Popular Restaurants in Doha

Situated in Qatar’s iconic Museum of Islamic Art, with spectacular views of the Doha skyline, IDAM by culinary maestro Alain Ducasse, offers contemporary French Mediterranean cuisine with an Arabic twist.

Image credits to Victor Bellot

Chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa’s blending of traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients fits right into Doha’s international culinary scene. There are a handful of Nobu restaurants around the world and the Doha location is the largest, a freestanding shelllike beacon on its own pier in the Arabian Gulf. Inside, it is sleek, luxurious and has a spectacular view. It’s a memorable experience from start to finish, from the architecture to the excellent, knowledgeable service. There are many reasons to love Nobu’s signature dish, the black cod in miso—it’s sustainably fished, rich in flavour, silky in texture and deceptively simple. But the miso cod isn’t the only hero of Nobu, and might not even be your highlight. The foie gras shiitake dumplings (on the tapas menu) and the light and flawless whitefish sashimi are unmissable.

Located on top of Orient Pearl right across the Corniche from the ocean, SMAT is known for its Khaleeji and Qatari fusion dishes. You won’t find a regular hummus or an average machbous here. Try the machbous al shuyoukh for perfectly fall-from-the-bone beef ribs slow-braised for six hours, and the samboussas (you might know them as samosas), filled with cheese, potato or lamb. The grape leaf hummus is also a winner.

The Morimoto Doha is the first restaurant in the Middle East by renowned Chef Masaharu Morimoto, where patrons can enjoy signature omakase and the finest sushi along with Japanese Wagyu beef. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s Japanese finedining spot is as lavish and dramatic as you’d expect from his TV show.

Located in the alleyways of Souq Waqif, Parisa is a feast for the senses, with its elaborate interiors studded with intricate mirror work and hand-painted artworks. Serving up a range of Persian specialties, the restaurant is a must for visitors. Reservations are recommended.

With an ambiance that replicates the golden Qatari sunset, CUT offers a refined selection of beef and produce, along with locally-sourced ingredients. A popular Friday brunch spot, CUT serves mouthwatering New York striploin, smoked local trevally, and gooey mac and cheese. Kaiserschmaren, a light and sweet pancake with berry compote and a selection of sorbets, is recommended for the perfect end to CUT's contemporary culinary journey.