I was a big fan of Riyasat at the St Regis Doha and was curious what had changed since its recent “rebrand” as Rivaaj. With the dissolution of Al Fardan Hospitality, this was one of the high-profile changes. Rivaaj has now moved under the umbrella of their landlords St Regis. The other notable change has been neighboring BIBO moving to we presume, Marsa Malaz Kempinski where sister restaurant Lobito De Mar is located. As a side note – I have lauded what was done in the complex that once housed a moribund ballroom at the Al Gassar Resort. The addition of interesting and popular venues and a gallery was a…
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New Review – Is GAIA Doha Great?
In the 2022 Gold Rush of restaurant openings, it’s easy, for even the most enlightened foodie to lose sight of one, two, or even a handful of new places. For me, one of these was GAIA. So, much so that half way through my recent dinner there, ensconced in its Instagram neutral plush dining room, I had an unsettling feeling that perhaps I was the last to actually visit this place. For on this holiday Monday, by 9pm, the room was heaving. Nearly 300 covers would be done that night – a feat that will have chefs and restaurant managers across Doha quickly do the sums in grudging admiration. I…
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Your Summer 2023 Dining Hit List – Where to eat and drink in Doha this July and August
It’s hot. It’s humid. The days are long. But these are not excuses to not to dine well in Doha this July and August. What to expect? Gluten free dining; a Japanese/Korean fine dining option and a brunch for those who may be tired of the usual brunch scene. These are my hot, new and just-reviewed places to check out, right now. Pure Eats Pure Eats has opened at Qanat Quartier at The Pearl, offering a huge gluten free and dairy free menu of comfort food. I’ve always struggled a big with the “free from” cuisines as they have erred on the side of tasteless – thankfully Pure Eats turns…
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Mid-Year Report Card 2023 – The Qatar Dining Scene
It’s mid-June, Summer is well and truly upon us and vacations are being planned. This also means it’s time for my Mid-Year Report Card 2023 – The Qatar Dining Scene. For those new here, the Mid-Year Report Card is my annual check-in about the Qatar dining scene – what’s great, what’s leaving us a little cold, what could be improved. It’s also a chance to look ahead to what’s happening and what we can look forward to. What I’m Loving Filipino food in the spotlight, finally: This cuisine may finally be getting its time in the sun – with some international and local buzz New Openings Delivering the Goods: The M…
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The 40 Best Restaurants in Qatar in 2023
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,…
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7 Spots to Enjoy Iftar in Doha that Aren’t a Buffet
Let’s face it, hotel and restaurant iftar buffets are fun for the first few days of Ramadan in Doha, but the novelty soon wears off. But these five places are offering something outside of the Ramadan iftar buffet bubble and definitely worth your consideration this month. From a new fine dining spot causing a buzz; a surf and turf option and two places to enjoy a fabulous Indian feast. I’ve dined at all the Doha restaurants mentioned below over the past couple of months (some more than once!) and all highly recommended. 1. Ramadan menu at The M Doha This is approachable fine dining and a good opportunity to try…
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Doha Hit List February 2023 – New, hot and just reviewed restaurants, bars and offers
Longest. January. Ever. But February is here and it’s time for my Doha 2023 hit list – new, hot and just reviewed restaurants and bars and of course, offers. Friday Brunch at Alba by Enrico Crippa The Raffles Doha is a stunning hotel and this restaurant, with its cool and subdued interiors is quite something. Their Friday brunch is a great way to try the menu, developed by the Michelin star Italian legend Enrico Crippa. Their set menu Friday brunch is the antidote to crazy party brunches. Start with a lethal Aperol spritz or Prosecco if you prefer and sit back and enjoy. From pillows of pasta nestled in a…
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Doha Hit List January 2023: Hot, new and just reviewed restaurants, bars and offers
Hello? 2023? Is that really you? All shiny, bright and full of promise! To kick the year off in the right way, here is your Doha Hit List January 2023: Hot, new and just reviewed restaurants, bars and offers to check out NOW: Hanok Korean/Japanese Restaurant If you haven’t wandered around the area behind the National Museum of Qatar, do yourself a favor and go. So many new eateries and cafes have popped up, including Hanok. Their menu includes Seiromushi, the Japanese method of steam cooking in which food is steamed on bamboo trays table side. Anyone familiar with K Dramas will have seen this technique. We ordered the set…
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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…
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The 7 Best Game Day Eats in Qatar During FIFA World Cup 2022
So, you’ve got your tickets sorted, your Hayya Card is fired up – what are the best game day eats in Doha During FIFA World Cup 2022? I’ve tried to give fans and foodies a range of options across the city and also placed them in their proximity to the nearest stadium… A few words of advice! Be sure to book ahead, reservations for bars and restaurants at hotels are essential at the moment and bring your ID. Also, try to get out and about to enjoy Qatar’s lively food scene. Enjoy! The burgers at The Score This spacious and well appointed West Bay sports bar at the Pullman is…
