to lighting fixtures. Even the plates transport guests to the Mediterranean. Combined with the menu, they create an experience that feels like being on holiday but also at your grandmother’s house. More than anything, I wanted people to feel at home.

Tell us a little about the food – what inspires your menu?

The menu is inspired by my travels across the Mediterranean and, most importantly, by my Lebanese grandmother, who taught me how to cook. You’ll find touches from Greece, Spain, and Turkey alongside Lebanese influences. 

A favourite example is our Labneh San Sebastián, a baked cheesecake infused with labneh and served with strawberries soaked in orange blossom. Everything is made from scratch, from soaking chickpeas to straining yoghurt to preparing homemade syrups. We use only natural fats such as olive oil, ghee, and Irish butter. My philosophy is simple: if I would not serve it to myself, I would not serve it to my guests.

Can you briefly recall one challenging and one memorable moment in the early days of Diana’s Eatery & Café?

The biggest challenge was managing the overwhelming logistics of opening, from sourcing quality ingredients to training a small team that shared my vision. This was my first venture in the food and beverage industry, and I went from making salmon bowls at home a few times a week to running a full eatery. The most memorable moment was opening night. Seeing a full house of guests sharing mezze and smiling over their meals made every obstacle worthwhile. I was so overwhelmed that I hid in the office and cried happy tears. I felt my Teta with me and knew I had made her proud.

What’s next for you and the restaurant?

Beyond being a neighbourhood eatery, I want Diana’s to be a place where people instinctively gather for both everyday meals and special occasions. We have exciting themed nights and events planned, and I am looking forward to opening our terrace soon. As for the future, I want to dream big. I hope to see Diana’s Eatery grow beyond Bahrain and become a place where people everywhere feel at home.