And so foodies, we find ourselves at the half way point of their weird and sometimes wonderful year. This means it’s time for your June 2022 Doha Dining Hit List – where to eat and drink in Qatar this month and let me tell you – there are options for all budgets and moods:
The Frying Scotsman
We’ve been waiting an eternity for this fun single concept place to reopen at the Radisson Blu. It’s benefitted from a pared down menu and a focus on what it does best – fish and chips. While they have cod (QR110) and haddock (QR95) on the menu, I loved the fresh hammour (QR100). The batter is English style as are the chips and the tartare sauce is house made. Save some room for their British pies – short crust pastry stuffed with beef and potatoes or chicken (QR55 to QR60).
Izu
This sleek and sexy spot at the Mandarin Oriental had a stunted start thanks to COVID-19 but it’s starting to hit its straps. They have revamped the menu and introduced a tasting menu that rotates every few weeks. The food here has its roots in the Mediterranean – France, Italy and Spain – the flavors are both subtle and striking and there is an emphasis on seafood. Dinner is served from 7 to 11pm. Keep an eye out for the sashimi style salmon, wafer thin and the whole roasted lobster. The set menu available for QR380 per person, QR190 for wine pairing (more of this coupling please Doha hospitality types!)
Juan Valdez
The Colombian coffee house has landed in Doha, specifically the airconditioned 21 High Street in Katara. The coffee is strong and the vibe is distinctly South American and I am here for it. Their breakfasts offer great value at QR40 for arepas (corn cakes stuffed with cheese), or empanadas with an omelet and a coffee. Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. Grab a seat on the terrace (AC starts at 10am) and enjoy the passing parade.
Thursday BBQ, Steamboat and Japanese Buffet at Holiday Villa
I’m a Holiday Villa stan but this was my first time at L’agenda their all day dining (I was invited this time). Every Thursday they offer a Japanese inspired hot pot/steamboat and buffet experience for QR138 per person (QR69 for kids). The steaming hotpot is cooked at your table and is an interactive experience with two broths. The buffet features items for the hotpot including tofu, chicken, beef, crab, prawns, veggies and noodles. Load up your plates and go for it. Don’t miss the sauce buffet – at least 30 different Asian style sauces for your hotpot. You can also find maki rolls, a tempura stand, BBQ meats and of course dessert. Do check out the Marmite chicken, a Malaysian fave.
Seafood Night at Four Seasons Doha
Perennial favorite Elements at the Four Seasons continues to bring the dining action and the Wednesday Seafood Night plays to all of my cravings. A huge selection of seafood including a raw bar of lobsters, crab and oysters, a caviar bar and a seafood market style set up where you choose your fish, how you want it done (grilled Asian style or anything really!) and of course sushi for days. I loved the fresh pasta station serving up plates of noodles with scallops, prawns and more in a tangy cream (or red) sauce (this was an invite). It’s QR295 and QR485 which makes it a splurge BUT it’s on @entertainerqat to take the edge off.
While you are here:
There it is – your June 2022 Doha Dining Hit List – where to eat and drink in Qatar this month With a slew of new hotels set to open around town pre FIFA, expect lots of action on the dining front. Some happenings around town and things to watch out for:
- My instagram is baaaack. Check me out @rachelannmorris71
- Check out my first look at Lobito De Mar – Doha’s newest restaurant.
- A great round-up of afternoon tea spots in Doha in Time Out Doha
- Doha’s newest hotel opening is Le Royal Meridien in Lusail. It has a sport bar which looks interesting.
- KAIA Beach Club at Salwa Beach Resort has launched a pool party brunch that includes transport to the resort!
