HOSPITALITY 80 bahrainthismonth.com | JULY 2026 Founded by Paris Society, Ninive is more than a restaurant. It is a refined gathering place rooted in the heritage of the Middle East and North Africa, taking its name from Nineveh, one of the great cities of the ancient world. Known as a centre of early writing and storytelling, Nineveh provides the inspiration for a concept built around culture, hospitality and shared experience. The Bahrain opening represents a new chapter for the brand, which is already established in Dubai through its venues at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and J1 Beach. The original Ninive, which opened in 2017, has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand, BBC Good Food Awards, Gault & Millau recognition and a place in the Esquire Gulf 50 Best Restaurants. Rizwan Kassim, CEO of Paris Society, says: “Ninive is a contemporary majlis, a space where the heritage of the Middle East and North Africa is not left in the past but lived, shared and celebrated. Bahrain has practised the art of gathering for generations. The majlis is not a concept here, it is a way of life and that is exactly the community this was built for.” For Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, the arrival of Ninive marks an important addition to the property’s culinary offering and its wider lifestyle vision. Yazan Latif, General Manager of Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, says: “We are delighted to welcome Ninive to Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain and to begin this exciting new chapter for the property. As a brand deeply rooted in culture, storytelling and meaningful connections, Ninive complements our vision of creating extraordinary experiences for our guests and the local community.” A Contemporary Majlis Designed by Pirajean Lees, Ninive Bahrain draws from Mesopotamian mythology and Bedouin architecture, combining time-worn wood, antique brass, Zellige tiles, handcrafted details and cuneiform-inspired motifs. The result is an intimate and transportive space that feels layered, rooted and contemporary. Reached through the gardens of Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, the restaurant is designed as a transition from the stillness of the palace into a warm, animated and deeply social setting. Lighting, music, scent and atmosphere are all part of the experience, with notes of woodsmoke, orange blossom, resin and incense helping to define the venue after dark. The Table The kitchen offers an entirely à la carte menu inspired by the culinary traditions of the Middle East, the Levant and North Africa. Signature dishes include Tashreeb with braised lamb shoulder, Iraqi spices, chickpeas, honey and bread, Couscous Royal with semolina, vegetables, chicken, merguez and lamb, and a Mixed Grill Platter featuring lamb chops, Wagyu tenderloin, Adana kebab, king prawn skewer and saffron rice. The beverage programme draws from the sensory richness of the Arabic souq, incorporating saffron, tamarind, dried lime, rose, dates and cardamom across a cocktail list that includes 1001 Nights, Age of Babylon, Tamarind Sour and Gold Rush. Ninive Bahrain is located at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain. It is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 5pm-11pm, Thursday and Friday from 5pm-12am and is closed on Monday. Entertainment takes place on Thursday and Friday, with reservations available through Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain. The celebrated cultural dining concept Ninive has opened at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, bringing its contemporary majlis spirit to the Kingdom for the first time. Arrives in Bahrain Ninive
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