Its restaurant awards season in Doha right now – tonight are the FACT Qatar Dining Awards, and Time Out Doha’s ceremony is also this week. The categories for both events are extensive and nominations cover many of the top restaurants in the country as well as a few local eateries.
We here, at Qatar Eating, waned to recognise a few of the smaller establishments in Doha, and showcase a few hidden gems too. So here it is…the Qatar Eating Best Restaurants in Doha Guide: The ‘Off-the Beaten Track’ version!
We haven’t covered all the amazing food joints in all the four corners of this great city. So do comment below if you want to highlight a local favourite – let’s taste Doha together!
La Dolce Vita
This lovely intimate Italian restaurant is tucked away in one of the alleys within Souq Waqif (near the Art Center). Just follow the signs to find this authentic eatery – the food is lovely and fresh, with Italian soul. Make sure to try the gelato too! Call 44367991.
Opening Hours Sun – Thurs: 12.30pm-3pm & 6-11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Little Sailor Seafood
Located near B-Ring road, this seafood restaurant has reasonable prices and great flavour thanks to a good use of seasoning. Call 44420208.
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm daily.
Mr Taco
Ah what you can say about this place? It can be found in the food court at Dar Al Salaam Mall but footfall there can be quite low as many diners frequent the more mainstream dining options. Our suggestion – go out of your way and try this awesome little food counter serving authentic Mexican fare. Don’t miss the Beef Burritos and Churros! Call 44411966.
Opening Hours: 8am-11pm daily
Vapiano
Located in The Gate Mall this excellent restaurant serves fresh pizzas, pastas and salads. For those looking for a great meal in a lovely setting give this a try. Call 44077188.
Opening Hours: Sat-Wed 11am-11pm; Thu 11am-1am; Fri 1pm-1am
MRA Bakery & Sweets
This is popular in the South Asian community – particular on the weekends and is open from 6am daily! It’s family-friendly and offers enjoyable food for excellent prices. They also have a pretty good bakery selection. Located in Al Ghanim. Call 44422072.
Opening Hours: 6am-2am
Turkey Central Restaurant
Near the Family Food Centre in Al Nasr you can find the juiciest Turkish kebabs. It’s always busy and with good reason, serving up excellent chicken and lamb dishes. Call 44432927.
Opening Hours: Sat-Thur 11am-12.30pm; Fri 12.30pm-1am
Thai Corner
This is literally a small hut on Salwa Road in Al Muntazah, so the takeaway option is advised. But the food is excellently thai with adequate spice levels, and not to be missed. Call 66407858.
Opening Hours: Sat – Thur 10am-10pm; Fri 12.30pm-10.30pm
Elevation Burger
Located on The Pearl this burger joint is all about organic meat, which is reflected in the quality of the burgers. The dining room is also quite lovely for a fast food chain. Call 40027256.
Opening Hours: 11.30am-12pm daily
Mr Broast
We wouldn’t recommend eating in at this Old Airport restaurant, although it does have a separate family seating area. You should only do takeout from here and avoid the shabby dining area. The food is excellent with authentic Hyberabadi spices, and equally excellent prices. If you can’t handle your spice do ask them for mild spicing! Call 44655540; 55566810.
Opening Hours: Sat-Thur 10am-12pm; Fri 7am-9pm
Bander Aden
Located in Souq Waqif this eatery has delicious food at excellent prices. It’s a little difficult to find; it only has an Arabic signboard so we would advise you ask for directions. Serving Khaleeji food it also has lots of seating, including private rooms where you sit on the floor. Popular with locals the food runs out quickly so aim to eat early. Call 44375503.
Opening Hours: 7am-11pm daily
Shay Al Shoomoos
Another restaurant serving traditional Khaleeji food in Souq Waqif – and this one has a little more of a refined air. They serve excellent traditional dishes, whilst breakfast is not to be missed! Call 55515561; 77505048
Opening Hours: 8am- 1pm; 6pm-11pm daily
Zaffran Café
Fantastic eatery in Al Muntazah, with lots of yummy Indian street food and desserts. All of the chaats are excellent but leave room for dessert as they have some amazing barfis! Call 44110045; 33330373.
Opening Hours:11.45am-10.30pm daily
Deccan Diwan
Known for their Dum Biryani this is another one of those amazing South Asian restaurants specialising in Hyderabadi cuisine. Based on Salwa Road, bu it’s not a great place to eat in as service and décor is not too great. Call 44151951.
Opening Hours: 11am-12pm daily
JG Sandwich Cellar
This British inspired café can be found in Umm Ghuwailina, and serves up some pretty excellent fish and chips! Call 44357559.
Opening Hours: 8am-10pm daily
Zaoq
This restaurant had a branch in Salwa Road and they recently opened a second branch in Ezdan Mall. They have fantastic Pakistani dishes done well with excellent use of spices. Service is haphazard and it is always busy. Call 44678909.
Opening Hours: 8am-10pm daily
Lo Spaghetto
Based in Al Saad this authentic Italian eatery serves classic Italian pastas and pizzas. Food is fresh and flavoursome – but it has slightly higher prices than neighbouring restaurants. However, it is definitely worth a visit especially with friends or colleagues for a lunchtime meal. Parking is an issue. Call 44341601.
Opening Hours: 12pm-3pm & 6.30pm-11pm daily