It was a big night for the island’s dining scene at the 2026 Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants. More so for the Marassi-based Greek restaurant, Lyra, which became the only dining spot from Bahrain to feature in the elite list, ranking at No. 48. The announcement places the Amriya Group’s award-winning brand among the region’s most closely watched dining destinations.
The rankings were revealed at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, marking the fifth edition of the MENA-focused list curated by the same organisation behind World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In a year shaped by strong competition from established dining hubs across the region, Lyra’s inclusion stands out as a memorable moment for Bahrain’s restaurant scene, which continues to gain regional visibility.
For a restaurant that opened in October 2024, the timing is notable. Less than two years in, Lyra has moved beyond the excitement of a new launch and into a space defined by consistency, clarity, and confidence.
Set within Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain, Lyra makes the most of its location without leaning on it too heavily. The space feels relaxed but deliberate, with clean Mediterranean lines, warm textures, and a sculptural bar inspired by an oyster shell acting as a quiet centrepiece. As the light shifts over the water, the restaurant transitions easily from sunlit lunches to evenings by the sea.
The name Lyra, drawn from the ancient Greek lyre, reflects an emphasis on harmony and balance. That idea carries through the experience, where nothing feels overstated, and everything has room to breathe.
In the kitchen, chef Ilias Tasioulas keeps the approach refreshingly straightforward. The menu draws on traditional Greek flavours, guided by seasonality and produce-led cooking rather than embellishment. Familiar dishes like tzatziki and shrimp saganaki anchor the offering, while the Lyra moussaka, finished with truffle béchamel, has become a quiet favourite among regulars.
The strength of the menu lies in its restraint. “Lyra is our personal expression of Greek cuisine shaped by memory and technique. We believe in clarity of flavour,” says Tasioulas. It’s a philosophy that translates well beyond borders, appealing to diners who value authenticity over theatrics.
Lyra forms part of the portfolio of Amriya Group, whose presence in Bahrain’s hospitality scene spans more than five decades. The group is also behind Masso, The Orangery, and Circa, with Masso previously featured on the MENA 50 Best list in 2023.
Executive Chairman Khalid Al-Rumaihi describes the recognition as a meaningful milestone for both Lyra and Bahrain more broadly. The inclusion reflects a steady evolution in the local dining scene, where homegrown concepts rooted in genuine hospitality are gaining wider regional attention.
Lyra’s place on the 2026 list adds momentum to Bahrain’s growing reputation as a destination worth watching. It suggests a shift towards restaurants that prioritise identity, consistency, and atmosphere over novelty alone.
READ MORE: A Night of Greek Glamour: Recap of Lyra’s Grand Launch
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