A new addition to Juffair Square, il Piatto has entered the Italian food scene on the island, promising homemade classics and a warm ambience. On our most recent monthly team lunch, the Bahrain Confidential crew decided to explore this new restaurant.
Together, we tried dishes from every part of their menu – entrées, salads, pizzas, pasta, desserts, and mocktails. We enjoyed every dish equally. There are no bells and whistles when it comes to good food; that’s why we love the homemade style so much. At il Piatto, that’s exactly what we got.
The Burrata was one of the top dishes we tried at the restaurant. The cheese was incredibly fresh as were the pesto, tomatoes, and green leaves accompanying it. The Bruschetta was another table favourite, topped with cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, mozzarella, and olives, served with Rocca salad on olive oil-brushed bread.
Among the other entrees we tried was the Fritto Misto di Pesce (breaded calamari and prawns with il Piatto’s special marinara sauce). For many in the team, Vitello Tonnato, a cold dish of thinly sliced veal with tuna-flavoured sauce, was a pleasant surprise.
Among the salads, we enjoyed the Bietole, which had a generous mix of roasted beetroot, arugula, goat cheese, pistachio, and parmesan flakes with balsamic dressing. We also tried the Fantasia, which was truly fantastic with a sweet and crunchy texture thanks to the pine nuts and avocado blending with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
As we finished passing the salads and entrees around the table, the staff brought out the Penne Arrabiata, which needs no introduction for pasta lovers, and the Ravioli al Pomodoro Fresco. The latter won hearts with its fresh ravioli, spinach filling, and the mix of tomato sauce with basil. We also enjoyed the Lasagne, another Italian classic.
Onto the pizzas, which were light and well-balanced. Both the classic Margherita and the Diavola (a spicy pepperoni pizza) were delicious. Speaking from experience, if pizza activates your intolerance to gluten, the homemade dough at il Piatto might feel much lighter on your stomach.
After such an elaborate meal, we were about to call it a day. But watching the staff place two very inviting desserts on the table convinced us there was still some room. It was the perfect note to end the lunch on.
The Tiramisu here is considered to be one of the best in Bahrain, and we support this wholeheartedly. The surprise was the Panna Cotta—a simple creamy dessert topped with fresh raspberries. We couldn’t get enough of it.
Despite being the largest group there and every other table being occupied, the restaurant didn’t seem overly crowded during peak lunchtime.
The simple vibe of the restaurant, with its rustic Italian charm, pastel shades, framed photos on the wall, light classical music, and elements resembling a traditional home, creates an atmosphere of comfort and draws diners into conversations.
Chef Valter visited our table personally several times to make sure we were having a great time. The staff was candid and attentive.
We felt the food at il Piatto warrants sharing, given the quantity of each dish. However, the pasta would suffice for one. The dishes are reasonably priced considering their quality. Dining in means you will also get to experience the wholesome vibe of the restaurant and enjoy the freshness of the food versus if you ordered in.
It’s no surprise why il Piatto is becoming one of the most-recommended new Italian joints in Bahrain. We were impressed by the experience and if you love Italian food, we’re sure you will too.
il Piatto is located at Juffair Square. The restaurant is open from 12 pm – 11 pm on weekdays and from 12 pm – midnight on weekends.
For enquiries, contact the restaurant on: (+973) 13334455
