![Pedestrianised areas and colourful artworks make the area unique in Bahrain. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BV4KV2YAZDRHTBY576Y54XU7PM.jpg?smart=true&auth=5a02d0029e1f59be3350cc6d2d369008dc4a0c62209e2672dd06874e8e8cb370&width=400&height=225)
![Bahrain's Block 338 is located in Qudaibiya and is home to a range of restaurants and bars. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FFGP5DOVWR47XXPEVH7QFROWLQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=05210d204bea842bf568dca9f742401a6bfe148de7124e1b70907bdae0d39f22&width=400&height=225)
![The area is largely pedestrianised, so people can safely walk around. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7GMJADJFTCYDELXKR7DNGGSK2U.jpg?smart=true&auth=43d9d10ba0e0836039ed532f61d1ef21513bced808bf2aedf7a080f4be7cbdd2&width=400&height=225)
![Amid the pandemic, restaurants and cafes, such as stalwart Coco's, pictured here, were forced to focus on staying afloat via their takeaway business. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XBRQMU5I7N247JIK6Y677NIKCY.jpg?smart=true&auth=b43ed4adc250c0fb44da023349fca983162b94086ea63191f44585a995087890&width=400&height=225)
![Once home to local businesses, the area has seen a rise in big-name brands over the past decade or so. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BJXU45P6CV5Z3YXX5WDIXLEXFU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6dfbb49487dfaaba18959bd38a9a177ac2cc2fabad632901ea26ba6dca6c848d&width=400&height=225)
![A number of restaurants have closed during the pandemic, with more and more spaces available to rent. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X6RZD6N7SBPNUNBHIDX3BCDX2U.jpg?smart=true&auth=64e31ccfa3ec94eae0aefefff98e746dad1074a73bdf7a4ddb2e3d5e2ee7bfc0&width=400&height=225)
![Strict Covid-19 restrictions were implemented across Bahrain amid the pandemic, including the closing of restaurants and mandatory mask wearing. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q7XKFVZ7EEY3EXVCNMS75KQSHQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=d509cf4bf519961e390f71db01daa25727a7f88fd44b0c6ea0473c1a045c7f34&width=400&height=225)
![Restaurants boast colourful facades looking to attract customers in a fiercely competitive market. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WEFLOVXKJZHIZBBICGVGEGH6NM.jpg?smart=true&auth=88952806bdd3ca641505cd7e9d53ddd19d367cf457c483f8662fba0c95b46180&width=400&height=225)
![The area has always been a hub for artists, too, with annual creative festivals held here. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z2XMWV3AMMCFDYXAW5CGIHX7ZI.jpg?smart=true&auth=02a7613f8598f12c15e802da5b49258862dad21da924a495a8e2a63ebb16a215&width=400&height=225)
![While The Terminal offers parking spaces to customers, finding a space for cars has always been an issue in this congested area. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3CN5PZFGI6M7EAB7AZK6HACAKE.jpg?smart=true&auth=06f972a15a84910fb2e23893aa42e74b7569a429b98376a8205a2ce91f2a1d27&width=400&height=225)
![Colourful murals and graffiti artwork are found throughout the area. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GGAPZX5M4BJ3JWZ4IY774J4DEM.jpg?smart=true&auth=018f6d74fbcfaf54d2c235abce6898d57304874db93b2d11e388afaaa7670d1a&width=400&height=225)
![The original Blaze Burgers was born here. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6TYMPW4H7CFX5IESKYNJVSQ6WE.jpg?smart=true&auth=8938ac19b6fb0f7b0d59fa0587cfe46251d290631293436facd208de57ffc5c4&width=400&height=225)
![Artwork on the walls in Block 338. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3JE4N6PXNUOC3V7J5HAYGDMEO4.jpg?smart=true&auth=6fc4d9c0a82c3d57b2dbf8285aa840ce36020448949b75a927b681a64af488ec&width=400&height=225)
![Unique architecture can be seen in the area. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VXNM6KFZ7HQAXRSFCW4SE73QW4.jpg?smart=true&auth=d064d2b1670b3443d61afb337dc8398516f0f9510070f3f3b43f69cee4631e5d&width=400&height=225)
![Al Riwaq Art Gallery, which was once a hub for artists in the area, was forced to leave in 2017. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FE7YMNKTZKPTQZU5DZM46D5XSE.jpg?smart=true&auth=df67eafc0d99496d4a50d757c8cfe2c372cd1afc07f3c5b3254fc9df4d0e1472&width=400&height=225)
![Torino Restaurant & Lounge, a Mediterranean-inspired steakhouse. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LPR3FYSQXARK7IX2MPNIR7D6JQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=e3577b0f315cff484a460cb5795291a2b425dfd989bd0e3c7d00309ebf888c01&width=400&height=225)
![Block 338 is home to restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine, from Greek to Japanese. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QT3Q4SUCJQ4M2TNJJYKEKYSH5M.jpg?smart=true&auth=4ce032ca617f2adfb01aa60c110c093e98fbde92f7c37ab3069a3301234ab5c7&width=400&height=225)
![Camelot restaurant and the Irish Village, which expanded from Dubai. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QHCKPLKUWXQZGGO7V3Z2BSRCKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=78e600d3da402f0089f19aac190f38127bcab4372d388f6cb9302a3d170180b4&width=400&height=225)
![Restaurants with outdoor seating areas have fared better than those without. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2JBEADD54RZNDVXMTHD7MOORRQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=b2c55dd4c92d1748a84ca49d7163a1760e94c5dc4100b2a66d64269cbe692143&width=400&height=225)
![Brands from across the world have opened branches in Bahrain's Block 338. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZZX52ESG2IRWNOR6A45JOISAOQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=123c2907a97957217735626181d28a457278edd0959c80824b6d5f8962cd35eb&width=400&height=225)
![Pedestrianised areas and colourful artworks make the area unique in Bahrain. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BV4KV2YAZDRHTBY576Y54XU7PM.jpg?smart=true&auth=5a02d0029e1f59be3350cc6d2d369008dc4a0c62209e2672dd06874e8e8cb370&width=400&height=225)
![Bahrain's Block 338 is located in Qudaibiya and is home to a range of restaurants and bars. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FFGP5DOVWR47XXPEVH7QFROWLQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=05210d204bea842bf568dca9f742401a6bfe148de7124e1b70907bdae0d39f22&width=400&height=225)
![The area is largely pedestrianised, so people can safely walk around. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7GMJADJFTCYDELXKR7DNGGSK2U.jpg?smart=true&auth=43d9d10ba0e0836039ed532f61d1ef21513bced808bf2aedf7a080f4be7cbdd2&width=400&height=225)
![Amid the pandemic, restaurants and cafes, such as stalwart Coco's, pictured here, were forced to focus on staying afloat via their takeaway business. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XBRQMU5I7N247JIK6Y677NIKCY.jpg?smart=true&auth=b43ed4adc250c0fb44da023349fca983162b94086ea63191f44585a995087890&width=400&height=225)
![Once home to local businesses, the area has seen a rise in big-name brands over the past decade or so. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BJXU45P6CV5Z3YXX5WDIXLEXFU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6dfbb49487dfaaba18959bd38a9a177ac2cc2fabad632901ea26ba6dca6c848d&width=400&height=225)
![A number of restaurants have closed during the pandemic, with more and more spaces available to rent. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X6RZD6N7SBPNUNBHIDX3BCDX2U.jpg?smart=true&auth=64e31ccfa3ec94eae0aefefff98e746dad1074a73bdf7a4ddb2e3d5e2ee7bfc0&width=400&height=225)
![Strict Covid-19 restrictions were implemented across Bahrain amid the pandemic, including the closing of restaurants and mandatory mask wearing. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q7XKFVZ7EEY3EXVCNMS75KQSHQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=d509cf4bf519961e390f71db01daa25727a7f88fd44b0c6ea0473c1a045c7f34&width=400&height=225)
![Restaurants boast colourful facades looking to attract customers in a fiercely competitive market. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WEFLOVXKJZHIZBBICGVGEGH6NM.jpg?smart=true&auth=88952806bdd3ca641505cd7e9d53ddd19d367cf457c483f8662fba0c95b46180&width=400&height=225)
![The area has always been a hub for artists, too, with annual creative festivals held here. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z2XMWV3AMMCFDYXAW5CGIHX7ZI.jpg?smart=true&auth=02a7613f8598f12c15e802da5b49258862dad21da924a495a8e2a63ebb16a215&width=400&height=225)
![While The Terminal offers parking spaces to customers, finding a space for cars has always been an issue in this congested area. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3CN5PZFGI6M7EAB7AZK6HACAKE.jpg?smart=true&auth=06f972a15a84910fb2e23893aa42e74b7569a429b98376a8205a2ce91f2a1d27&width=400&height=225)
![Colourful murals and graffiti artwork are found throughout the area. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GGAPZX5M4BJ3JWZ4IY774J4DEM.jpg?smart=true&auth=018f6d74fbcfaf54d2c235abce6898d57304874db93b2d11e388afaaa7670d1a&width=400&height=225)
![The original Blaze Burgers was born here. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6TYMPW4H7CFX5IESKYNJVSQ6WE.jpg?smart=true&auth=8938ac19b6fb0f7b0d59fa0587cfe46251d290631293436facd208de57ffc5c4&width=400&height=225)
![Artwork on the walls in Block 338. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3JE4N6PXNUOC3V7J5HAYGDMEO4.jpg?smart=true&auth=6fc4d9c0a82c3d57b2dbf8285aa840ce36020448949b75a927b681a64af488ec&width=400&height=225)
![Unique architecture can be seen in the area. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VXNM6KFZ7HQAXRSFCW4SE73QW4.jpg?smart=true&auth=d064d2b1670b3443d61afb337dc8398516f0f9510070f3f3b43f69cee4631e5d&width=400&height=225)
![Al Riwaq Art Gallery, which was once a hub for artists in the area, was forced to leave in 2017. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FE7YMNKTZKPTQZU5DZM46D5XSE.jpg?smart=true&auth=df67eafc0d99496d4a50d757c8cfe2c372cd1afc07f3c5b3254fc9df4d0e1472&width=400&height=225)
![Torino Restaurant & Lounge, a Mediterranean-inspired steakhouse. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LPR3FYSQXARK7IX2MPNIR7D6JQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=e3577b0f315cff484a460cb5795291a2b425dfd989bd0e3c7d00309ebf888c01&width=400&height=225)
![Block 338 is home to restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine, from Greek to Japanese. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QT3Q4SUCJQ4M2TNJJYKEKYSH5M.jpg?smart=true&auth=4ce032ca617f2adfb01aa60c110c093e98fbde92f7c37ab3069a3301234ab5c7&width=400&height=225)
![Camelot restaurant and the Irish Village, which expanded from Dubai. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QHCKPLKUWXQZGGO7V3Z2BSRCKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=78e600d3da402f0089f19aac190f38127bcab4372d388f6cb9302a3d170180b4&width=400&height=225)
![Restaurants with outdoor seating areas have fared better than those without. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2JBEADD54RZNDVXMTHD7MOORRQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=b2c55dd4c92d1748a84ca49d7163a1760e94c5dc4100b2a66d64269cbe692143&width=400&height=225)
![Brands from across the world have opened branches in Bahrain's Block 338. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZZX52ESG2IRWNOR6A45JOISAOQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=123c2907a97957217735626181d28a457278edd0959c80824b6d5f8962cd35eb&width=400&height=225)
![Pedestrianised areas and colourful artworks make the area unique in Bahrain. George Raphel for The National](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BV4KV2YAZDRHTBY576Y54XU7PM.jpg?smart=true&auth=5a02d0029e1f59be3350cc6d2d369008dc4a0c62209e2672dd06874e8e8cb370&width=400&height=225)
Block 338: how Bahrain’s restaurant district is faring amid the pandemic
A new steering committee aims to overcome the area's myriad issues after restrictions hit businesses hard
Daniel Robinson
May 10, 2021
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic
May 10, 2021