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Eating out in Doha

Eating out in Doha
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Published on 06 December 2019
Updated byAnne-Lise Mestryon 18 June 2023

​Doha offers a vibrant dining scene with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that cater to diverse culinary tastes. Here's a guide to eating out in Doha.

Local Qatari cuisine

When in Doha, don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Qatari dishes. Local specialties include Machbous (spiced rice with meat), Harees (wheat and meat dish), and Majbous (stuffed lamb). You can find Qatari cuisine in restaurants like Al Tawash, Damasca One, and Parisa.

International cuisine in Doha

Doha is a multicultural city, and you can find a variety of international cuisines. Whether you're craving Italian, Indian, Lebanese, Japanese, or American food, there are numerous restaurants to choose from. The Pearl-Qatar and West Bay areas are particularly known for their international dining options.

Middle Eastern and Levantine cuisine in Doha

Doha also offers a wide range of Middle Eastern and Levantine restaurants. You can enjoy delicious mezze, grilled meats, and traditional dishes like hummus, falafel, and shawarma. Al Mourjan, Layali Beirut, and Mamig are popular choices.

Seafood in Doha

Given its coastal location, Doha is known for its seafood. You can savor fresh fish, prawns, lobster, and other seafood delicacies at restaurants like Fish Market, Al Bandar Fish Market, and L'wzaar Seafood Market.

Fine dining in Doha

Doha boasts several high-end restaurants that offer fine dining experiences. These establishments often have elegant settings, gourmet menus, and impeccable service. Some notable fine dining restaurants include Nobu, Hakkasan, and La Mer.

Doha is also known for its lavish buffet spreads, particularly in hotels. Buffets offer a wide selection of international cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Asian, and Western dishes. The Market, Al Hubara, and Sawa are popular choices for buffet dining.

Cafes and brunch in Doha

Doha has a thriving cafe culture, and you can find cozy cafes throughout the city. These cafes offer a range of coffees, teas, pastries, and light meals. Many cafes also serve brunch on weekends, offering an extensive selection of breakfast and lunch options.

Street food and souqs in Doha

For a more local and budget-friendly dining experience, head to the souqs (markets) like Souq Waqif. Here, you can sample street food such as shawarma, falafel, grilled meats, and traditional Qatari snacks.

Food festivals and events in Doha

Keep an eye out for food festivals and events happening in Doha. These provide an opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines, experience live cooking demonstrations, and enjoy entertainment.

It's advisable to make reservations, especially for popular restaurants and during busy times. Additionally, note that some restaurants may serve alcohol, while others may be alcohol-free in accordance with local regulations. Enjoy exploring the diverse culinary landscape of Doha!

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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