Doha Dining Must-Visits: From Global To Arabic Cuisine

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Doha Dining Must-Visits: From Global To Arabic Cuisine

27 Nov 2024

Big news in the restaurant world this week: The Michelin Guide is officially coming to Doha! The invite-only inauguration event is set for December 12, so food lovers, mark your calendars. By 2025, the Michelin Guide will feature Doha’s top spots, making it easier than ever to plan your foodie adventures. And while we wait for the official list, The Sandy Times has put together its own recommendations for your weekend trip to Doha. Here are the best spots in the capital of Qatar, serving both global cuisines and dishes with distinctly Arabic flavors. So, get ready to take notes and save must-visit places.

Sora Rooftop

Sora Rooftop is a restaurant offering modern Japanese cuisine, creative presentation, and incredible cocktails. Located on the 21st floor of Park Hayat Doha, it provides amazing views of Doha's skyline.

The restaurant features an à la carte menu but also hosts buffet-style brunches once a week — perfect for those who want to try a variety of dishes. Currently, brunch is held on Fridays from 12:30 to 4:00 pm, but it is always a better to confirm the timings in advance.

The menu focuses on seafood and fish, with a wide selection of rolls, prawns, and nigiri. I also recommend trying some dishes from the Sora Chef Menu — the best selections at the spot — including the Crispy Tuna Tartare, Open Sushi Roll, and, for dessert — Matcha Coconut Berry Pavlova. So if it is your first time in Qatar, this spot is a great place to start — combining amazing views with delicious food.

Instagram: @sorarooftop

RIVAAJ

If you love Indian cuisine, RIVAAJ is a must-visit! And even if you are not the biggest fan of Indian dishes (for example, I am not), this place could change your mind with its neat, creative presentations and a wide variety of dishes. For those who cannot decide what to try, the restaurant offers a great option — Rivaj Sali, a set of meat and appetizers, with rice and stewed vegetables (available in both vegan and non-vegan versions).

Additionally, on weekends, the spot offers Weekend Specials, with the highlight being the Indian Ocean Lobster, prepared in your preferred style.

The serving style is also impressive — despite its distinct Indian flair, the interior feels neat and organised, with carved golden accents that perfectly complement the atmosphere.

Instagram: @rivaajdoha

Jiwan Restaurant

"Jiwan" in Arabic means "perfect", so it is easy to guess that this third spot brings flavours from the Middle East. The menu is divided into lunch, à la carte, and experience menu (for those keen to explore pure Arabic tastes like Lamb Kofta with buckwheat and cardamom).

The good news is, for those looking to dive into Arab culture but not so keen on traditional Arabic cuisine, there are many dishes to enjoy. The guests’ favourites (according to their online feedback) include Beef Margoog, Cumin Madroba, and Confit Lamb Shank.

The restaurant features a large terrace, and its interior, designed by Koichi Takada Architects (an Australian architectural bureau known for blending nature and culture in their designs), is inspired by Qatar’s rich history. The best part? The restaurant is located at the heart of the National Museum of Qatar, so if you want to dive into Qatari culture (in every sense), this is a must!

Instagram: @jiwanrestaurant

Al Liwan Restaurant

This place is a true Eastern fairy tale, filled with carving elements, cast-iron jugs, and marble walls. But do not let the design influence your opinion — year after year, Al Liwan Restaurant is recognised as one of the best spots in Doha for Arabic cuisine.

Since the restaurant is located inside the Ritz-Carlton Doha, it follows the hotel's meal timings, so it is best to plan your visit in advance. The good news is, you can choose between a buffet or à la carte options, depending on how hungry you are. The menu offers Lebanese dishes, including traditional breakfasts, hummus, kebabs, mezze, and Arabic sweets — everything you need to truly experience Lebanese cuisine.

Cipriani Doha

Cipriani Doha is definitely the place to visit, especially since it is located at the North Beach Development, right by the coast. The interior is cosy and relaxed, with wide white sofas, beach-style chairs, white plates, and plenty of greenery around.

Since Cipriani is an international brand and many are familiar with it, I will put its concept in two words: simple and classic Italian food.

The pasta is incredible, the pizza has a thin crust and comes straight from the oven (my personal favourite is the one with burrata and truffle), and the carpaccio is amazing! By the way, guests also rave about the balanced, refreshing drinks, so I would recommend giving them a try too.

Instagram: @ciprianidoha

Sasso

Sasso is another Italian restaurant that stands out with its diverse menu and spacious seating area. The highlight of the spot is its large outdoor terrace, featuring marble floors and randomly arranged trees that create a laid-back vibe. The seri here is also impressive — most dishes are served on white plates with blue patterns, and desserts come on branded plates. The portions are huge, so even if you were not planning to share, you might have to.

I really recommend to try the Filetto di Wagyu Tenderloin (a must for meat lovers) and Sasso’s Wagyu Pinwheel Lasagna. And if you are a seafood lover — definitely Fruti Di Mare Saffron.

Instagram: @sasso.qa

by Barbara Yakimchuk