I’ve been eating my way around this country in one way or another since landing here one steamy Summer day in 2007. But my serious focus on food and writing about it started back in 2012 with the creation of my blog. The rest, they say, is history.
So this list – it’s been a long time coming. The product of many visits (invited and self-funded) to each and every one of these spots over the last decade, and for the newer ones, obviously more recently. In a time where we seem to be in flux in the Qatar dining scene, I thought this could serve as a place marker, as much for me, as it can for all foodies.
A snapshot of a place in time that can be revisited every year.
Until perhaps late last year, I found that as someone who writes about and cares about food in this city, I was approaching each meal, each experience in a bit of an echo chamber. That can be a good thing as it means you approach each restaurant on their individual merits. A good friend suggested I could introduce a ranking system.
This concept rattled around in many food-focused conversations and in my inner monologue for a while. Then I had an exceptional meal at one of the places mentioned below and it all started to click into place – I could continue with the lists, with the Instagram reels, with the events and parties; or I could also do something more intentional and meaningful.
I realised it’s important to step back and look at the dining scene here as a sum of its parts – how each of these restaurants fits into its own niche and ultimately the landscape as a whole. So we can also look back and see how it has evolved and changed.
Some places on this list will be more luxurious than others – white gloves, fine dining, amuse bouche – others will be cheap and cheerful – plastic chairs, benches, tissue boxes. That’s the beauty of a multicultural and diverse country like Qatar. This kind of diversity is also essential to ensure the growth of the market.
To be clear – these are not ranked (which I could do but that’s another endeavour); rather I have grouped them geographically and given an indication of pricing. I’ve also introduced, for the first time, a rating system as my friend suggested – using stars:
*Good
**Very Good
***Excellent
****Extraordinary
Some entrants in this list may surprise you as will some star rankings. As I said I’ve been eating here for a long time and there are some establishments that deserve recognition. Meanwhile, at the time of writing a few places were in a flux – for example BIBO and Lobito DeMar would probably make a wider list but they are closed for renovation and for relocation at the time of publishing. There are also omissions, particularly from the newer hotels and places – this is more about consistency than anything else.
And yes, I’m working on a better way to present this – for now it’s a bit rudimentary but it serves a current, immediate purpose and as I say, a placeholder. Hopefully we can all look back in 2024 and see how much has changed, how far we have come.
And a small request – if you see something you like in this list, share it. But importantly, if one of these spots fits into your budget, go and try it out. Get in the car. Take an Uber. Get outside your comfort zone. Take your friends. Drag the family along.
So, here we are, the top 40 restaurants in this wonderful country for 2023.
West Bay
Fine dining, meat centric
$$$$
Pullman Doha, West Bay
Last reviewed: February 2023
****
This is the restaurant we had to have in this city. I make no bones about being a fan of what Executive Chef Justin Yu is trying to achieve because like others, I believe it’s important for the dining scene here. One of the only chef-led concepts in Doha, the food not only has a distinct point of view, it has a granular attention to detail that eschews the culinary tricks so many love to use, tricks without losing its soul. And it is this approach that shakes up the prevailing approach many of the corporate and hotel kitchens we see across this city. A place as much for a special occasion as it is for an afterwork bite and a drink but with food, the service always on point. The menu spans high quality meat dishes including Wagyu and similar as well as other dishes like a sublime scallop crudo or a mushroom risotto with silky cashew butter that will make you rethink what you thought you knew about risotto.
Northeastern Chinese
$$
Magnum Hotel and Suites
Last reviewed: April 2023
***
If you think you know what Chinese food is, I can assure you that a meal at the Zhen Street Kitchen will challenge that and also leave you craving more. The owner and her family have been in Qatar for more than 20 years and used to operate a much-loved restaurant in Old Doha. This relatively new, licensed venue, brings its sense of place and history and yes, family, with a menu of spicy, sometimes unusual dishes. Their glossy and vinegar laden take on sweet and sour beef will have you salivating as will their Chinese five spice dusted grilled skewers of lamb.
Fine dining; Chinese
$$$$
Last reviewed: January 2023
***
There is a reason why you can visit Hakkasan on a mid-weeknight and it will be heaving. This is hands down the most consistent restaurant in Doha. While this kind of familiarity can breed contempt, it does the opposite for those who kow and love Hakkasan. The much-loved combination of well executed favorites like their satay chicken and their beautifully constructed dumplings combined with their indoor/outdoor low-lit vibe makes this a serious contender. The Saturday dim sum brunch is the closest Doha comes to a “sceney” big city lunch spot but without pretension.
Mexican
$$$
Kempinksi Hotel and Suites, West Bay
Last reviewed: November 2022
**
One of three Richard Sandoval venues in Doha, this is the most casual and as a concept, perhaps the most successful. The highlight are their tacos – home-made tortilla with a variety of fillings from lightly battered prawns with pickled red onion. The Al Pastor comes with spiced chicken and pineapple. In a city full of poorly executed Tex Mex/White people tacos, this is a breath of fresh air. Their margaritas are lethal; the staff relaxed yet engaged. Put simply – great fun and sometimes that’s all you need.
Fine dining; Latin American
$$$$
Last reviewed: November 2022
****
Chef Edgar Hurtado and his soulful food has been a mainstay of the Qatar scene for many years – starting at Toro Toro before moving to IKA and now, with Jean Georges at the Four Seasons. His food plays on his Peruvian heritage and amps up the flavors and presentation. Housed in a beautiful space inside the Grande Dame of Doha’s hotels, it’s rejuvenated a once moribund space (anyone remember Teatro?) and brought a new, Latin-styled energy. Come for the delightful sunset happy hour and stay for the tendrils of charred octopus and the tacos.
Fine dining; Japanese, Nikkei
$$$$
Four Seasons Doha
Last reviewed: March 2023
****
This was the restaurant that changed it all. One of the first major global fine dining brands to set up shop in Doha, Nobu remains the gold standard in terms of food, service and just overall experience. While you can expect Nobu global standard dishes like the iconic black miso cod and those teeny tiny salmon tacos, Executive Chef Andrew Bozoki, a chef’s chef, keeps it up-to-date with new interpretations and new ingredients. One of the great things about this branch of Nobu is its ability to predict what the people want – its happy hours and deals are accessible but not compromising on quality; taste and experience.
Peruvian
$$$
Intercontinental Doha
Last reviewed: November 2022
***
Speaking of a landmark; La Mar started this city’s now rampant love affair with Peruvian food. More casual than fine dining, but still able to put on a show with stunning views, a bright and airy space and a menu of seafood forward classics. Part of Peruvian food Ambassador Gaston Acurio’s empire, the food is equal parts homely and surprising. Don’t expect Peruvian food to come and slap you in the face with its spiciness. This is a subtle cuisine and a fascinating blend of Spanish, Chinese and Japanese influences – many recipes combine chilli with soy sauce and cumin and it is very seafood heavy. You also see the addition of cheese in some dishes – for example scallops served on the shell with a creamy cheese sauce.
Pan Asian
$$$$
Last reviewed: December 2021
**
This is a legacy inclusion. A good legacy. When it opened in 2009, Spice Market was a class apart. A funky, relaxed yet elevated spot to enjoy some quality pan Asian food. Its brunch was legendary, and they were the first to pioneer the happy hour in Doha. While it’s easy to say those days were its “heyday”, you can’t deny that Spice Market has withstood the test of time with barely any changes. The interiors even look the same. The menu still boasts the erstwhile favorite, the sticky black pepper shrimp and the Jean George inspired Vietnamese chicken curry. If it’s not broke? No need to fix it.
Indian
$$$
St Regis Doha
Last reviewed: April 2022
***
Fun, warm and very, very approachable. Riyasat is Indian food done right – with an emphasis on flavor and attentive and engaged service to boot. Chef Jolly, whose empire extends to Singapore now, has created a family friendly restaurant with just great food. From their lush take on butter chicken through to their many special offers and deals, it’s Indian food for die-hard fans and those who are new to its appreciation.
Fine dining; Indian
$$$$
Sheraton Grand Doha
Last reviewed: June 2022
***
Indian food by way of Mayfair in London, the flavors here are rich, deep and very satisfying – much like the grand interiors. Tucked away inside the Sheraton Grand, you will find favorites like murgh makhani as well as some innovative takes on classics like an edamame bhel dish and a sea bass curry. With approachable offers including a seafood focussed Saturday lunch, this is rightly a favorite amongst Qataris and expats.
Lusail
Fine dining; Italian
$$$$
Last reviewed: February 2023
****
The Michelin star Italian chef brings his special flair to the stunning Raffles Doha in Lusail. The dining room is all cool and subdued whites but the menu is anything but with items including a perilously delicate but comforting tortellini filled with potato puree in a mushroom broth as well as a Barolo braised beef cheek. The restaurant houses its own expansive wine cellar and bucking the trend, has many bottles on the list you can’t find elsewhere. Elegant and surprising.
Thai
$$$
Last visited: September 2022
**
Since it opened in what seems like another century (2009 to be exact) this Northern Thai influenced venue has been serving up tiny plates of spicy happiness. With a roster of daily deals, it remains a firm favorite and also accessible. Food is tapas style, which perhaps in 2023 needs a rethink, but regardless it works for them. Yes you can expect the usual pad Thai and spicy papaya salad, but delve into the Isaan region via grilled prawns and spicy duck curry.
French
$$$
Last visited: November 2022
**
Having hit some rocky spots over the years this French brasserie, one of the first in the city, is back on track. While the tiled dining room lacks a bit of soul, the plant fringed terrace is unbeatable in the cooler months. Expect classics such as a richly satisfying French onion soup and main plates include a hearty beef bourguignon and a delicate filet of sea bass steamed en papillote (in paper)
The Pearl Qatar
Fine dining; Chinese
$$$$
Last visited: November 2022
**
Are there better Chinese restaurants in the city? Well, speaking frankly, yes. But they are not as pretty as Kai’s Songbird, which is aimed squarely Instagram and TikTok and it seems like the food menu is designed to fit around it. That’s not to say the food isn’t good. At its best, it’s great. I bristle at the self-described and lofty “liberated Nanyang cuisine” label, which basically means dishes hail from Southeastern China. But there is a lot to like such as a paper thin and lacquered honey soy beef and a well-executed braised lobster with scallops and bao buns to soak up the spicy gravy. Great for a sundowner or a brunch.
Fine dining; pan-Latin American
$$$
Last reviewed: February 2023
****
I headed into Chotto Matte with very little idea of what to expect. I did suspect it would be glam, so the sequins were dusted off and busted out. And, let me say, the surprise was all good. Like, knock me off my high horse good. The Instagram friendly venue is sprawling, with a bar, spacious dining room, sushi bar and stunning waterside terrace. The menu is Nikkei style – that now familiar fusion blend of Japanese and South American. Standouts include a delicately fatty o-toro aburi sashimi, a char-grilled octopus and a very surprising spicy broccoli (this is how you should eat your greens). All beautifully presented and generous. Service is engaged and informed as I have seen in this city and that includes the bar staff and mixologists. This is a definite serious contender for your must visit list – whether for a special occasion or dinner with friends. Sequins, as I discovered, are appreciated but optional.
Msheireb
Fine dining; Chinese
$$$
Mandarin Oriental
Last reviewed: January 2023
***
There is a solid argument that Liang at the Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers perhaps the best Chinese food in Doha. For me the dishes and the service are reminiscent of restaurants in Hong Kong. Which makes sense given its DNA comes from the legendary Maxims. This is the ONLY place in Doha that gets the Xaio long bao, a surprisingly complex dumpling right. The dumpling skin performs the ultimate balancing act – being wafer thin yet able to contain the steaming hot soupy filling. Other highlights include their roast duck, the slicing and stuffing of pancakes ritual performed tableside.
Fine dining; Mediterranean
$$$$
Mandarin Oriental
Last reviewed: January 2023
****
While Izu has been on the scene in Doha since 2019, it has been a slow burn and is now rightly leaning into its own greatness finally. Dubai-based Izu Ani took some time to find his stride in this market and I am pleased he and his supporters kept the faith. The fact is that Izu is turning out some of the most thoughtful and praiseworthy food in the market. The focus is Mediterranean with flashes of French, Spanish and Italian. The main menu includes a stunningly simple grilled langoustines and this is one of only a handful of spots offering dedicated wine pairings and an engaged sommelier.
Sri Lankan
$$$
Baharat Msheireb
Last reviewed: November 2022
**
Sri Lankan food is finally getting its time in the global spotlight and for good reason – the flavors are incredible. This is an outpost of the popular London icon of the same name and is drawing people in with modern takes on Sri Lankan classics. Highlights include a lush green mango curry and of course the eponymous rice flour hoppers. But the undisputed star of the show is a luxurious bone marrow varuval.
Bakery and café
$$
Msheireb
Last reviewed/visited: January 2022
***
If you want to talk about game changers on the dining scene, this café and bakery has quietly led a bit of a revolution. When it opened way back before the pandemic, it was a breath of fresh air. A sleek and stylish dining room, a menu of café and brunch classics (eggs benny, croissants, smashed avo) and American jazz piped throughout. Classy and still packing in the hungry crowds.
Georgian
$$$
Inside Doha Oasis
Last reviewed: April 2023
****
Putting it bluntly, Georgian food is not delicate nor is it subtle. It announces itself like your much loved great aunt on your Dad’s side of the family who loved to pinch your cheeks, tell you how much you have grown before wrapping you in a big, warm hug and slipping you $10 for a long forgotten birthday. It’s rare to find a cuisine in this town that can simultaneously be surprising and comforting. The menu runs the gamut of Georgian favorites with a minor detour to the Mediterranean for some variety. Kinkali are the bigger meatier cousins of the Chinese soup dumpling. These are the size of a small fists and the knob at the top used like a handle as you slurp the beefy aromatic broth the pasty encases. Another famous Georgian staple – Adjarian kachapuri is shaped like a canoe, a cheesy canoe. The bread just chewy enough to soak up the goodness. Serving sizes verge on gigantic which go some way to justify the prices, which I concede are in the vicinity of the fine dining range.
The Corniche
Fine dining; French
Museum of Islamic Art
$$$$ reviewed/visited: 2021
Last
****
Dining at IDAM at the Museum of Islamic Art is a truly unique Doha experience – the food, the location and of course the service all combine to something special. The service team wear white gloves, there are always extra special touches like a surprise extra dishes and a dessert trolley of your dreams. Where IDAM excels is the details – the artisan bread basket comes delivered warm to your table, the matching juices and mocktails as part of the menu, the tea trolley with four honeys to choose from and little timers to make sure your brew is perfect. Sublime.
Fine dining; Qatari/French fusion
$$$$
Last reviewed/visited: March 2023
***
Location, location, location. Another Alain Ducasse joint, this ambitious Qatar/French fusion concept continues to impress. They have done a smart thing, and while this is very much a fine dining spot, they have introduced a number of offers like afternoon tea and breakfast that has made it more accessible. On the main a la carte menu you can fine smoked cheese and beetroot and a stunning and meaty barracuda with coconut sauce.
Italian
Firestation Gallery
$$
Last reviewed/visited: July 2022
***
There was much consternation when the popular 999 café was closed, given the Alain Ducasse treatment and revamped into an Italian restaurant. The results were better than anticipated and the food is perhaps some of the best Italian influenced you will find in Qatar. Starters include a small crockpot housing layered parmigiana style eggplant. It arrives to the table sizzling and smelling of, well, Italy. A perfectly composed octopus terrine is a little daring. Paired with an octopus foam, it’s light and bright. The pizza is the star of the show, as it should be with the room dominating oven, given its own mural by Qatari artist Mubarak Al Malik. The real showstopper for me was the Napolitana, with a whisper thin and crispy base, fresh buffalo mozzarella and funky anchovies. It’s the favorite pizza of chef Fabio Fiovaranti and it shows. Best pizza this writer has had in Doha.
Qatari
Corniche South
$$$
Last reviewed: August 2022
Qatari food is a real surprise – a unique mixture of flavors and textures that have evolved thanks to the location and the heritage of the country. As a friend once said, Qatari food is hearty but always surprising. Bayt Sharq on The Corniche has a stunning heritage location and a menu of local and regional favorites. Order the seafood machboos (a rice dish), for something very special or go for a spread spread fit for royalty.
Souq Waqif
Yemeni/Khaleeji
Souq Waqif
$
Last visited/reviewed: November 2022
Always busy, but don’t be put off by the crowds. The servers are welcoming and friendly and will encourage you to kick off your shoes and sit on the floor in the communal dining spaces. This is a truly unique experience and one that all visitors and locals should indulge in. Yemeni food is unpretentious, humble and hearty – mostly spiced stews served with rice and UFO-like discs of flaky bread. If you don’t know what to order, just ask your fellow diners or the servers, everyone is keen to see you enjoy the food.
Qatari
Souq Waqif
$
**
Last visited: November 2022
Owner Shams Al Qasabbi is a legend and for good reason. The first Qatari woman to own and operate a restaurant, her humble café brings in celebrities, tourists and locals alike. Come for the flakey ragag bread with cheese and stay for the Qatari version of eggy shakshouka.
Bin Mahmoud
Pakistani
Bin Mahmoud Street, Bin Mahmoud
$
***
Last visited: December 2019
This local legend may have moved to more salubrious digs on one of the main streets of the bustling food hub, but the food remains as good as ever. This is Pakistani home cooked food served up fresh daily by Jamal and helped by his sons. He cooks what is good that day, the menu changes by the hour in some cases, as he runs out of some dishes and makes others on the fly. The menu is displayed on a white board, and dishes erased as they finish. The chicken karai is a must order (if it’s available!).
Thai; Burmese; Vietnamese
Bin Mahmoud Street, Bin Mahmoud
$
****
Last reviewed: March 2023
This kind of restaurant makes food reviewing a joy – each and every visit I see a venue packed with happy diners. The two lovely ladies who are the brains behind this fab new Bin Mahmoud eatery know what we want – great Vietnamese and South East Asian food that is well priced. The kitchen is staffed by chefs for those three countries and your taste buds are in for a treat. Check out the freshly made Vietnamese rolls and tender chicken skewers for starters. Soups include the iconic Vietnamese Bo Bun Hue – spicy beef lemongrass soup as well as pho and of course tom yum. Spice levels for all dishes can be adjusted according to your tastes but I suggest going as spicy as you can. Mains are equally exciting with a Vietnamese noodle bowl laden with a riot of flavors and textures. The surprise packet is Burmese spaghetti served with house made pickles (you may want to take some home).
Vietnamese
Al Jazeera Street, Bin Mahmoud
$
****
Last reviewed: March 2023
We awaited a long time for a Vietnamese restaurant in Qatar. A loooong time. When Hoi An quietly entered the fining scene in late 2022, it was a revelation. The new menu encompasses many Vietnamese classics like the banh mi; banh xeo and bun bo nam. The flavors are fresh and clean and the presentation simple – nothing is priced over QR50. As I sat with a friend to devour our impromptu feast in the unpretentious dining space (complete with a Vietnamese tourism video showing on a TV screen), we were surrounded by Vietnamese expats seeking a taste of home here in Doha. For me it was also like a little taste of home, in another nostalgic way. My area of Sydney is home to a large community of South East Asian migrants, many from Vietnam. As a result, Vietnamese food is as familiar to me as was my mother’s own cooking was and is (specifically pho) is among the first flavors I seek when I visit home. It’s this sense of familiarity as well as the experiences for those tasting a cuisine for the first time, that are among the true hallmarks of a rich and diverse dining scene. Like it’s near nearby neighor Tuk Tuk Saigon, this is the kind of eatery we’ve been missing in Qatar.
Al Sadd
Indonesian
Al Sadd Street next to the metro
$
Last reviewed: July 2022
**
The year 2022 was a great year in so many ways for restaurants. We started seeing places like Serasa popping us and bringing new flavors and experiences to Qatar. The two absolute standouts for me were the sate kambing and the nasi campur rendang. The lamb satay sticks were a generous portion of eight and to perfection before being bathed in the peanutty sauce. You know some skill has been applied in the cooking of these – the fat in the lamb was rendered perfectly. The beef rendang was fall apart tender and had a nice slow burn of heat. Ikan baker Bali was grilled butterflied fish marinated in a spicy sauce with tumeric chili and garlic and was beautifully cooked.
Korean/Pan Asian
Al Kinana Street, Al Sadd
$
Last reviewed: July 2022
**
OSHA is one of the vanguard of new restaurants popping up in Qatar as we ride the wave of Korean soft power. Located on the emerging foodie hub of Al Kinana Street, it’s packed with Korean expats and others seeking their fill of generous and warming hotpots; Korean BBQ and a smattering of other dishes like Pad Thai and steaming bowls of noodle soups.
Turkish
Al Nasr Street
$
Last visited/reviewed: January 2021
**
The OG of all Middle Eastern style grill joints in this town and a visit is a right of passage. It’s not fancy and it can be bafflingly chaotic for a first timer. The general MO is – order a couple of starters like babaganoush; hummous; a salad or two and one of the heaving plates of mixed grills and wait for the magic to appear at your table courtesy of the ruthlessly efficient wait staff. Meats are marinated and seasoned well, the lamb chops always the star of the show but don’t dismiss a plate of their juicy shawarma style beef.
Salwa Road
Filipino
Salwa Road
$
Last reviewed: April 2023
***
One of the world’s most underrated cuisines, Filipino food is available across the city. But it’s FlaminGO where many Kabayan go for their fixes of home country favorites like the silky breakfast snack taho; steaming bowls of kare kare and of course, lumpia. For the uninitiated, FlaminGO is the perfect place to try Filipino cuisine – the staff are quick to recommend and explain; the atmosphere is vibrant the the food honest and tasty. If you are adventurous; push the boat out and try the surprising Isaw – also known as crispy fried chicken intestines.
Venezuelan; cafe
Salwa Road
$
Last reviewed: January 2021
**
The name is a bit of a bait and switch – yes you can get coffee and freshly roasted beans. But you can also get some fantastic Venezuelan snacks and dishes including freshly made arepas stuffed with meat or chicken and cheesy empanadas. Another must-try is their chachapas; a Venezuelan corn pancake filled with white cheese. Unassuming and surprising.
Madinat Khalifa
Polish
Madinat Khalifa Street
$
Last reviewed: July 2022
***
Who had Polish food in the great Qatar food bingo? No one. And yet, Polka has carved a place in the heart of diners across Doha. Why? Food made with heart and soul. The menu is straight from the Polish grandma playbook – soft pierogies filled with cheese or meat; cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and finished with a moreish tomato sauce; and the Polish version of a pizza, the Zapiekanka, topped with all the cheese as well as meats and also prawns if that’s what you fancy. The restaurant itself is joyous, filled with colorful Polish décor and the warm personalities of the team.
Mansoura
Malaysian; Indonesian; Filipino
Al Hiteen Street
$
Last visited: September 2022
****
Mama Rozie, with its humble backstory and well executed Asian favorites; has carved a place in the heart of many. Family owned and operated, it emerged from humble beginnings in Al Khor to become one of the most popular independent eateries in Qatar. The curry laksa with prawns is like a hug in a bowl and new additions like the creamy Malaysian style butter chicken served as Nasi Lemak (or with noodles) brings new and existing devotees in droves.
Airport Road
Japanese
Al Mana Hotel; Airport Road
$
Last visited: August 2022
***
Ninja Ramen lives by the ethos of do one thing and do it well. More restaurants need to heed this. What’s on the menu? Ramen. Well, there are a couple of snacky extras, but it’s all about ramen. Grab a pencil, fill out the form and choose your broth base and toppings and wait for it to be delivered, from the kitchen to you in the no-frills dining space. The broth in the Tori Paitan Ramen is rich and comforting, and with the charsui chicken and chilli garlic chives is a steaming bowl of happiness. The newish miso broth is also a winner.
Al Wakra
Indonesian
Souq Al Wakra
$
Last visited: 2022
**
The Al Wakra dining scene is a bit of a slow burn, but the opening of a branch of this Indonesian crowd favorite is a blessing. Many dishes on the menu including the beef rendang is Padang (or Minang) style from West Sumatra – known to be one of the most popular in Indonesia, for its rich taste and incredible flavor thanks to the use of chilli and coconut milk. Tahu Gejrot, tofu and onion in a sweet and spicy sauce is also a great gateways to start exploring the menu.
Qatari
Souq Al Wakra
$
Last visited: 2021
**
A taste of Qatar on the shores of Al Wakra, this café is a little bit of a revelation. The menu is very squarely Qatari with some regional flair. The all-day breakfast offers shakshuka with spices and onion and a Qatari style foul (stewed beans) with tangy pomegranate and tomato sauce. Delve further with balaleet – a very Qatari dish of vermicelli noodles and honey topped with an omelette. Prices are pocket friendly and the service cheerful.
Abu Samra
Chinese
Salwa Beach Resort; Abu Samra
$$$$
Last visited: March 2022
**
Surprise! Yes, a great restaurant inside a resort. Mrs Wong is a bit of an outlier, housed inside the Salwa Beach Resort, its menu is surprisingly challenging and interesting. For example, a starter of Sichuan ice jelly with tangy aged vinegar and cashews; a rich steamed lamb dumpling; Shandong style roast chicken with a sharp ginger dressing. You can also find some crowd pleasers like a well executed sweet and sour chicken. The interiors are straight out of a Bund in Shanghai fever dream but that adds to the charm.
One Comment
Nandini
Fantastic list! Was oblivious to the new entrants in the Vietnamese food scene. Thank you!
Wakra has more good food than in this list. The Tivoli serves up good fare in the more luxury bracket. But definitely missing is Danat Al Bahar in Souq Waqif for the freshest BBQ Seafood at a steal. Go in the evenings and expect a wait for your seats. Its not on the waterfront but they have created a kitschy outdoor ambience all the same
Here are a few Indian places you can check out to add to the list. Zaitoon – Salwa Road, Chef Pillai – Salwa Road.
Also, Layali Al Qahira in Souq Waqif and Khan Farouk in Katara serve up excellent Egyptian food.