Doha’s dining scene is as much about the experience as the cuisine. From waterfront terraces to high-rise rooftops, the city’s restaurants offer unforgettable views of the Corniche, West Bay skyline, and the Arabian Gulf. Qatar’s capital is undoubtedly a beautiful city, and there’s no better time to make the most of it than while tucking into a delicious meal.
The best views in Doha certainly aren’t reserved for the most upscale restaurants – while there are plenty of magnificent fine-dining spots with perfect panoramas, you can admire the city’s scenes from casual beachfront cafes and lively souq terraces too. These are some of Doha’s best restaurants with a view.
1. The Secret Garden
Far above the hubbub of the city, The Secret Garden is hidden on the leafy rooftop of the luxurious Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel. This fairy-lit space, lined with plants and flowers is beautiful enough itself, but if you grab a seat near the terrace’s edge, you can also spend the evening gazing over the glittering skyline of The Pearl-Qatar and the lapping waters beyond. The Secret Garden’s menu is light and unpretentious, with sharing platters, snacky appetisers and pizzas on offer. Visit on Wednesdays for great deals on drinks. The Secret Garden is open seasonally, so it’s best to check opening hours before you visit.
2. Al Nahham
For an unforgettable taste of the region, a meal out at Al Nahham ticks all the boxes. It’s part of the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, which is accessible only by private boat from Doha’s Corniche. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be taken to a stunning restaurant inspired by the deck of a traditional Arabian ship, with smooth woodwork and white sail-like fabric providing the simple decor.
Nothing more showy is needed here, since the views directly out to the calm sea waters are magnificent enough to speak for themselves. The Arabian theme continues with a Middle Eastern and Levantine menu of generous mezze platters, seafood caught fresh from the Gulf and smoky grilled meats. There are plenty of Qatari dishes served here too, including machboos and fried safi fish.
3. Three Sixty
The Torch is one of Doha’s most distinctive landmarks, a 300m-tall skyscraper designed to commemorate Qatar's hosting of the Asian Games in 2006. Based in the heart of the sporting Aspire Zone, it’s now a luxury hotel, with a revolving restaurant on the 47th floor. Three Sixty rotates fully every 90 minutes, showcasing the Corniche, the Arabian Gulf and the glittering towers of West Bay from every seat in the restaurant. The menu is international, offering pasta, salads, steaks and seafood and their Lazy Lunch set menu offered from Thursday to Sunday is especially good value. The atmosphere is relaxed and unstuffy. Book early if you want to secure a table in the highly-coveted sunset slot.
What could be more relaxing than grabbing a table on a sunny terrace, gazing at the soft golden sand and sparkling blue sea as you tuck into a delicious brunch of avo toast, shakshuka or sweet pancakes? Boho Social overlooks Katara Beach, and really makes the most of the pretty setting, with a brightly-furnished terrace offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf.
The laid-back atmosphere and beachy vibes makes it a unique spot for socialising in Doha, and it’s a refreshing contrast to some of the more formal restaurants in the capital. By night, Boho Social is a brilliant spot to soak up the sea breeze and enjoy fresh grilled meats and seafood, pasta and salad, along with mocktails and freakshakes. There’s a decent kids menu offered and private dining rooms are available.
5. Sky View
Part lounge, part bar and part restaurant, Sky View, on the rooftop of La Cigale Hotel shows off one of Doha’s most glamorous city vistas. Its panoramic terrace overlooks the bustling streets of central Doha, with the lights of the Corniche and West Bay twinkling in the distance. Chic lounge seating and a lively evening atmosphere make it a favourite spot for big nights out with friends. The menu combines Mediterranean-inspired plates with sushi platters, salads and creatively mixed drinks. Weekend evenings often feature live music or DJ sets and the venue stays open until 2am.
6. Damasca One
Damasca One’s outdoor terrace is a spectacular place to watch all the action unfolding in Souq Waqif’s lamp-lit alleyways. It’s not a rooftop restaurant, but all the better for it as guests can dine right in the heart of the action. Order a Middle Eastern feast of mezze, mixed grills, rice and salad, then sit back and enjoy the buzz of market traders, live music and street performers as you dine. It’s one of Doha’s more affordable destination restaurants, and the sights and sounds you’re surrounded by as you eat are second to none.
7. Provok
Provok is an intensely glamorous rooftop destination that combines dramatic sea and city views with contemporary Asian fusion cuisine. The open-air terrace looks over Lusail Marina, with the lights of the boats and the waterfront visible from Provok’s open air terrace. It’s a particularly striking sight by night. Inside, the vibe across the two-floor venue is high-energy with regular live DJ sets. Expect a fashion-conscious party crowd here enjoying the sushi platters, grilled meats, teppanyaki tables and signature drinks until late into the night.
8. IDAM by Alain Ducasse
For a whole new vantage point on the Corniche, book a table at IDAM by Alain Ducasse, which is housed on the top floor of the Museum of Islamic Art. The MIA sits on its own purpose-built island that juts out at the end of Doha’s Corniche, and so the restaurant’s soaring floor-to-ceiling windows offer a completely fresh panorama on the waterfront. Indoors is no less spectacular, with the Philippe Starck‑designed dining room an airy combination of Western and Arabic design flourishes. The menu at this Michelin-starred fine-dining spot is French-Mediterranean, with plenty of seasonal local ingredients and Qatar influences evident in the dishes. Service is formal and refined.
