Doha’s dining scene is varied and exciting, and the city’s patrons expect nothing but the best when they go out to eat. That said, a meal out doesn’t have to break the bank – there are plenty of eateries here serving up top-notch cuisine at prices that aren’t too hard on your wallet. From local flavours to fusion food, dreamy desserts to burgers, these are our top picks for cheap eats in Qatar’s capital.
Kick back and relax in this trendy, chill venue, where plants hang from the walls, trees serve as decor and huge wicker lamps lowlight the pretty tables below them. Windows provide views out onto the city and over the water, making it a great spot to watch the sun set. The menu, like the decor, is eclectic and fusion-based – think cuisine from the Americas, Asia and Europe mixed with local flavour. We like the boho grill selection, signature lobster roll and goat cheese salad. There’s also a boho kids’ menu, so bring your small people along.
Zaatar w Zeit
This Middle Eastern chain restaurant is an old favourite, serving up classic dishes from manakeesh (the Lahmeh Bi Ajjine or plain halloumi are our favourites) to wraps, shawarma skillets, and flatbreads. There are a number of locations around the city, and they’re all pretty uniform; the food is good, the atmosphere casual and the decor is simple and plain (think wooden seating, a counter for orders and little in the way of frills). They also do takeout.
Le Vesuvio
This cute Italian overlooking Katara Beach is the perfect romantic spot to enjoy some (very reasonably priced) classic European eats. Pizzas here come in rectangle shapes, garnished with fresh herbs, while all of the dishes are made with care and love (the grilled asparagus with mozzarella is a favourite, as is the seafood risotto). You’ll also find fresh juices and mocktails, decadent desserts and classic Italian coffee. There’s also a breakfast menu here, as well as lunch specials, but the al fresco dining is prettiest at night.
Ginger Club
This Asian eatery on The Pearl is a local favourite (there are a number of other locations dotted across the city too). Here, you’ll find everything from mouthwatering sushi to Paad Thai, Chinese chicken lollipops, chilli bao, and fragrant jasmine rice. This place is casual to the max, so order up from the counter and grab a seat at one of the available tables. The Pearl location does up the ante somewhat – you can sit outside overlooking the waterways while the friendly staff serve up some truly sumptuous food.
Smat
It would be a crime not to try some Qatari eats while you’re in Doha and Smat delivers big on taste from Qatar and the wider GCC. You’ll find dishes such as samboussa pillows and chickpeas topped with yoghurt cheese crumble to meat and vegetable safriya. The atmosphere is bustling, the service friendly and informative, and the decor matches the menu – think beautiful tiling, big comfy cushioned chairs, Arabian style lamps, touches of gold, and big carved arches.
Milk Bun
Think pink at this cutesy fast food burger joint, where the tiles, the walls, the tray papers, the takeout bags, even some of the sauce for the french fries, are all – you guessed it – pink. Despite being hugely popular, the service here is legitimately fast (order from the table app), and the food is delicious. The milk buns are soft and fresh, the patties flavoursome and the fries nice and salty. The menu also includes delicious desserts from soft service ice-cream to melt-in-the-mouth cookies, plus milkshakes and mixed juices.
Damasca One Restaurant
Tuck into some authentic Syrian eats at this popular restaurant in Souq Waqif. The outside is all traditional brick, while the inside is decorated with large wooden pillars, planted trees, traditional Arabic tiling, and a giant curved staircase with a hanging glass chandelier. The service is friendly and the atmosphere bustling – it’s a friendly, cosy-feeling place to grab a bite. Order up shawarma, fried kibbeh, Jidi Bil Zeit, and fattoush salad. The meats on offer include chicken, lamb and camel, while there are vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Curiosa by Jean-Georges
This beautiful, upmarket Latin-American restaurant may not be the cheapest option on this list, but it’s very good value for what it is. Try roasted mushroom tacos, seared sea bream, lobster rice and a creamy burrata with strawberry compote. The menu is fresh and inventive, and you can keep things on the cheaper side with an all-inclusive brunch, express lunch or some of the more reasonable menu items. The decor is leafy and green, with hanging plants, low lanterns and fun green-and-white tiling, while diners can opt for al fresco tables overlooking the sea. Perfection.
