With the opening of Ribs and Rumps in the Menus restaurant complex, there is now a meaty steak and ribs answer to carnivorous food cravings in Mangaf. Located on the coastal road, just between exit 211 and the Hilton resort, this two-story restaurant cuts an impressive vision upon entrance. With an exposed grill that runs down the entire right hand length of the restaurant, the sound and smell of sizzling steaks, ribs, chicken, and lamb are evident as soon as you enter the building; an experience for all of the senses to enjoy, as we were soon to find out.

Once seated in the upstairs dining room (what can I say, I like to eat my steak whilst looking down on the little people from above!) the backyard BBQ-like and gritty-ish wood table and oversized chains, the latter of which hang full-length from the ceiling down, give a rugged feel of Australian outback meets suburban sprawl in an esthetic tussle for your attention. Additionally, the VIP room in the upper level, which is separated by a safari like canopy, also gives one the feel of being on the hunt. Touché—we are! There is also ample seating outdoors, practically seaside too!

Though their namesake clearly indicates a penchant for heartier portions of meat options, the menu proves surprisingly versatile. With wraps, seafood, and even a daily changing vegetarian pasta option. We started with the mushroom starter as well as the Buffalo wings and chips. With the wings especially there was an innovative take via a secret honey basting that balances a sweet and savory nicely; not your typical wing options, but rather a different, almost exotic variation worth trying out.

As for the meat platters, there were 4 different types of ribs, 5 different cuts of steak and that’s all before we even get into the chefs specialties. Here they get into the more premier cuts and other options that get a little more inventive from the norm. The ImpiSpear, which is a skewer served with mixed peppers and onions, comes with your choice of mashed potatoes or chips. Both the mashed potatoes and the chips are worth a try.

While it might seem sacrilege to some to come to a steakhouse and talk burgers, the double burger here deserves some attention, less it be otherwise overlooked in my attempt to discuss all things still served bone-in. First off- it is an absolute monstrosity—in a good way! The audible challenges and dares that were produced purely by virtue of the burgers arrival were hilarious. Rest assured—I have a huge mouth and no part goes un-devoured. Flavor wise, the combination of cheese and grilled onions made for a delicious combination of savory with a slight sweet note from the caramelized veggies. Another burger option that was big in our group, due to the presence of a certain 6 year-old VIP tag-a-long, were the mini-burgers. Think a higher-end serving of 3 sliders, and you are on the right track here. Round that out with an order of fries and you have all the makings of a happy kid. There is a whole side menu for kids who are not so inclined to the meet faire. Though, admittedly, all of use were acting like kids by the time we had a rib solidly in hand, BBQ sauce all over face, while a silence fell over an otherwise verbose bunch.

The desserts, of which they currently have 6 on deck, came out looking like an exhibit at a modern art gallery, with variations of candied sugar and chocolate sculpted into walls and grids. The 8 layered chocolate fudge cake, with bands of chocolate ganache and sponge cake, was delicious, as was the chocolate pudding option. For my next trip though, it’s going to have to try the sticky date pudding.

At iconic Australian steakhouse Ribs and Rumps, they are famous for their legendary ribs, aged-to-perfection steaks and mammoth-sized portions. The relaxed and casual atmosphere and fast and friendly service are perfectly suited to a romantic dinner, business function or large group party. If you’ve got an appetite for generous sized meals, good service and great times, make Ribs and Rumps your next dining destination.

Ribs and Rumps is located at Menus on the Coastal Road in Mangaf. Find them online at:

www.ribsandrumps.com or on Instagram @ribsnrumps.

For reservations please call 2225 0194.

Images courtesy of bazaar staff and Amina Abdulmuhsin.