Qatar is home to individuals from more than 100 different nations, and its diverse dining scene, which features a wide spectrum of influences, reflects this rich diversity.
Khalid Sharq
Within a century-old house with its own small museum, this quaint Doha restaurant is conveniently located just a short stroll from the busy Souq Waqif. For breakfast, guests can take a seat at a table in the palm-shaded courtyard or relax in a glass-walled, climate-controlled cube while enjoying elaborate plates laden with traditional fare like shakshuka-style eggs and bajella (beans). Savor slow-cooked harees and hamsset rubbian, a flavorful, dry stew of shrimp stewed in the house’s special spice mix, throughout supper.
Alba
Located within the luxurious Raffles Hotel, this fine-dining establishment features unique white truffles that are only grown in the Alba region of Italy. Three-Michelin-star chef Enrico Crippa creates the menus, and chef Antonino D’Alessio and his Doha culinary team bring each dish to life and onto your plate.
El Talleh Bayt
The ideal time to secure a position on this Katara Hills institution’s breeze-catching rooftop is early in the evening. The crowds have been drawn to Bayt El Talleh’s home-style Levantine favorites for some time now. In summer, the crisp green fattoush and the refreshingly fresh harra’ osba’a salad with lentils, lemon, and pomegranate are a great combination. Kids love the fried pastry rolls filled with fluffy cheese and sweet mahalabiya (milk pudding) flavoured with rosewater. Locals go straight for the set menu to hit all the highlights.
The sumptuous restaurant, which is led by head chef Pino Lavarra, provides a genuine Michelin-starred dining experience. Savor its delectable dishes, which feature sophisticated flavors such as the risotto with black olive crumble or the beef with green peas, truffle, and onion cookies.
Chef Noof Al Marri’s menu at Desert Rose Café is a multi-sensory delight. Every Qatari fusion dish served here has a secret ingredient. For example, Al Marri’s crispy omelette and ragag labna are enhanced with ghee (clarified butter) infused with turmeric and fenugreek, while the flavorful chicken madrouba has extra veggies added. As befits the cafe’s location inside Jean Nouvel’s desert rose structure at the National Museum of Qatar, everything is plated with modern elegance. Highly recommended is the coffee that has been combined with rosewater.
Tatel
Tatel puts up an amazing blend of sophisticated dining and a warm, welcoming mood that embodies its Spanish flavors. It offers waterfront views at the recently constructed Al Maha Island. Tatel opens in Beverley Hills, Madrid, and Ibiza and brings its innovative culinary concept, live music, and inventive cocktails to Doha.
Al Shomous Shay
Nearly two decades ago, Shams Al Qassabi, a favorite chef in Qatar, became the first woman to operate a business in Souq Waqif. Local chef Noof Al Marri says if her, “She inspired me and other women in Qatar to follow our passions and share our traditional food with the world.” Famous dishes from Qassabi include crispy ragag bread dusted with zataar, eggs scrambled with tomato, and keema, a spiced mincemeat eaten with chapati.