July in Doha means one thing: finding reasons to leave the air conditioning. This month’s dining hit list is doing exactly that, with four spots earning a place in my rotation.
Mykonos at the InterContinental Doha is serving up Greek island energy without the flight, Liang’s has the potential to become the best new happy hour in town, ADRIFT by Anda has nailed an Aperitivo Classico that actually tastes a little like Italy and not a hotel’s idea of it, and Mila’s Torba brunch is the kind of lazy, long-table family weekend ritual Doha needed more of.
Whether you’re after a sunset cocktail, a laid back weekend lunch, or somewhere new to add to the rotation this July, here’s where to eat and drink in Doha right now.
Mykonos
Can’t get to the Cyclades this summer? Mykonos at the Intercontinental Doha can at least give you a taste of the Aegean. This Greek spot just keeps reeling in the diners and a recent visit proved why. Fresh, clean flavors, generous portions and some very good sangria, which, while not entirely Greek, still hit the spot.
While the soulavki and lamb are both stars, I always head for the mezze style dips with freshly baked bread, the crisp calamari and other seafood. Special mention for the filo wrapped halloumi, tangy and given a touch of sweetness from a drizzle of honey. The Saturday Greek house band also brings the vibes.
If, like me, you haven’t visited for a while, now is the time.
The details: Mykonos at the Intercontinental Doha; open daily from 12.30pm; order this: all the dips; skip this: it’s a bit hot for the. outside terrace!
Liang Evenings
Liang Mandarin Oriental, Doha has finally entered the happy hour chat, and it seems to have been worth the wait. This mid-week offer is enough to get me out of the house and into hard pants after 6pm.
Guests are asked to choose between a hot or a cold platter, and I suggest strong-arming your happy hour partner into ordering one of each. The hot platter is a basket of their famed dumplings – four plump morsels in fact – each with their own unique flavor and texture. The cold platter features one of my favorite dishes in the city, a cold Sichuan spicy chicken, with that tingly pepper. As well as perfectly fried squid and a crispy beef morsel. All seemed designed to play into my obsessions, but are actually some of their most loved dishes.
Drinks are also a surprise, a choice from four, very strong themed cocktails as well as a red, white, and rose (no Table Mountain).
The details: Liang evenings at the Mandarin Oriental; Liang evenings at the Mandarin Oriental; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 11pm; QR118 for three drinks and a three apps; Order this: take a friend and order both sets!
Apertivo Classico at ADRIFT Anda
Le Royal Méridien Doha (Lusail) is hidning in plain sight with this belting happy hour. Apertivo Classic is offered daily from 5pm to 7pm in ADRIFT Anda, and I have to say, is incredible value. QR95 for three drinks (off a select menu) which included a choice from four cocktails; two wines and two beers plus, a pretty sizeable charcuterie board.
The good thing is, this is offered every day but Sunday (when the restaurant is closed). Another positive, the wines are NOT Table Mountain (yes, there’s a theme here).
The details: Aperitivo Classico at ADRIFT ANDA; Monday to Saturday 5pm to 7pm; QR95 for three drinks and a platter with some nice wines but also, Negroni
Torba Brunch at Mila
Mila Rosewood Doha might one of the more underrated five star venues in the city, despite its accolades. This brunch, a collaboration with the excellent Torba Market سوق تربة team , sees produce from their farm incorporated into the Saturday lunch menu. It’s a relaxed, family friendly experience, with a kids play area and a select number of vendors from Torba’s popular market.
The menu is fresh and leans heavily into the Chef’s Lebanese repertoire. Salads and starters are to share, with an umami laden carob carrot salad with whipped feta being among the stars. We made fast work of this gorgeous tangle of flavors and textures. Diners then choose between two soups – this week a carrot or a summery tomato take. You then choose one of the mains, all from the chargrill but with different flavor profiles.
I devoured the tender Australian beef and pepper skewers dressed with a herby chimichurri. But the grilled half chicken, the skin perfectly charred, its sweetness being drawn out by a side of a corn puree, was also a hit.
The details: Torba lunch at Mila, Rosewood Doha; Saturdays 1pm to 4pm; QR285 including water and soft drinks; order this: the beef skewers are a real surprise; good to know: there isn’t an alcoholic drinks package.
That’s four reasons to leave the air conditioning this July but we know Doha’s dining scene moves fast, and there’s always something new worth your table time. Got a spot I should be checking out, or already tried one of these?
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While you are here…
And my favourite ongoing project is the Rachel Recommends Google Map – the first of its kind in Qatar, every tried-and-tested spot I love, right there in your phone. And this is updated weekly with freh picks and information.
For deeper dives on food and the industry, I am over on my Substack too. And you can read last month’s picks here.
Please note: while I pay for a large portion of the experiences I write about, I am sometimes provided meals or experiences free of charge or at a reduced rate. I am, however, under no obligation to give a positive review.
