The best restaurants in Doha: 10 incredible places to try in 2023

Whether you're there on business or pleasure (or very possibly, the World Cup), Doha isn't short of incredible dinner spots. Here are a few of our favourites

Updated on • Written By Niamh Parker

The best restaurants in Doha: 10 incredible places to try in 2023

The restaurant scene in Doha, Qatar, has truly flourished in recent years, with the city welcoming world-renowned chefs and restaurant chains. Narrowing down our choices was a challenge, but we have managed to hand-pick the best restaurants in Doha for you to enjoy next time you're in town.

Doha, home to 80% of Qatar’s inhabitants, is a former pearl-fishing city on the beautiful Arabian Gulf. A city with rich history, in which pre-modern architecture is blended with new office buildings, apartment complexes and shopping malls, creating a stunning cityscape which can be enjoyed from the terraces of some restaurants on this list! Lots of Doha’s restaurants have taken inspiration from this blending of old and new in their own food and décor.

Doha’s restaurants showcase such a wide range of cuisines, with everything from Japanese to Greek on offer. Elsewhere, many restaurants, such as Smat and Shirvan Métisse, celebrating Qatari cuisine, which is a must-try if you’re a visitor to the country.

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The World Cup is coming to Qatar in 2022 – eight football stadiums will host the competition across five cities, with two of these stadiums in Doha. It is definitely worth getting your reservations in for what is sure to be a hugely busy time for Doha’s restaurants.

Given Doha’s flourishing restaurant scene, it is difficult to even know where to start when it comes to choosing a restaurant. Whether you’re looking for refined dishes from a Michelin-starred chef, Japanese food in a lively restaurant, laid-back beach club dining, or a Qatari feast, Doha has it all, with so much on offer to try. We have rounded up the top 10 restaurants in Doha to give you some inspiration when booking your next meal out in the city, and to hopefully make choosing a little easier.

Liang

What: Liang at the Mandarin Oriental is a restaurant serving authentic Chinese cuisine in an opulent, Asian-inspired setting. The menu focuses on Cantonese cuisine while also incorporating select provincial dishes from around China. A dinner at Liang includes live entertainment, with the Chinese practice La Mian and a traditional tea performance demonstrated for guests. Liang also has a children’s menu so is suitable for any accompanying little guests.
Where: The Mandarian Oriental, Barahat Msheireb Street, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Doha, 23643
Book now:
Liang

Nozomi

What: Nozomi serves contemporary Japanese cuisine in a lively, glamorous restaurant. In the gardens of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, Nozomi has an outdoor terrace with beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf. Nozomi serves meat and fish dishes and a wide selection of sushi, as well as classic desserts enhanced with traditional Japanese flavours. Available for collection and delivery, and with a brunch event on Friday and Saturday afternoons, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Nozomi.
Where: Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, The Pearl, Doha, 24892
Book now:
Nozomi

Toro Toro 

What: Toro Toro Doha by chef Richard Sandoval serves contemporary Latin American cuisine in a lively yet sophisticated setting, also at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl. Toro Toro offers Latin classics such as tacos and ceviche, as well as a range of ‘suviche’, sushi inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Latin American cuisine. The restaurant hosts a range of special events throughout the week, including ‘Taco Tuesday’, a ladies’ night on Wednesdays, and a brunch on Friday afternoons. With a selection of Latin spirits and cocktails on offer and beautiful views over the Arabian Gulf, Toro Toro is a restaurant where you can enjoy a taste of Latin America in style.
Where: Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, The Pearl Doha, 24892
Book now:
Toro Toro

Shirvan Métisse  

What: Shirvan Métisse is a fine-dining restaurant at The Pearl Island, by Michelin-starred chef Akrame Benallal. This restaurant celebrates the cuisines of the Silk Road with a dinner menu intended to be shared, with dishes including a whole leg of lamb cooked in a crust of Qatar desert sand, as a tribute to Qatari heritage. Or try Shirvan Métisse for lunch – the set lunch menu changes weekly so there’s is always something new to try.
Where: 7 La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl Island, Doha
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 Shirvan Métisse

Nobu

What: Although you could dine at Nobu nearly anywhere in the world, Nobu Doha is certainly not one to miss. The world’s largest Nobu was designed by architect David Rockwell and is a spectacular three-story restaurant. Inspired by Doha’s history of pearl diving, Nobu Doha has extravagant interiors and beautiful views of Doha’s skyline and the sea. Serving Nobu classics and new dishes devised by head chef Andrew Bozoki, the restaurant also offers sushi-making classes and a weekly brunch.
Where: Nobu Doha, Four Seasons Hotel, The Corniche, Doha, 264665
Book now:
Nobu

BOHO Social

What: BOHO Social is a relaxed, bohemian-inspired restaurant at Katara Beach Club, with seriously Instagrammable interiors. Serving Middle Eastern-inspired food with influences from the Americas, Asia and Southern Europe, BOHO Social serves breakfast, lunch and dinner that guests can enjoy in the restaurant or on its waterfront beach terrace. BOHO Social’s breakfast offering is definitely not one to miss, serving souped-up versions of breakfast classics. BOHO Social also serves afternoon tea and offers delivery.
Where: Level 2, above Katara Club, Shakespeare Street, Doha
Book now:
BOHO Social

BiBo

What: BiBo Doha is the first branch of Dani Garcia’s BiBo restaurants outside of Europe. The Andalusian-inspired brasserie serves food from Spain and beyond in a stylish setting. A range of tapas are served, and seafood is celebrated at BiBo. BiBo Doha is also the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, with customisable celebration cakes available to order in advance. The team also host special events of their own, with a Friday brunch and a special Saturday lunch held weekly.
Where: Al Gassar Resort, West Bay, Doha, 299995
Book now:
BiBo

Smat

What: Smat is a must-try for visitors to Qatar looking to experience the local cuisine. Serving Qatari dishes and using local ingredients and spices as much as possible, Smat seeks to create the most authentic Qatari experience possible for diners. Come for breakfast and try the tannour or aubergine shakshuka. Or try Smat for dinner, with dishes such as Mathawi macaroni and salt-baked sea bass on the menu. Smat celebrates Qatari cuisine, with the menu and décor heavily inspired by Qatar’s culture and heritage.
Where: Corniche Road, Doha, 294009
Book now:
Smat

Mykonos

What: Mykonos is a Greek restaurant at the InterContinental Doha with bohemian-inspired interiors and a relaxed vibe. Serving traditional Greek dishes including moussaka, souvlaki and a classic Greek salad on a terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea, Mykonos is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a laid-back lunch or dinner. With live music six nights a week and a twice-weekly brunch event on Fridays and Saturdays, Mykonos is a must-visit for diners looking for a taste of Greece and a Mediterranean-esque evening.
Where: Al Istiqlal Road, Al Dafna, West Bay, Doha, 6822
Book now:
Mykonos

Scalini

What: Scalini Doha is an Italian restaurant at the St Regis Doha. Part of the trusted Scalini brand, launched in London in 1988, the Doha restaurant celebrates fuss-free Italian fare, with a focus on serving traditional dishes with fresh, quality ingredients. The restaurant has simple yet quirky décor and an outdoor terrace; a relaxed setting to enjoy a taste of Italy from the Middle East. Scalini Doha is open daily for dinner and on Saturdays for lunch.
Where: Al Khafji St, Al Gassar Resort Tower 2, Doha
Book now: 
Scalini

Heading to Doha for the World Cup? Check out the best sports bars in Doha to find your perfect game day spot.

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