Four New Doha Dining Experiences to Try This Summer

This Summer.

It is LOOOONG.

No seriously. Even with the lush Turkish yoghurt , the fully laden shelves at Lulu Qatar   and the ongoing sideshow that is the #QatarBlockade seems this summer has been more of a slog than most.

But luckily for foodies there are some new and interesting dining concepts and experiences to keep us full and happy.

It’s a competitive market for restaurants and hotels at the moment (THANKYOU our Saudi friends), and savvy diners are reaping the rewards.  Here is a look at four early contenders you should be giving a try this summer:

1. Noodles and Ribs at Four Seasons Doha

Many hotels and restaurants change up their offerings for the leaner summer months, this usually includes dropping brunch until after September. The Four Seasons, always innovative, have replaced their Friday brunch (for summer only) with this great concept. It’s simple – a selection of hand pulled noodles served a variety of ways, plus Asian and Arabic inspired ribs. Throw in a focused buffet with dim sum, Asian salads and sushi and free flow drinks, and I’m sold.

From my experience, dishes to try include hand-pulled Chinese style hot oil noodles, laksa and a very authentic cucumber salad. The dim sum were also uniformly good as was the chinese style beef ribs. But I especially loved the cold soba noodles with tempura prawns. Running every Friday and Saturday, its QR200 (including water) or QR310 (including alcohol). And here’s the kicker, it includes a free main from the kids menu for the rugrats, plus free access to their Kids Club. Winning!

2. Emporio Armani Caffe

I’m a creature of habit and sometimes my weekends revolved around a five kilometer radius of Old Airport. So, it takes a lot to get me to the rarefied confines of The Pearl and its colonies. I don’t go that far for my holidays! BUT…the new chef here and an inspired menu have even the city’s notoriously finnicky Italian foodies impressed. Seriously. I promise a full review very soon, but do yourself a favor and give it a whirl. Pronto!

3. Arguelina at Crowne Plaza Doha

I almost don’t want to tell you about this place, but I am duty-bound to share it as a public service. Tucked away inside the hotel, this is essentially a shisha lounge – with an amped up menu. Even if you are not into shisha, go for the awesome air-conditioning, the private areas and the Arabic-inspired menu which features an excellent mixed grill, flakey and moreish sambousek pastries AND…Turkish eggs.

These aren’t just any eggs – their are gently poached then nestled in a bowl of thick and creamy yoghurt. Then…I almost can’t write this…it’s drizzled in a chilli and garlic oil. Called Cilbir, it’s served with toasted bread. It’s comfort in a bowl. All hail our Ottoman overlords.

4. Afternoon Tea at Nobu Doha

THIS is the concept that has the foodie classes chattering hard. Available every Saturday from 3.30pm, this afternoon tea includes a selection of Nobu’s greatest hits (think THE black cod and their famous sliders) plus some delicate desserts (mini scones with shisho jam? Where have you been all of my life) accompanied by a selection of “artisanal teas” and the cult classic matcha tea.

There are two options – the “Classic Tea Set” includes one of their special Ikaati teas or coffee for QR195 and the “Sparkling Tea Set for QR240 includes a glass of rose (or a mocktail), plus tea or coffee. I can see this one being popular with the ladies.

In the coming weeks I will be sharing more new and interesting offers (and of course reviews, some travel posts and general banter), but in the meantime – happy eating!

*Please read this disclaimer. Pretty please!