Here we are again – Ramadan 2019. While I do love seeing Doha come alive during the long Ramadan nights (and in 2019 the days will also be long and hot!), it’s nice to have some quality, convenient (and pocket friendly) options around Doha for dining out during the day, especially on weekends.
This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of places to eat during Ramadan – rather my recommendations. For that you can check my friends at Marhaba for a full list of Ramadan offerings as they occur and 24hrfoodie team for reviews and photos. you can also find excellent coverage of Ramadan in Time Out Doha.
I will however, be showcasing a couple of my favorite Ramadan venues (some not in hotels!) in coming weeks – stay tuned for that! But in the meantime, here is my of top Doha places to eat out during the day in Doha in Ramadan 2019.
1. The Social At Fraser Suites
Tucked away inside the Art Deco inspired Fraser Suites West Bay is a little foodie gem. While the dining room itself is pretty blan, the food isn’t. The Social has a menu of comfort food favorites like burgers, pastas and salads – some a little offbeat but all tasty. There is a daily breakfast buffet but the a la carte is where the action is.
Try the perfectly portioned butter chicken sliders or the Asian flavored braised beef short rib. The spicy prawn starer also gives PF Changs a run for their money.
2. Le Colonial at Al Wadi Hotel
I’m calling it – this could be the find of the Summer. A breakfast only hotel restaurant. Outside of Ramadan hours it’s open 6am to 3pm and has a huge menu of breakfast favorites. During Ramadan it will serve breakfast from 6am to 11am then lunch. With views of the Souq and a quirky dining room, this is going to be become a regular haunt for me. The menu spans breakfast faves like Eggs Benedict, pancakes and waffles and breakfast sandwiches. I would recommend the Royal Eggs Benedict which is salmon, perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise topped with truffle. Coffee is good, service is even better. Be sure to check out the decor – there is a replica of the old Qatar Post Office post boxes.
3. Quick Bites at Marriott Marquis
One of the most popular venues for this time of year, this West Bay casual hotspot is back for more this year. Its menu has had a revamp – still mainly burgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas and flatbreads but with a more creative twist. the cafe itself is spacious (if a little soulless), has valet parking and service is always great. I love their take on Eggs Benedict with salmon and a hearty hashbrown as well as their Cruffin (a hybrid of muffin and croissant)this place gets busy, especially on weekend, so book ahead or go early.
4. Santa Monica Breakfast Club at Grand Hyatt Doha
This has become one of the hottest spots for a weekend breakfast in town. As the name suggested, it’s “breakfast heavy” but you will easily find something you will like. With fun and funky interiors, this is not your usual “all day dining” hotel offering, it’s open until sunset when their excellent Thai restaurant Isaan takes over. And some good news – they will be offering their budget busting QR100 breakfast buffet during Ramadan.
5. Elements Doha
This Asian-inspired restaurant at the Four Seasons Doha is a good idea all year round. With a menu spanning Indian, Chinese, Asian and Arabic favorites it’s a crowd pleaser without sacrificing on quality – this is a first rate spot for dining out during the day in Ramadan in Doha. I can highly recommend their handmade dumplings, black pepper beef and their Peking Duck. Oh, and of course their sushi is some of the best in town!
BUT in other breaking news, Nobu Doha will open at sunset this Ramadan. They will be offering a special Omakase menu (chef’s choice) as well as a la carte.
6. Mykonos at Intercontinental Doha
While I’m not sure there will be any plate smashing going on, Mykonos at the Intercontinental Doha is a welcome addition to the Ramadan dining roster. a menu of Greek favorites and a sunny outlook, this will brighten any day. Its menu is simple and traditional – a flaky and moreish cheese and spinach pie, moussaka even a Greek mama would approve of and a selection of tender and perfectly prepared souvlaki are star picks. And, if you have the iDine app – which gives you many offers at the hotel including 241 and discounts – you can use it to make it an even better deal!
7. Sel & Miel at Ritz Carlton Doha
It may be Doha’s Doha’s newest restaurant but is also one of the most impressive at the moment. The old Porcini (RIP) has been transformed into a French brasserie – complete with woven chairs and Golden Age stylings. A full review of the menu is to come soon, but in the meantime PLEASE check out the excellent brasserie menu – I can’t think of a similar experience in Doha right now.
It will open for those seeking something tasty during the day this Ramadan – from 12pm to 11pm and will serve most of its a la carte menu. I do love this place (after one visit!) and will write about it more in coming weeks.
You can’t miss the fresh seafood plates, French onion soup and an alluring pasta with Roquefort creme and walnuts. French food lovers will also rejoice at the whole Dover Sole. Oh la la.
Special mention goes to W Doha – all of their restaurants – Spice Market, Market and La Spiga – will be open throughout Ramadan as usual.
New addition La Parisienne – a French-style boulangerie at Intercontinental Doha The City will also be open – check out their intricate pastries as the creamy quiches! As will their underrated and excellent steak restaurant Prime.
Thai food favorite Kao San (they of the Instagrammable hotpot and Thai BBQ) will be offering home delivery throughout Ramadan.
Life on the Wedge wishes you all a happy and healthy Ramadan 2019.
