D’lish Café opens first Bahrain outlet

D’lish Café has taken its first step into the Bahrain market after securing a lease at Al Liwan in Hamala, signalling a measured regional expansion by the UAE-born premium café brand at a time when Gulf consumers are showing sustained appetite for experiential dining. The new outlet, developed in partnership with Seef Properties, places the brand within one of the kingdom’s prominent lifestyle destinations and marks its second move outside the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement was signed with Seef Properties, which operates and manages Al Liwan, a mixed-use destination that blends retail, food and beverage offerings with open-air public spaces. The café will operate under the D’lish Café banner, known for its focus on artisanal desserts, baked goods and signature beverages that emphasise presentation as much as flavour.

Located in Al Liwan, the new branch positions D’lish Café within a development that has become a draw for both residents and visitors seeking curated dining concepts rather than mass-market chains. Al Liwan has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for independent and regional brands, a strategy that aligns with Bahrain’s broader push to diversify its retail and hospitality landscape.

Executives familiar with the agreement said the choice of Bahrain was driven by market fundamentals rather than scale alone. Bahrain’s food and beverage sector is smaller than neighbouring Gulf markets, yet it is often viewed by operators as more agile, with consumers open to new concepts and a regulatory environment that allows brands to test formats before rolling them out more widely. For D’lish Café, this provides an opportunity to refine its offering outside its home market while maintaining close operational oversight.

The expansion also reflects a shift in how regional café brands approach growth. Rather than rapid franchising across multiple countries, many operators are opting for selective placements in high-visibility developments managed by established landlords. Seef Properties has increasingly positioned itself as a partner of choice for such brands, leveraging its portfolio to curate tenant mixes that emphasise quality and differentiation.

People close to the project said the Bahrain outlet will mirror the brand’s design language while incorporating elements tailored to local preferences. Menu development has taken into account flavour profiles popular in the kingdom, alongside the café’s established dessert range. This approach is consistent with a broader trend among Gulf-based food brands, which are seeking to balance brand consistency with localisation as competition intensifies.

From Seef Properties’ perspective, the addition of D’lish Café strengthens Al Liwan’s positioning as a destination rather than a conventional shopping centre. The developer has invested heavily in outdoor spaces and programming to encourage longer dwell times, betting that food-led experiences will anchor footfall even as retail habits evolve. The arrival of a recognised UAE brand supports that strategy by adding regional familiarity without diluting the centre’s emphasis on curated offerings.

Industry analysts note that Bahrain continues to punch above its weight in attracting regional food concepts despite its smaller population. High urban density, a strong café culture and a steady flow of visitors from neighbouring markets contribute to a demand environment that rewards differentiation. For premium dessert and café brands, this creates room to command pricing that reflects quality rather than volume-driven discounts.

D’lish Café’s move also comes as Gulf café operators face rising input costs and more discerning consumers. Expansion decisions are increasingly tied to locations that can deliver consistent footfall and brand visibility without excessive capital outlay. By opting for a single, well-placed outlet at Al Liwan, the company appears to be prioritising sustainability over speed.