I am a woman with many opinions. Just ask me. I have an opinion about everything from the US presidential elections (I’m not even American) to the state of Posh and Becks marriage (boredom).
I get asked often what my favorite restaurant in Doha is (and my favorite cheese but thats another post). My answer is always the same…it depends.
It depends on my mood. It depends on the company. It depends on my outfit. It depends on budget.
So here is my (current) front runners for a day of perfect dining in Doha for all budgets. This list is based purely on my likes, dislikes and general state of mind.
SPLURGE
Breakfast:
Eatopia at The Gate Mall now offers a hotel-worthy continental buffet on weekends for QR75 which includes juices,a huge selection of cereals, fresh fruit, cold cuts and cheeses as well as breads.If you are after something more substantial, for QR105 you can get the buffet plus one egg dish from their menu. This is where the breakfast comes into its own. Eggs on offer include a Tunisian style tagine with meatballs and a spicy tomato sauce and a healthy option with quinoa. I can also say the coffee is excellent and some of the best you will have in Doha. That alone is enough for me. You would be hard pressed to start your day in a better way.
Lunch
Doha dwellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to lavish lunches and brunches. But I have steered clear of that and opted for the excellent Express Lunch at Paper Moon by La Spiga which offers their most popular dishes in a set menu which ranges from salmon tartare or a white bean soup for starter through to a selection of seafood, pizzas and pastas for main. The a la carte menu is also excellent (the Pasta Paper Moon of smoked beef and a touch of cream is on repeat in my head). The venue is lovely, especially the terrace and the food freshly prepared.
Honorable mention for a great lunch option on a Friday must go to The Cellar at the Oryx Rotana which showcases some tasty hold and cold tapas, jugs of sangria and other Spanish specialties including paella and a lavish range of seafood, The venue is laid back and the service excellent. I could easily spend an afternoon here with friends.
Dinner
Ahhhh. So many options here. Hands down Spice Market Doha is the best dinner and drinks experience in Doha. It’s the total package – a great vibe and excellent food from Chef Liu. Post cocktails in the bar area you can choose a table in the center of the action of opt for something more romantic and cosy. The South East Asian menu also offers something for everyone with my favorite being the cauliflower dumplings and the tempura baby sea bass.
An honorable (very honorable) mention must go to my new favorite place El Faro at Kempinksi Marsa Malasz which has a super sexy interior and a menu to match. The paella and tapas have become my new addiction and Chef Raul Cobb is clearly passionate about his craft. Go for tapas but stay for the paella.
SAVE
Breakfast
The most important meal of the day and yes even in Doha you can feast on a budget. Sabah W Masa at the top of Salwa Road (they also deliver) has a filling selection of Lebanese style flatbread pizza (manaouche or saj) with my choices being anything with cheese (jebneh) or the beef ham and cheese. Simple, fresh and delicious. Did I say they deliver? Hmmmm cheese.
Lunch
Indian food, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. An Indian thali is the perfect lunch and while you can get an authentic taste all over Doha, my pick is Dakshin at Barwa Village. A South Indian thali is made up of a selection of various South Indian dishes served with rice and breads. There really is no “rule” as to what constitutes a thali and at Daksin you can order seafood, non-veg or veg versions. At between QR30 to Q50 a head depending on your option, this is one of the best meals in town.
Dinner
This was a tough one. There are many budget options in this town, but I opted for atmosphere and experience. Yee Hwa is a Korean/Japanese restaurant tucked away inside a hotel. The food is routinely good (my suggestion is to stick to the Korean menu which is authentic and freshly prepared) and hosts couples, singles and big tables of friends and colleagues with ease. You get the Korean style banchan which are small side dishes served with rice and the main dishes and can opt for the traditional BBQ done at your table or other dishes like savory pancakes, spicy seafood soup and bi bim bap. Choose wisely and you can dine like royalty and leave for under QR200 for a couple including soft drinks.
