Who doesn't love to treat our guests well? Introducing them to Qatar's local dining scene is an absolute must when hosting first-time or repeat visitors. Doha offers diverse dining experiences that blend traditional and contemporary flavours, ensuring that every meal becomes a memorable part of their visit. From high-end dining experiences to more affordable street food adventures, there's a wide range of options for anyone with a tasteful palate to explore.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team has picked some restaurants that showcase Qatar's hospitality and diverse cuisine.

Affordable options

Khan Farouk Tarab Café

Khan Farouk offers a time travel experience to old Cairo. Guests can enjoy traditional decorations, traditional entertainment programs, and delicious Egyptian cuisine.

• Cuisine: Egyptian
  
• Recommended dishes: Molokhia Soup, Lamb Chops with Vegetables, Stuffed pigeon with rice, Fried Shrimp and Halloumi, Egyptian Koshari, and Liver Alexandrian
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: Yes
• Location: Katara Cultural Village
• Contact: +974 4408 0840 / 4408 0841
• Facebook: @khanfaroukqatar

Shay Al Shomous

Owned by a Qatari chef, this is one of the oldest and most popular spots and is well known for its Regag bread with different toppings. It is also a famous spot among visitors and famous personalities. They even have a photo art wall to commemorate all the famous people who have been to this restaurant.

• Cuisine: Qatari
  
• Recommended dishes: Regag Cheese and Honey, Cheese & Honey Flatbread, Eggs with Cheese, Cheese and Honey, and Saffron Tea
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No
• Location: Al Bidda Hotel, Souq Waqif
• Contact: +974 4444 2824
• Instagram: @shay_alshomous
  

Bander Aden Restaurant

Bandar Aden Restaurant, another hidden gem at Souq Waqif, specializes in Yemeni cuisine and offers traditional floor seating.

• Cuisine: Yemeni
  
• Recommended dishes: Chicken Oqda (stew), Mandi meat, Shaabi Rice, Fahsa (shredded meat with Yemeni spices), Masoub Mix ( banana, bread, cream, dates, money and cream)
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No
• Location: Souq Waqif
• Contact: +974 4437 5503
• Facebook: @BandarAdenRestaurant

Turkey Central Restaurant

If you are searching for high-quality yet affordable food, this place is an excellent choice. From juicy, tender kebabs to delicious shawarma, this eatery serves lip-smacking Turkish cuisine. Be prepared for large crowds!

• Cuisine: Turkish
  
• Recommended dishes: Chicken Shawarma, Tomato Bread, Mix grill plate, Mixed Appetizer, Harbiya Durum Sandwich, Bhukari Rice
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No
• Location: Al Nasr Street
• Contact: +974 4442 3423 | +974 4443 2927
• Facebook: @turkeycentralrestaurant
  

Abo Shahira Restaurant

Known for its crunchy falafel and creamy hummus, this restaurant is a local favourite due to its affordable prices and delicious food.

• Cuisine: Arabic
  
• Recommended dishes: Foul, Hummus, Falafel, Shakshuka, Chicken Shawarma Saj, Falafel Sandwich, Fattah Hummus with olive oil and pine nuts, Qudsyya, Moutabel
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No
• Location & Contact:
  • Souq Waqif:+974 4480 7427
  • Al Aziziya: +974 44807427 | 50105950
• Facebook: @aboshariha

Mid-range options

Damasca one

Explore the rich flavours of Syrian heritage as you immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere of Souq Waqif.

• Cuisine: Levantine
  
• Recommended dishes: Kibbeh Labneh, Shakeriah with Lamb Meat, Bach Wa Asakro, Shish Buerak, Mixed Grill
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: Yes
• Location: Souq Waqif
• Contact: +974 4475 9089 | +974 3333 3954
  
• Instagram: @damascaone
  

Yasmine Palace

Step into a royal palace when you visit this themed restaurant. It offers a vibrant ambience, colourful decor, and a wide range of dining options based on a menu inspired by the Andalusian style.

• Cuisine: Arabic
  
• Recommended dishes: Shakshouka with onion and tomato, Fatteh, Chicken Biriyani, Mixed Grill, Lamb Steak in Yogurt
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: Yes
• Location & Contact:
  • The Pearl Island: +974 7711 1504
  • Place Vendôme: +974 5008 5566
  • Doha Festival City: +974 4427 7407
• Instagram: @yasminepalace
  

Gahwetna

Offering a blend of Qatari and Khaleeji cuisine, their delicious food and simple yet aesthetic ambience will leave a lasting impression during your visit.

• Cuisine: Qatari and Khaleeji
  
• Recommended dishes: Chapati Kashekh with chicken Mussakhan, Moshakshaka (eggs with special tomato sauce), Crispy Samboussa Cheese, Gahwetna Roll, Tarbanga (Chicken fillet sandwich)
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No
• Location: The Pearl Island
• Contact: +974 3329 0600
• Instagram: @gahwetnaqa

Saasna

Explore Qatari cuisine and enjoy a diverse dessert collection with traditional and international flavours.

• Cuisine: Qatari
  
• Recommended dishes: Fish Saloona, Chicken Majbous with Dakus and Cucumber Yogurt, Keema Chappati, Labneh Tomato, Pasrt with Meat, Potato or Shrimp Hamsa, and Asida (dessert flavoured with Qatri spices)
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No
• Location: Msheireb Downtown
• Contact: +974 5519 7131
• Instagram: @saasnaqatar
  

Basta Qatar

Experience the warm hospitality and diverse flavours of Qatari cuisine. Be sure to explore their delightful breakfast options!

• Cuisine: Qatari
  
• Recommended dishes: Bagshat Basta (assortment of breakfast items), Shakshuka, Foul Basta, Hummus, Fattoush, Majbos Abou Al Oud (Lamb shank with saffron rice), Biriyani Meeri Chicken, Meat Tikka
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No (Hubbly Bubbly only available at the Porto Arabia branch)
• Location & Contact:
  • Old Airport: +974 4010 1501
  • Porto Arabia: +974 5000 2755
  • Mall of Qatar: +974 5000 1866
  • Souq Waqif: +974 5000 2664
  • Lusail Boulevard: +974 5100 0363
• Instagram: @basta.qatar

High-end dining options

Parisa

Get mesmerized by Parisa's exquisite interiors. Their restaurants feature hand-painted Persian artworks of myths and legends, intricate mosaics, ornate chandeliers, and thousands of tiny mirrors handpicked from Iran.

Fun Fact: Did you know that some parts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup official soundtrack, 'Dreamers' featuring Jungkook of BTS, were shot at the Parisa restaurant in Souq Waqif?

• Cuisine: Persian
• Recommended dishes: Mix platter for 4, Khoresht e Bamiye ( Lamb cubes in tomato gravy with okra), Soup e morgh, Kabab e Soltani, Ghormeh Sabzi (lamb cubes in rich stew), Kebab E Tikkeh Masti (beef tenderloin marinated in yogurt) Saffron Polow (Saffron infused rice)
• Special beverages available: The Parisa at Souq Waqif doesn't offer special beverages. However, the Parisa branches at Al Messila Resort & Spa and Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, offer special beverages.
• Hubbly Bubbly available: Yes
• Location & Contact:
  • Souq Waqif: +974 4441 1494
  • Al Messila, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa: +974 4445 0000
  • The Ritz Carlton Sharq Village: +974 4425 6666 / +974 4441 1494
• Instagram: @parisarestaurants
  

Al Hubara Restaurant

Enjoy Arabic decor in their indoor space and an outdoor terrace dining experience. They even have live cooking stations and live music for guests to enjoy a wholesome dining experience.

• Cuisine: International
• Recommended dishes: Hot & cold Mezze, Rock Lobster Thermidor, Grilled Shrimp Machbous Rice, Umm Ali (Egyptian dessert)
• Special beverages available: Yes
• Hubbly Bubbly available: Yes
• Location: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
• Contact: +974 4485 3000
  
• Instagram: @sheratongranddoha

Opus

Experience a delightful culinary journey at Opus, where business and flavours blend seamlessly.

• Cuisine: French & Qatari
• Recommended dishes: Mezze, Charcoaled Lamb Chops, Chicken Zaatar, Kunafa Pistachio Mahalabia
• Special beverages available: Yes
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No
• Location: Park Hyatt Doha
• Contact: +974 4009 4330
  
• Instagram: @parkhyattdoha
  

Bayt El Talleh

Transport yourself to a European city when you visit this stunning restaurant. The stone walls, large arches, and beautiful decor create the right ambience for exquisite food and hosting both large and small gatherings.

• Cuisine: Levantine
  
• Recommended dishes: Grilled meat, Sambousek, Shish Tawouk, Kebab Halabi, Hoummus, Fattoush, Mixed Grill, Fatteh Eggplant
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: Yes
• Location: Katara Hills, Katara Cultural Village
• Contact: +974 5010 1777 | +974 4408 1777
  
• Instagram: @bayt.eltalleh
  

Bayt Sharq

Built within an old Qatari family house, this spot is known for its delightful breakfast options. It exudes a vintage yet cozy ambiance with its expansive garden space and outdoor dining area. There's also a private majlis and a museum for visitors to experience.

• Cuisine: Qatari
  
• Recommended dishes: Cheese Fatayer, Shakshuka, Grilled Fish, Mixed Grill, Majboos Anjaires, Mashwi Jadar Badawy
• Special beverages available: No
• Hubbly Bubbly available: No
• Location: Al Corniche
• Contact: +974 7770 4589 | +974 7745 4543
  
• Instagram: @baytsharq.qa

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