ELLE Gourmet City Guide: Where To Eat In Doha, Qatar

Dining in Qatar is an experience, one that blends culture, design and global flavour with an unmistakable Arabian warmth. From the bustling souks of Doha to the architectural marvels of Lusail, the country’s food scene reflects its identity: luxurious yet grounded, innovative yet deeply rooted in tradition.

If you're visiting Doha, specifically, this holiday season, let me guide you to the right spots to eat. Ahead are some of the restaurants you must bookmark in the city. 

At the heart of this dining revolution are the Middle Eastern restaurants and shisha lounges that capture the essence of local hospitality. Damasca One in Souq Waqif remains a city icon — vibrant, aromatic and filled with the sounds of Arabic music. Bayt El Talleh, perched in Katara Cultural Village, pairs stunning Gulf views with authentic Lebanese dishes that invite slow, shared meals. 

At The Pearl, Yasmine Palace Restaurant dazzles with ornate interiors and a regal Levantine menu, while Dokya brings a Turkish flair with smoky grills and hearty mezze. Huqqa turns dining into an experience of style and shisha. Cyra at Fairmont Doha offers an elevated Mediterranean-inspired terrace where evenings unfold under fairy lights and flavourful clouds of smoke.

Doha’s Asian dining scene is equally impressive - bold, theatrical and masterfully executed. Provok at Fairmont Doha fuses Korean, Thai and Japanese influences in a high-energy setting, where every dish bursts with flavour and flair. Zuma continues to reign as Doha’s definitive Japanese destination with its iconic black cod and izakaya-style charm. Towering above West Bay, Shanghai Club blends refined Cantonese cuisine with skyline views.

Qatar’s love for spice and sophistication shines through its Indian restaurants. Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra elevates Indian cuisine through molecular gastronomy — playful, artistic, and full of nostalgia. Hoppers celebrates South Indian and Sri Lankan flavours, serving signature dosas, coconut sambols, and rich curries that strike the perfect balance between comfort and creativity.

Italian indulgence, meanwhile, finds its own rhythm. Sasso charms with handmade pastas and truffle-forward dishes. Scalini brings the glamour of the Amalfi Coast to the Corniche. Carluccio’s at The Pearl is ideal for a casual yet authentic Italian lunch, while Roberto’s Doha adds Venetian sophistication to the waterfront. Eataly remains a one-stop haven for everything Italian — from espresso to olive oil.

For those who prefer their flavours with caffeine, Qatar’s café culture is thriving. EARTH Organic Coffee blends minimalist design with ethically sourced brews; The Ministry of Coffee, Flow Speciality Coffee, and Piccolo Café at West Walk are my favourites.