Best Restaurant Dishes in Qatar for 2022

It’s been the best of times… it was…actually it was a pretty incredible year. And the food scene in Qatar was as vibrant as ever – dozens of new openings, new hotels, new cuisines. So selecting my best restaurant dishes in Qatar for 2022 was actually tougher than I expected.

But needs must….here is my list of best Qatar restaurant dishes of 2022 in no particular order…

Malaysian butter chicken at Mama Rozie

This dish started as a one-off and grew to be a phenomenon. More creamy than the usual butter chicken we know, it’s the perfect comfort food. The chicken is fried before adding to the sauce. You can also get it with noodles but my personal favorite is with rice. And, knowing it comes from the Mama Rozie team, the secret ingredient is love.

Vitello Tonnato at 999 Cafe

Gossamer thin slices of veal, a funky mayo-like sauce capers and baby fennel shavings – this is an Italian classic revisited through the culinary perspective of the re-launched cafe by Chef Fabio Fioravanti.

Classic chicken sandwich by Louis Eatery

Is this the best sandwich in Doha? I think so. It has the perfect bread to filling ratio. Well seasoned filets of chicken pounded thin then grilled, before beings sandwiched between slices of potato bread with just enough accompaniments. These include crunchy lettuce, a spicy mayo and of course, pickles.

Crab Cake at Bentleys at Radisson Blu

Crab cakes are nothing innovative, yes that’s right, but this one was so well made and perfectly poised I still think about it. To be honest, this is in keeping with Bentley’s Grill at the Radisson Blu, an excellent steakhouse doing the classics well. So welI I can forgive the kitsch googly eyes.

Lamb Satay at Serasa Restaurant

This newly opened Indonesian spot already has a firm following and this ish of lamb satay illustrates why. Perfectly tender yet caramelized skewers of mildly fatty lamb and a moreish satay sauce. And it comes in a serving of 10! Heaven!

Cokertime Kebab at Mandarin Oriental

Yes, i]I spend a lot of time at this hotel. Because the food here is just. so. good. Liang is possibly my most recommended place in Doha and Izu has really come into its’ own this year. But this dish, from a special menu at Mosiac by visiting chefs from their hotel in Istanbul, this is something else.  It originates from the Çökertme region of Bodrum. It’s slivers of the most tender beef, fried potatoes topped with yogurt and a tomato butter sauce. And it’s incredible.

Beef Short Rib Eggs Benedict at Bywater

Take it from me, in 2023 the Waldorf Astoria Lusail will be a foodie hotspot. Why? Check out the attention to detail and flavor (I almost ordered a second) in this beef short rib eggs benedict from their BREAKFAST menu. Yes just their breakfast menu. So imagine the other culinary offerings…

Bone Marrow Varuval at Hoppers Doha

Just opened in Msheireb and already this London transplant is shaking up what we know about South Indian and Sri Lankan food. Roasted bone marrow is combined with a spiced coconut sauce in this luxurious dish – you will be asking for seconds of the roti to ensure you eat all of the sauce.

Ensaladita Des Gambas at Lobito De Mar

The newest spot in Spanish maestro Dani Garcia’s empire is this stylish seafood tapas place in the Marsa Malaz Kempinski. This dish is emblematic of the menu – fresh, pink prawns bathed in mayo and spices nestled in a followed our pineapple. It’s unselfconsciously fun and fresh.

Charred Octopus with smoked paprika creme fraiche at Curiosa Doha

There are more than half a dozen dishes on Chef Edgar Hurtado’s accomplished menu at the Four Seasons I could include here, but this one lives rent free in my head. Perfectly grilled and charred octopus tendrils and pieces with a very craveable paprika creme fraiche and a tangy vinaigrette.

Duck Ragu Pasta at Bice

Back in The DAY, BiCE was The PLACE in Doha. Great food, great atmosphere and well, we missed it. But it’s back and now at the Pullman Doha and frankly, it’s better than I could have imagined. Real pasta lovers will rejoice and enjoy this lush take on duck ragout with handmade pasta. I mean, even Italians love it. The highest praise! 

Konbu Cured Beef Tenderloin at Nobu Doha

Each visit to Nobu Doha brings something new and exquisite to try like this take on surf and turf. It was part of their Six Hands menu special event from earlier this year but is indicative of the creativity and respect for ingredients the team demonstrates. The dish was bathed in sea urchin (uni) and was truly one of the highlights of the meal and the year.

Zapiekanka at Polka

Polish food – who knew it was so tasty. And this Polish take on the pizza made at the humble eatery in Madinat Khalifah has blown me away. I’ve re-ordered it at least five times this year. Baguettes piled high with meat, cheese and veggies and more cheese then toasted. So simple. OK I want want want now.

And so there it is – the Life on the Wedge approved best restaurant dishes of 2022

This year I dined far and wide. There are a few that only just missed the final cut. So many places that continue to deliver great food without fanfare, including the excellent Jamavar and Riyasat and one of the city’s most consistent performers, Hakkasan. I also include old favorites Yee Hwa and new faves Zheng Street Kitchen in this list.

While you are here…

So there are my top restaurant dishes in Qatar for 2022. It was a pretty solid year all round to be honest.

But here are some other foodie ideas:

• For where to drink and watch sport/FIFA, read my post here.
• Are you getting my weekly Life on the Wedge newsletter? Sign up here.
• Thank you to ITP Live for naming me on the essential influencers to follow in Qatar for the World Cup.
• My first look at The Ned Doha, possibly one of the most gorgeous hotels in the city.