From street eats to skyline views, Qatar’s foodie scene punches way above its weight. The tiny Gulf nation has an extraordinary range of restaurants, from waterfront fine-dining to traditional, budget-friendly cafes and plenty of fast food joints. Almost all of the top places to eat are in the capital, where creative menus fuse local flavours with dishes from around the globe, and the influence of the diverse expat population is clear.
In other words, Indian chapatis, Japanese sushi, Lebanese mezze and Italian pasta are all Doha staples. There are plenty of places to try authentic Qatari cuisine too, with atmospheric restaurants in the capital serving classic spiced rice dishes, slow-cooked meats and freshly-caught seafood. These are some of the best restaurants in Qatar right now.
1. IDAM by Alain Ducasse
A meal at IDAM really is at the pinnacle of a fine-dining experience. Alain Ducasse’s Michelin-starred restaurant is easily one of the best in Qatar, fusing contemporary French cuisine with local flavours in a stunning, Philippe Starck-designed spot at the top of the Museum of Islamic Art. The seasonal menu often includes regional ingredients, from sidr honey and fragrant rosewater to catches of the day fresh from the Arabian Gulf. Diners can enjoy panoramic views of Doha Bay while they eat and, of course, experience the architectural brilliance of the I.M Pei-designed museum itself. The iconic white building sits on its own peninsula just off the Corniche, and it would be hard to dream up a more dramatically beautiful setting for a special occasion meal.
2. Chapati & Karak
Ask anyone in Doha where to get the best karak (spiced, milky tea) and they’ll point you to this tiny but beloved café in Katara Cultural Village. Chapati & Karak is a local icon that made this Indian cuisine tradition a firm part of Doha culture. Paper cups of tea are served with flaky chapatis warm off the griddle, and you can choose from plain, cheesy or egg-filled. If you have a sweet tooth, the cinnamon chapati with extra nutella or honey is bound to hit the spot. Expect to queue, especially in the evenings and morning when the line is long with locals waiting for their carbs-and-caffeine fix. It’s a fast, affordable and cheerful way to eat out as well as an unmissable Doha experience.
3. Nobu Doha
Nobu Doha, located at the Four Seasons hotel, is the largest Nobu in the world. Spread out over three floors in a structure inspired by a coiled seashell, it includes a main dining room, lounges, and a rooftop area – every inch of it as glamorous as you’d expect from this celeb-studded dining institution. The Japanese-Peruvian menu includes all of Nobu’s classic dishes, from its famed Black Cod Miso to Yellowtail Jalapeño, while the signature drinks are perfect for sipping on the open-air terrace that overlooks both the harbour and the capital’s skyline. This is one of the top restaurants in Qatar with a view, and a dreamy spot for a romantic night out.
4. Basta
Authentic Qatari food is a must-do at least once while you’re in Doha, and Basta is a great place to try local flavours in a casual, upbeat setting. There are several outlets of this fun-filled, nostalgic restaurant across Doha, including a spacious spot in the Mall of Qatar. The colourful tableware and vintage murals on the walls are a nod to Arabic pop culture, while the menu is all about hearty comfort food. Breakfast dishes include seasoned omelettes and shakshouka, there’s everything from lamb shanks, curries and biryanis served all day long, and the satisfying Khaleeji desserts include saffron cake and milk pudding.
5. Damasca One
Tucked into the heart of Souq Waqif, Damasca One serves up large platefuls of Syrian cuisine and other Middle Eastern dishes. The sizzling meats, freshly chopped salads, and endless hot and cold mezze dishes are perfect for sharing, whether you’re there as a group or enjoying a meal for two. Lively and friendly, it’s worth coming to Damasca One for the atmosphere alone, as there’s often live Arabic music, singing and other performances during the evenings. And after a leisurely meal, you can walk it all off with a stroll through the small alleys of the traditional-style souq. A perfect Doha evening out.
6. Cipriani Doha
Old-school Venetian glamour meets Gulf waterfront views at one of the swankiest restaurants in The Pearl. The Cipriani chain is known world-over for its elegant white-jacket service and sumptuous Italian cuisine, and this Doha venue ticks all the boxes. Expect classic dishes from carpaccio and risotto to cacio e pepe pasta, with creamy tiramisu or tart lemon sorbet to finish off. It’s a fashionable, see-and-be-seen vibe, and guests rave about the warm, charming service.
7. Ahwet Zaitouna
If you’re in The Pearl and looking for somewhere relaxed and breezy to eat with friends, Ahwet Zaitouna is your go-to. This Lebanese, local neighbourhood-style cafe serves every Levantine classic under the sun, from sharing mezze dishes of houmous, fattoush and moutabel to hefty platters of grilled meats and kebabs. Their Shish Tawouk is a perennial favourite and for dessert, the Profiterole Barazek is not to be missed. Housed inside the smart St Regis Marsa Arabia Island, the outdoor terrace is a shady and spacious space to eat.
8. Public House
This all-American diner and sports bar in the heart of The Pearl is as Instagrammable as it is retro. Neon signs, a digital jukebox and bright cushioned booths make Public House a fun and lively place to spend the evening. The diner-style menu features heaps of sharing dishes, such as mini Philly cheesesteaks, chicken wings, curly fries, pizzas and nachos, ideal if you’re visiting with a group of friends. For those who prefer to keep their plates to themselves, there are steaks, salads, burgers and hot dogs, all served in generous portions.
9. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Head to Lusail’s malls for some of the most satisfying fast food Qatar has to offer. Dave’s Hot Chicken can be found in Place Vendôme Mall, serving Nashville-style spicy fried chicken as well as home-made kale slaw, mac and cheese, and fries. The chicken sliders and tenders come in seven heat levels, from mild ‘No Spice’ to the fiery ‘Reaper,’ which is absolutely not for the faint-hearted. The setting is casual and graffiti-daubed, and the prices reasonable, making it a perfect outing for large groups and families.
