Kuwait

Kuwait, once the Paris of the Middle East, is still home to luxury hotels and great restaurants. Regardless of your taste, Indian, Sushi, Italian, Lebanese, Moroccan, Burgers or anything other cuisine, you'll find a restaurant of your liking in Kuwait.

Below are some of my favorite (and not so favorite) restaurants in Kuwait. Some of them are among the best restaurants in Kuwait, others are good and still others just plain lacking. Read our Kuwait restaurant reviews and see what we consider the best restaurants in Kuwait.

Introduction to Kuwait - History, Government, Holidays, Currency, Weather, Customs Regulation, Tipping and Other Information

Country's Full Name: State of Kuwait, Dawlat al Kuwayt

Brief History: The word Kuwait in Arabic means "fortress built near water". The Anizah nomadic tribe settled in Kuwait city in early eighteenth century making an autonomous sheikhdom. Abd Rahim of Al-Sabah family became the first Sheikh or the ruler. Kuwait became a British protectorate with the treaty in 1899. Kuwait became independent in 1961 after British left the shores. Iraq which always claimed Kuwait attacked the country in August 1990. The assault of US led coalition forces liberated Kuwait in February 1991.

What is the country known for:
The country is rich in oil and natural gas having 10 percent of world reserves. It is also the second largest exporter of petroleum products.
Kuwait was famous for pearl exports until discovery of oil transformed the Kuwaiti society.
Kuwait is also famous for its honey!

Main Industries:
Petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water desalination, food processing, construction materials

Main Trading Partners:
Export partners (2006 estimated): Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, US, Netherlands, China; Exports: $56.06 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.); Export commodities: oil and refined products, fertilizers

Import partners (2006 estimated): US, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, UK, Italy; Imports: $19.12 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.); Import commodities: food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

Major Cities: Kuwait City (Capital), Jahrah, Salmiya.

Location:
Kuwait is located in the middle-east surrounded by Saudi Arabia and Iraq. In the east is the Persian Gulf.

Geographic coordinates: 29 30 N, 45 45 E

Size:
Total: 17,820 sq km (land: 17,820 sq km/water: 0 sq km)
Slightly less than New Jersey.

Time Zone: UTC/GMT 3 hours.

Type of Government: Kuwait is constitutional monarchy ruled by Al-Sabah family headed by Emir. The National Assembly or Majlis-el-Umma is unicameral with 50 members. The members serve four-year-term. The Prime Minister is elected by Emir.

Emir: Sheik Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah
Prime Minister: Sheik Nasser Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah

National Holidays:

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
25 Feb National Day.
26 Feb Liberation Day.
26 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
9 Jul Al-Esra Wa Al-Meraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
7 Dec Islamic New Year.

2011
1 Jan New Year's Day.
15 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
25 Feb National Day.
26 Feb Liberation Day.
28 Jun Al-Esra Wa Al-Meraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
31 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
7 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
26 Dec Islamic New Year.

Population and Breakdown:
July 2007 estimate: 2,505,559
note: includes 1,291,354 non-nationals

0-14 years: 26.7% (male 340,814/female 328,663)
15-64 years: 70.5% (male 1,128,231/female 636,967)
65 years and over: 2.8% (male 44,542/female 26,342) (2007 est.)

Median age: 26 years (male 27.9 years/female 22.4 years)
Life expectancy: 77.36 years (male 76.25 years/female 78.52 years)

Religion: Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), other (includes Christian, Hindu, Parsi) 15%

Language: Arabic and English

Local Customs:
Kuwait is an Islamic state; all Islamic customs should be respected.
No public affection of opposite sex.
Narcotics, alcohol, pork products are forbidden.

Best Time to go: The best time to visit Kuwait is in February/March or October/November when weather remains favorable.

Currency:

1 US Dollar = 0.28133 Kuwaiti Dinar
1 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) = 3.55454 US Dollar (USD)

1 British Pound = 0.57131 Kuwaiti Dinar
1 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) = 1.75037 British Pound (GBP)

1 Euro = 0.39912 Kuwaiti Dinar
1 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) = 2.50551 Euro (EUR)

Customs Regulations:
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the country. Visitors can bring 500 cigarettes or 900grams of tobacco.

Tipping:
Service charges are included in most of the bills; any tip received is deposited in the cashbox. Taxi drivers expect small tip for long journeys.

Reviews

Hotel/Resort Reviews
	Marina Hotel - Kuwait Luxury, Style and Great Location in Kuwait BOMBASTIC Marina Hotel - Kuwait: Situated on the banks of the Arabian Gulf with a beautiful view of Kuwait Cit...
	Plaza Athenee Hotel - Kuwait Small Hotel, Huge Heart BOMBASTIC Plaza Athenee Hotel - Kuwait - Plaza Athenee opened its doors in November 2006. I stayed at the hotel...
Restaurant Reviews
	7 Bars Restaurant and Cafe - Salmiya, Kuwait Chic and Trendy - A Great Addition to Kuwait Somewhere between Bombastic and Not 7 Bars Restaurant and Cafe - Salmiya, Kuwait: Located next to Marina Mall in Salmiya, 7 Bars has been...
NO IMAGE	Al Marsa Seafood Restaurant - Bneid Al Gar, Kuwait The Best Authentic Kuwaiti Seafood Restaurant in Kuwait BOMBASTIC Al Marsa Seafood Restaurant - Kuwait: Located in the Le Meridien Hotel in Bneid Al Gar in Kuwait, Al ...
	Al-Samawbar Lebanese Restaurant - Salmiya, Kuwait Beautiful Building, Average Lebanese Food Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Al-Sanawbar Lebanese Restaurant – Salmiya, Kuwait: Located in a beautiful building along the Gulf, ...
	Asha's Indian Restaurant - Kuwait My Favorite Indian Restaurant in Kuwait BOMBASTIC Asha's - Salmiya, Kuwait: Located across the Gulf Road from Marina Mall in Marina Crescent, is my fa...
	Astra Lounge - Kuwait Trendy Idea, Poor Execution Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Astra Lounge - Kuwait: After a second visit to Astra Lounge in Shaab, I confirmed my first impression...
NO IMAGE	Beit 7 - Kuwait Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Beit 7 - After visiting so many great restaurants in Kuwait, Beit 7 located in downtown Kuwait was a c...
	Burger Hub, Kuwait Mini Burgers, Extra Large Price Somewhere between Bombastic and Not The Burger Hub, Kuwait - Located on Gulf Road opposite Seif Palace, The Burger Hub looked like a great...
NO IMAGE	Burj Al Hamam - Kuwait The best place for Lebanese in Kuwait BOMBASTIC Burj Al Hamam - Kuwait: Seated on the edge of the Arabian Gulf, with beautiful views of Kuwait Towers...
	Chocolate Bar Restaurant - Salmiya, Kuwait Not Just for Dessert! Somewhere between Bombastic and Not The Chocolate Bar - Salmiya, Kuwait: Located across the Gulf Road from Marina Mall, is the premier d...
	Edo Japanese Restaurant - Kuwait Chic and Trendy Sushi Restaurant Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Edo Japanese Restaurant - Kuwait: Located in Shaab, the Edo Japanese Restaurant is a chic and trendy ...
	Il Tetto Restaurant - Kuwait Beautiful View, So-So Dining Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Il Tetto Italian Restaurant – Salmiya, Kuwait: Kuwait has a handful of casual Italian restaurants wo...
	Italo's Cafe - Italian Restaurant at Avenues Mall - Kuwait Amazing Italian Fare in a Casual Atmosphere BOMBASTIC Italo’s Café - Kuwait: Located on the second floor of Avenues Mall in Kuwait is Italo’s...
NO IMAGE	La Marina Cafe - Kuwait Great Pasta with a Pleasant View BOMBASTIC La Marina Cafe - Kuwait: While I was in Kuwait I got the chance to go around to the different shopping...
NO IMAGE	La Piazza - Ristorante Italiano - Kuwait Great Italian in Kuwait City Somewhere between Bombastic and Not La Piazza - Ristorante Italiano - Kuwait: Located at House No. 3, in a renovated, traditional, old Ku...
	Living Room Lounge - Salmiya, Kuwait Chic and Trendy Hotspot in Kuwait Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Living Room Lounge – Salmiya, Kuwait: At the lower level of Marina Waves is a new chic and trendy ba...
	Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant - Salhiya Kuwait Great Pizza and Pasta at this Casual Italian Restaurant BOMBASTIC Lorenzo's Italian Restaurant - Salhiya Kuwait: Located in front of the Salhiya Complex, Lorenzo's is ...
NO IMAGE	Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Kuwait Great Moroccan Cuisine Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant - Kuwait: Marrakesh is located in Ghalya Towers across from plaza that ...
	Napket at Avenues Mall - Kuwait Amazing Decor, Below Average Food Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Napket at Avenues Mall – Kuwait: A branch of the original Napket chain in London, the chic restaura...
NO IMAGE	Peacock Chinese Resataurant - Kuwait The Best Chinese Resaurant in Kuwait BOMBASTIC Peacock Restaurant - Safat, Kuwait: Located on the Gulf Road in the Radisson SAS Hotel, is not only t...
NO IMAGE	Prime and Toast - Kuwait Low Quality, High Prices Not Bombastic Prime and Toast - Salmiya, Kuwait: Located on the Gulf Road opposite Seef Palace, is the casual dini...
NO IMAGE	Sakura Japanese Restaurant - Kuwait The Best Sushi and Sashimi in Kuwait BOMBASTIC Sakura Japanese Restaurant - Kuwait: Located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya, is my favorite ...
	Shogun Japanese Restaurant and Lounge - Kuwait Unimpressive Sushi in Kuwait Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Shogun Japanese Restaurant and Lounge - Kuwait: Located at The Palms Beach Hotel in Kuwait, Shogun Ja...
	Signor Sassi Italian Restaurant - Kuwait Finally a Great High-End Italian Restaurant in Kuwait BOMBASTIC Signor Sassi Italian Restaurant - Kuwait: Opened October 2009, Signor Sassi is a brilliant addition t...
	Slider Station - Kuwait Hip and Trendy Burger Joint BOMBASTIC Slider Station - Kuwait - Across from Seef Palace on The Gulf Road is a happening burger joint, Slider...
	Taal Indian Cuisine - Kuwait Not Kuwait's Best Indian Restaurant Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Taal Indian Cusine - Salmiya, Kuwait: Taal is located at Al-Argan Complex at Al-Beda/Gulf Road, Salmi...
	Totally Fish - Salmiya, Kuwait Just Average Somewhere between Bombastic and Not Totally Fish Restaurant at the Marina Crescent in Kuwait offers a unique dining experience to locals ...