While we all have days of culinary confusion – craving something, yet not really sure what said urge is – The M2 at the always-luxurious Salhia Complex has created the ideal dining and retail space. This way, you can do a light spot of shopping while you let the delicious aromas of the space reel you in. With cuisines ranging from Italian to Japanese and an incredible Arabic concept, you’ll find your gastro-perfect-fit.

Doppio

Doppio’s margherita pizza.

As you walk into The M2, you’re greeted with the warm, and welcoming aroma of freshly baking pizza from none other than the delectable resident Italian, Doppio. This Italian Pizzeria and Friggitoria is deliciously exquisite. The brainchild of Amr Al-Refai, who’s also responsible for Solo Pizza Napolitana, ‘Doppio’ means double in Italian, a double entendre on this establishment which not only serves up signature pizzas, but also unique street food found only at ‘friggitoria’ shops in Napoli. On the inside, a gorgeously carved, and detailed, map adorns the wall to your left. A replica to the streets of Napoli, you can see exactly where they got their certification – just look for their infamous mask. With the pizza oven always in sight, the tantalizing aromas float through the restaurant as you sit and not-so-patiently wait. Beautifully baked pizzas with the perfect ratios of tomato sauce and cheese on top, we’re salivating at the memory. Enjoy a complete menu (antipasti, salad, pizza/calzone, and dessert), you won’t regret a single bite!

Doppio Pizzeria E Friggitoria Napulitana’s opening hours are from 1 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram @doppiopizza, call them on 2245 1511 or visit their website: www.doppio.pizza.

Dikakeen

Dikakeen shawarma

Dikakeen arrives as yet another brilliant concept by MMC Kuwait. We loved the idea behind this Kuwaiti fusion restaurant; with dishes and an ambience that plays with contemporary takes on traditional favorites. If you’re seeking the familiar taste of home cooking in a trendy upbeat environment, then you will love this whimsical restaurant filled with vintage Kuwaiti memorabilia, making Dikakeen a place where the past and present converge. Their meals come as shareable platters ready to be eaten with your hands or scooped with fresh bread that their baker prepares right in front of you. Some recipes are family secrets passed down from the owner’s mother, and some are original creations, such as the infamous cheekily named dessert, “Coma chocolate pudding.” They have classics like shawarmas, falafels, kebbeh, and Mishaltit, with the option of adding a modern twist. Upon our arrival at The M2, and until we completed our tour, people continued to flock to this destination. This surely speaks miles about the quality and service offered at Dikakeen.

Dikakeen is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For reservations, call 9772 8587 or 2299 6552. For more information, you can follow Dikakeen on Facebook or Instagram @dikakeen and Twitter @dikakeenkw or visit www.dikakeen.net.

The Pantry

Pumpkin Pie, Choco Leche Cake, Cookie Cheesecake

Artisanal baking at it’s finest, The Pantry brings you the greatest freshly baked creations. With a passion for baking and high quality ingredients, The Pantry is home to an incredible selection of cakes, pies, and breads. Starting out solely as a dessert concept, they’ve expanded into a savory menu upon opening in The M2. So why not enjoy their selection of salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pastas before checking out their desserts. But if you’re targeting the desserts, then head inside and admire the mouthwatering display of freshly prepared scintillating delights. We tried the cookie cheesecake, Chocoleche and their signature silky smooth Pumpkin Cake. Their crowning glory, desserts (and all baked goods) are created with The Pantry’s “twist.” Relish in the warmth of a Chai Haleeb to accompany your dessert selection, because no matter what you go with, it’ll be made to perfection.

The Pantry is located just after Doppio. Contact them on 2299 6551 or 9000 1769, or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @thepantrykw. You can also reach them by email on thepantrykw@gmail.com.

Life With Cacao

Life with Cacao

Nestled between the sweet offerings of The Pantry and the incredible Ridley’s Burger joint, you’ll find the elegant Life With Cacao. At this special location in The M2, Life With Cacao perfects the art of all things chocolate, while still offering scintillating savory dishes to those who prefer a dash of salt to sugar. We loved the chic display of delicious merchandise that functions as this establishment’s main façade. If you fancy yourself some high quality chocolates, you’ll be spoilt for choice between dark, milky variations and white. We personally would choose this location for its breakfast offerings, and the waffles are a must try! Life with Cacao is definitely a café that aims to bring an international flair to the local food arena. Having an extra edge is what makes this café a hit amongst dessert lovers.

Life with Cacao also has locations in Mall 360, Solar Garden Area (2530 9909) and the Grand Avenue – The Avenues, (2220 0762). You can follow them on Facebook: Life With Cacao, Twitter and Instagram @LifewithCacaoKW.

Ridley’s Burger

The Mr. Patrick burger.

Burgers are a tricky thing to master, let alone eat. If they’re too big, you’re sure to make a mess. If they’re too small, they won’t be filling enough. Plus, if you’re out shopping, burgers are usually too heavy a meal to consume between sprees. Enter Ridley’s Burger, a homegrown burger concept with the flare of a chain. Light, perfectly-sized burgers await you at Ridley’s, they can even cut them in half for you! Choose from the original, Mr. Ridley, or be a little adventurous with Mr. Patrick. No matter the choice, you’ll surely enjoy them. With sides, appetizers, and desserts, you’ll find yourself staying for just a little longer. If you do decide to stay, make sure to try the Gamble – a chocolate fudge base with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, and Nutella concoction. Basically, what dreams are made of!

Ridley’s Burger is located right after Life With Cacao. You can contact them on 5503 6869 and follow them on Instagram and Twitter @ridleys_kw.

Maki

Maki’s rolls have become a Kuwait classic.

If you’re in Salhia and you find yourself craving the finest in Japanese cuisine, then make sure you head to Maki. With plenty of outdoor and indoor dining spaces, Maki would also make for the perfect location for an office lunch. A classic choice of ours when it comes to Japanese dining that we love revisiting time and time again; perhaps one of our favorite things about Maki is the establishment’s ability to deliver us with new and unique flavors every season. Since spring is here, and tanning season is right around the corner, we would recommend that you try their new healthy delicacies, such as the Amer Maki, Tara II Maki, and Oliver Shiromi Sashimi. With elements like red quinoa, your Japanese experience will be elevated once you’ve tried Maki’s new healthy offerings.

Maki has four locations across Kuwait – The M2 in Salhia (2247 9721); The Avenues (2259 7122), Marina Waves (2224 4560) and Burj Jassem, (2290 1010). Visit www.olivemaki.com, for delivery call 182 3080. Follow them on Facebook: MakiRestaurant, Twitter and Instagram @Makirest.

For more information about The M2 level in Salhia Complex check out the website www.salhia-complex.com, follow them on Instagram @SalhiaCompany and the hashtag #The_M2.