The Doha Brunch Index - How Far Your Riyal Will Stretch

Brunch in Doha (usually Friday but now increasingly also Saturday) is a deadly serious business, especially in these leaner times. But, with seemingly every restaurant offering some kind of brunch offer, how far will your dining riyal stretch?

Being the intrepid food blogger, half baked economist and general busybody that I am, I devised and extremely ~~dubious~~ scientific ranking system for Doha’s burgeoning brunch scene.

Behold – the inaugural Doha Brunch Index©

This is the result a complicated matrix of reviews, personal experience, overeating and general hysteria levels.

It’s not definitive. It’s not exhaustive (but boy was it exhausting), but it should give you a solid snapshot at what’s out there and how it rates in terms of value, quality of food and importantly fun at this juncture in time.

Expensive but worth it:

It’s official folks, we have breached the QR500 high water mark and there is no going back.

Nobu Doha: Take my money now. With THAT view and a mountain of fresh snow crab legs for the taking, this is a seriously sexy brunch. Dress up, drink up and form an orderly line at the crispy rice stand and enjoy. QR510 including drinks.

NY Steakhouse at Marriott Marquis: Sliding in at QR500 this is the kind of brunch you dream about. Casual, yet serving proper French bubbles and 25 martinis, it also has the foodie cred many others in the city wish hard for. QR500 including aforementioned drinks.

Tried and Tested:

Market at W Doha: This brunch has had a renaissance of late, changing up the buffet and introducing some dishes served tableside. Always a lively option, what I love is that you see a range of people, locals and expats, enjoying this lovely brunch. Do try the legendary sushi. and the ginger margaritas QR410 including drinks.

Elements at Four Seasons Doha: There is a very good reason why this is the most popular brunch in town – the quality of the food and overall experience speaks for itself. The grilled seafood and the Asian bar are my go-to stations. Book early, this fills up with big groups and foodies. QR450 for the sparkling option.

Family Friendly

Good, clean, family and do what they say on the tin.

Farm to Table Brunch at Ritz Carlton Doha: Any brunch that has an avocado station is one I can get behind. This is not a brunch for those looking for death by buffet. Fresh, high quality ingredients and a focused selection has won over the tough Doha dining crowd. They offer special meal trays for the kids as well as activities. A very reasonable QR349 including wine and beer.

Buffet Buster:

Let’s face it, sometimes a buffet stuffed with comfort food and the odd surprise is all you need.

Friday Brunch at Coral: An oldie but a goodie. A makeover has given this solid performer a new vibe. Expect mountains of fresh seafood and some beautifully cooked meats and mains. QR325 with house beverages or QR395 with spirits and premium drinks.

Pocket Friendly Winners:

When you still get change for the taxi ride home.

Seasons at Movenpick Doha: A proper family brunch but in a more intimate and old school setting. This place is seriously underrated and has some excellent chefs on board. QR275 including alcohol? Sold!

Dim Sum and Japanese Brunch at Holiday Villa: Extraordinary value all round and that’s just from the well executed dumplings. Add in the sushi buffet, tempura station and hot food options and I would almost move in. No alcohol but there is Japanese tea. QR138 (yes…seriously).

Saturday Vibes:

Saturday is still vying to be the new Sunday. Discuss

Spanish Brunch at El Faro: Every time I visit this lovely restaurant I kick myself for not being a regular. This Saturday brunch is packed with tapas favorites (am drooling right now typing about the patatas bravas) as well as unlimited (you heard me!) paella. QR380 including sangria. Hic.

Royal Thai Brunch at Westin Doha: Authentic Thai flavors and brilliant service, this Saturday brunch is lively and also excellent value. Check the firey papaya salad and any of their seafood dishes. QR245 for house beverages.

Surprise Packet:

Those brunches you weren’t quite expecting to be so awesome.

Yum Cha Brunch at Hwang: Two words – wasabi prawns. I mean the rest of the a la carte menu is also great (a hit parade of comfort food favorites from around Asia), but these are a favorite. QR328 with house drinks or 428 with cocktails.

Shanghai Club: Dumplings for days and hand pulled noodles, this is a great way to while away a Saturday, or a Friday (they run it both days). Don’t miss the Schezuan wontons or the eggplant rolls. QR238 per person, add QR112 for house spirits, beer and wine.

Party Central:

Sometimes you just have to let loose and get your freak on to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Bubbalicious at Westin Doha: With a name like that, you just KNOW this brunch will involve a conga line and some kind of Macarena situation. It helps that the quality of the food (the raw bar is reason enough to go) is top notch. QR430 with sparkling beverages.

Fashion Forward:

When you want to be seen…

Zengo Doha: While I haven’t fallen in love as deeply as other bloggers with this place, as a brunch experience, Zengo is hard to not enjoy. With views to die for, the al la carte sharing menu for features some delicious favorites like their green curry chicken. A fun place with friends. QR390 all in.