Although Qatar’s tourism industry took a huge hit during the 2020 pandemic, it’s slowly starting to recover as more people begin to get vaccinated and start traveling again. If you find yourself in Doha later this year, then you have got to take advantage of the city’s culinary culture! So, what are the top 10 restaurants in Doha?
The top 10 restaurants in Doha are: Chingari, La Vista 55, Three Peppers, Saffron Thai Restaurant, Riva, Spice Market, Teatro, Hunter’s Room and Grill, Istanbul Sultan’s Cake, and Rodizio. These restaurants are all among Qatar’s top-rated eateries and will not disappoint!
In today’s post, I’m going to give you a quick breakdown of each of these top 10 restaurants to help give you a better idea of what to expect from each. Ultimately, they’re all good. However, depending on the mood you’re in, you may end up wanting one style of cuisine over another. It’s chow time!
Doha’s Top 10 Restaurants
Many people describe Qatar as “mini Dubai.” Aside from its luxurious resorts, though, [Qatar is probably most famous for its culinary scene]! So, with that being said, it’s time to take a quick look at some of the best food that Qatar’s capital city of Doha has to offer. I’ve had the pleasure of eating at each of these, so I can personally vouch for the quality of the food as well as the service and atmosphere.
1) Chingari
Cuisine: Indian
If you’re looking for amazing Indian food, then Chingari has some of [the best biryani] and chicken tikka in Doha! When you walk in through the cave-like entrance, you immediately enter another realm and it feels like you just walked through a portal into an ancient Indian palace. The food will blow you away and the service is like nowhere else!
2) La Vista 55
Cuisine: Mexican and Japanese Fusion
If you’re [looking for a bit of Doha nightlife], then you can’t go wrong with La Vista 55. Although they’re best known for having a fine cocktail and wine menu, they also have a number of delicious Mexican-Japanese fusion appetizers. Here you’ll find a modern fusion-style twist on classics like sushi and tacos, sushi burritos, and more!
3) Three Peppers
Cuisine: Traditional Chinese
When most people think of Chinese food, they think about grease-laden lo mein noodles, fortune cookies, and “mystery meats.” However, Three Peppers will blow all of your expectations out of the water. Technically, they’re a traditional Cantonese restaurant, and they serve ancient Chinese recipes that are unlike anything you’ll find in a fast-food Chinese restaurant.
4) Saffron Thai Restaurant
Cuisine: Thai
The other day, I mentioned that Saffron Thai Restaurant has some of [the best Thai food in Doha]. It’s a fine-dining establishment that will make you feel like you’re dining in a royal hall. My favorite dish is their Tom Kha Khai, a delicious chicken, coconut, and curry soup topped with lemongrass that will make your taste buds explode!
5) Riva
Cuisine: Italian
If you’re craving delicious pasta and a glass of wine, then Riva’s Italian cuisine will make you feel like you just took a trip to the Italian countryside. It overlooks the Doha marina, where you can watch yachts and sailboats cruise through the pristine water while enjoying your seafood risotto and a glass of crisp white wine… what more can you ask for?
6) Spice Market
Cuisine: Japanese/Sushi
Doha has a number of Asian fusion-style restaurants, but Spice Market has chosen to specialize and turn sushi into pure art. Here, you’ll be served giant rolls and sashimi on large black squares of slate with custom chopsticks with some of Japan’s finest sake. If you’re not a fan of sushi, they also offer some hibachi-style meals as well! The ambiance is refined, bold, and modern.
7) Teatro
Cuisine: Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Italian
Some would say that Teatro’s diverse menu represents a lack of specialization… However, the reviews say otherwise. Teatro interprets some of the best dishes from the world’s top cuisines, pairs them with fine wine, and presents them in a theatrical manner that you’ll never forget. At Teatro, the experience is always new and the food is one-of-a-kind.
8) Hunter’s Room and Grill
Cuisine: American, European
If you’re looking for a juicy steak, a hand-ground burger, or other American classics, then the Hunter’s Room and Grill is one of Doha’s best steakhouses. Their commitment to quality meat is evident as soon as you walk in the dining hall and see the 10-foot-tall marble stag. The steaks are juicy, the wine selection is supreme, and they offer fresh vegetables and seasonal sides.
9) Istanbul Sultan’s Cake
Cuisine: Turkish Dessert
What’s a night out without dessert? If you’re in Doha, then I strongly encourage you to visit Istanbul Sultan’s Cake. It has some of [the best-tasting, most authentic Turkish cake in Doha]. Their caramel Turkish cake is moist, covered in homemade caramel, and will change your view on Middle Eastern cuisine. If you stop by early in the morning, you can also find freshly-baked baklava and grab a strong cup of Turkish coffee.
10) Rodizio
Cuisine: Brazillian Steakhouse
Brazil is probably the farthest country away from Qatar, but Rodizio will make you feel like you just walked into an authentic Brazillian steakhouse. Here, you’ll get a true show! The talented, daring chefs will butcher and cook the meat right in front of you, all while showcasing their considerable skills with a knife. The service is beyond excellent, and the upbeat Latin music contributes to a cultural experience that’s unlike anywhere else in Doha.
Conclusion
While Qatar and Doha may not be quite as crazy as Dubai, the food scene and culture here are just as diverse and impressive. As restaurants and resorts are beginning to reopen post-COVID, now is the best time to book a flight and experience the place that some chefs are calling the “Mecca” of food in the Middle East!
