Best restaurants in Al Rayyan

Jamavar

★ Michelin﷼﷼﷼Indian

Part of a small international group, this Indian restaurant is named after the intricate 16th-century shawls of Kashmir and sits inside the Sheraton Grand Hotel. It’s a smart spot, with a mix of modern and traditional elements in its décor. The extensive menu covers all regions of India, from Old Delhi butter chicken to Kerala-style beef, and includes refined small plates and several dishes from the tandoor such as succulent lamb chops. Fine ingredients are used and bold flavours are delivered, with the spicing impressively well-judged.

IDAM by Alain Ducasse

★ Michelin﷼﷼﷼﷼French Contemporary

Take the lift to the top floor of the extraordinarily beautiful Museum of Islamic Art and wonder at the glorious views over the Bay – then head to this equally stunning restaurant. Relax in the high-backed leather chairs and choose one of the seasonal tasting menus (there is a shorter one at lunch). This is all about refined and sophisticated contemporary French dishes, with many of them finished tableside by the charming staff who talk you through the preparations. Whether lamb or quail, asparagus or beetroot, each component is exquisite in every sense. Desserts, such as chocolate and orange

Alba

★ Michelin﷼﷼﷼﷼Italian

Named after the northern Italian town famous for its truffles, this restaurant is found on the first floor of the opulent Raffles hotel, within the eye-catching Katara Towers. With its vaulted ceiling and Italian-themed décor, the room has a distinctive and intimate feel. The cooking, by experienced chef Cristhian Serraino, is skilfully measured and far more complex than may first appear. Dishes such as Barolo-braised veal cheek or spaghetti with ragù of shrimp highlight his skill. Top quality ingredients are flown in from Europe, like the Balfegó tuna. To watch the chefs in action, book the C

Hoppers

Bib Gourmand﷼﷼asian, sri_lankan

Sri Lankan and South Indian food is the draw here at this outpost of the popular London original. Spread over two floors, the restaurant is in the smart, redeveloped downtown area and is run by a polite and well-organised team. Order a few snacks and mocktails, then a biryani or a finely judged curry accompanied by dosas and, of course, some of the signature hoppers. Before long, you’ll have a veritable feast to enjoy with friends – and one that won’t break the bank either, so feel free to do some over-eager ordering.

Argan

Bib Gourmand﷼Moroccan

You’ll find this great value restaurant on a pedestrianised street on the fringes of the Souq Waqif marketplace, a tourist hotspot that’s home to a range of local retailers and eateries. The appealing menu features authentic Moroccan dishes that are packed with flavour and enhanced by careful spicing; tagine and couscous are their speciality. Desserts such as jawhara are great too, as are the refreshing mocktails – and a mint tea in the plush lounge of the Al Jasra Boutique Hotel, in which the restaurant sits, is a lovely way to end your visit.

Isaan

Bib Gourmand﷼﷼Thai

Sitting in a corner of the Grand Hyatt Hotel’s cavernous ground floor, this large open-plan restaurant boasts three on-view kitchens all producing authentic Thai cooking. Thailand’s influence extends to the décor too, with teak parquet floors and a Thai boat. Dishes are vibrant and flavoursome, with all regions of Thailand covered and ingredients flown in specially. If you’re not sure of your spicing level, ask the warm and friendly service team for recommendations.

Mila

Bib Gourmand﷼﷼Middle Eastern

Head to the first floor of the Rosewood Hotel, walk past the enclosed glass wine cellar and enjoy being greeted by the tasty aromas from the ovens in the centre of the restaurant. Before taking a seat, head to the semi-open kitchen to say a quick hello to smiley chef Marc. The menu here is a mix of Mediterranean and Levantine sharing dishes, such as the memorable courgetti wafer with feta, and is inspired by recipes from the chef’s parents. Don’t miss out on the freshly baked breads served warm and paired with tasty hummus.

Fenyal

Bib Gourmand﷼Traditional Cuisine

In a lovely modern building nestled among a discreet complex of towers on Gewan Island is this simple and colourful restaurant cum café. A local favourite, with a terrace, the spot immediately attracts you thanks to the lovely aromas of the bread oven. Simple, fresh dishes are served from breakfast to dinner; you can expect falafel, tasty juices, lamb kofta, and qahwa (Arabic coffee) served in a dallah set at great prices. The elbah – a baked custard with saffron – is a sweet way to wrap up any meal here.

Baron

Bib Gourmand﷼﷼Middle Eastern, Fusion

Baron is sister to the popular restaurant of the same name in Beirut and occupies a striking, pastel-pink property in the recently redeveloped Mina District, home of the Old Port. It’s a large place with exposed pipework adding a contemporary feel and an open kitchen that’s very much part of the room. The menu offers a wide choice of what they describe as ‘Mediterranean fusion’, which means the addition of some North African and even Asian influences. Dishes like capellini with crab and shrimp toum are generous in size and ideal for sharing. The business lunch represents excellent value.

Jiwan

Bib Gourmand﷼﷼Middle Eastern

Its name translates as 'perfect pearl' and the location of this restaurant might indeed be perfect. Sitting on the fourth floor of Qatar’s National Museum, a stunning building modelled on the desert rose, it provides far-reaching views of the port and the Corniche promenade from its spacious terrace. Traditional Middle Eastern dishes are re-invented in a modern style, as with the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with date and fennel, which delivers an enticing blend of comforting flavours. Combinations are well balanced, with dishes designed for sharing – the set menu is a veritable feast that repres

Berenjak Al Maha Island

Bib Gourmand﷼﷼Persian

Part of an ever-growing group, this Persian restaurant is located on the popular Al Maha Island with great views of the city – a seat on the terrace is always a top choice when weather permits. The food is pure Persian; all the favourites are here such as wonderful breads, tasty black chickpea hummus and kebabs cooked over coals. Don’t miss out on other dishes too – some to share – like the Ghormeh Sabzi, a deliciously flavoured stew, and save room for their saffron-flavoured crème caramel. Pro tip: tea reigns over coffee here.

Dar Yema

﷼﷼Moroccan

Step into this beautiful and spacious dining room and you’ll be warmly welcomed by the gracious team. North African Maghrebian cuisine is the appeal here, with a particular focus on Morocco. Homemade breads are plentiful and delicious, with highlights of the traditional menu including Moroccan tagines – the chicken tagine with lemon and olives is particularly good – and Algerian boureks. The kitchen puts plenty of heart into the cooking and the team even make their own ice cream to satisfy sweet-toothed diners.

Hunters Room & Grill

﷼﷼﷼﷼international

To find this spacious restaurant and some of the best steaks in the city, look out for the huge statue of a stag at the heart of the Westin Doha Hotel. As the name suggests, it’s all about the grills here. Premium quality and full-flavoured Australian Black Onyx steaks, a nice piquant sea bass aguachile and even homemade bread flavoured with meat juices are all must-tries on the menu.

Gymkhana

﷼﷼﷼Indian

A franchise of the established – and highly acclaimed – London headquarters, this Indian restaurant is located just inside the Hilton Resort in the Katara Hills area. It’s a striking place that resembles a lodge, with a terrace at the back and a clubby, colonial feel inside. The open kitchen, which adds plenty of animation to the room, takes its inspiration from the menu offered in London which was, in turn, inspired by the clubs of India. Lunch represents good value and the service is polite and welcoming.

Coya

﷼﷼﷼﷼Peruvian

Buzzy, colourful and lively, with a hint of Aztec style, this restaurant has all the ingredients for a fun night out. Take a seat in the moody and intimate split-level dining room, where you can see the chefs working in an open kitchen on a range of Peruvian-inspired dishes designed for sharing. Quality ingredients run throughout and there’s a freshness and vibrancy to the flavours. Engaging, attentive service completes the picture.

Rivaaj

﷼﷼﷼Indian

‘Heritage Indian Cuisine’ under the aegis of Surjan Singh, better known as ‘Chef Jolly’, is the order of the day at this elegant and moodily lit restaurant at the St Regis hotel. That means a menu offering an appealing range of dishes, from elevated street food to elegant curries and biryanis. The undecided should consider the ‘Signature Board’ offering a range of meats and seafood from the tandoor, plus salad and chutney. The service is always endearingly sweet-natured, adding to the restaurant’s appeal.

yūn

﷼﷼﷼Cantonese

Take the elevator to the 44th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Doha to this opulent Chinese restaurant with its jaw-dropping views. We suggest you start off at the bar and opt for a creative mocktail made using a range of teas before heading to dinner. The Cantonese and Taishanese menu is suitably authentic. Chef Victor hails from Chengdu and has around 20 years of professional experience. All the classics are here; ensure you kick off your meal with the 'Premium selection' of dim sum, followed by their speciality 'Forbidden City' roast duck served two ways and be sure to save room for dessert. Th

MURU

﷼﷼﷼﷼Contemporary

There’s plenty of panache and no little swagger to this large Mauro Colagreco restaurant on the fifth floor of the Waldorf Astoria. The self-styled ‘elemental cooking’ is centred around fire, water, earth and air, with the four elements also providing the different themes for the interior design – a table somewhere between ‘Fire’ and ‘Water’ is the best spot. The global menu offers everything from ceviches and tiraditos to grilled and wood-fired dishes that provide a fusion of exhilarating flavours.

Saasna

﷼﷼Middle Eastern

The dream of the late Sheikha Ahmed Al Meer – author of 'The Art of Qatari Cooking' – lives on through the proud and caring team who run this restaurant and who are determined to continue her desire to preserve and celebrate the country’s culinary past and to bring it into the 21st century. The traditional cooking is fresh and full of flavour; start your visit with a samosa or the Saasna salad, then the majboos for main course; the wonderful date ice cream is a great way to finish. They have a terrific range of freshly ground seasonings and spices for you to purchase to replicate the flavours

Hakkasan

﷼﷼﷼﷼Chinese

This branch of the global brand sits in the grounds of the St Regis hotel but feels entirely independent of it. The dining room features an impressive back-lit counter and remains a place ‘to be seen’ in the city. The extensive menu features plenty of appealingly presented dishes, including all the signature classics – like their Peking duck and dim sum platters – while the desserts are more than an afterthought. If you're not sure what to order, you can't go far wrong by opting for one of their Signature set menus.

Liang

﷼﷼﷼﷼chinese

Carefully prepared Cantonese dishes, adapted somewhat to suit local tastes, are the order of the day at this elegant restaurant located at the rear of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Other regions of China are also represented on the wide-ranging à la carte, with dishes like Kung Pao tiger prawns and Peking duck likely to appear. The attractive and contemporary dining room features modern screens for a sense of privacy, with a charming service team always on hand if you need any recommendations.

La Mar by Gastón Acurio

﷼﷼﷼Peruvian

Come for the beachfront location, stay for the vibrant Peruvian dishes at this light and airy restaurant within the grounds of the InterContinental Hotel. Gastón Acurio is a fine ambassador for Peruvian food and all bases are covered here, from ceviches to anticuchos. The colourful, rustic dishes deliver plenty of punchy flavours and are perfect for sharing. As you sit and soak up the lively atmosphere, you’ll be struck by what a fun night out it all is. And the wallet-friendly prices make it even more appealing.

🕐 Fr-Sa 12:30-23:30; Su-Th 18:00-23:30

Dalchini

﷼﷼Indian

With a palette of purple, cyan blue and orange, there’s a bright and colourful feeling to this restaurant situated within the Centara West Bay Hotel. The name is Hindi for cinnamon and the cooking is described as ‘Progressive Indian’, with all regions represented on the menu. Dishes are confidently made and neatly presented, with the chefs delivering an original touch and a well-judged balance of vibrant and subtle spicing.

SAWA by Sanad

﷼﷼﷼Middle Eastern

The first floor of a private members’ club in Doha’s rejuvenated downtown plays host to this impressively chic dining room. The menu offers a showcase of contemporary Levantine dishes, many of which are perfect for sharing. The kitchen takes things up a notch in the evening, including some dishes served from the trolley for an extra dash of theatre. You don’t need to be a member to eat here, but you’ll be tempted to join up after you’ve experienced the caring service and delicious food.

Shanghai Me Doha

﷼﷼﷼﷼Chinese, Japanese

Come for their tasty kung pao chicken, stay for their zodiac-inspired cocktails at the bar. This plush and intimate restaurant in the heart of the city makes a great spot for a romantic evening out. The décor’s 1930’s feel, its moody ambiance and the elegantly dressed team all complement the mix of dishes hailing from China and Japan. Modern and classic dishes go hand in hand, such silver cod with yuzu miso and wonderfully flavourful short rib gyoza, along with dim sum and sushi.

Salt Road

﷼﷼﷼﷼Traditional Cuisine

As the name suggests, the owners hail from South Africa as does the cuisine of their restaurant located in the Andaz Doha hotel. The space has shelves stacked with salt from around the world, as it’s used for curing and pickling, which is how they used to preserve food back in the day. The menu has a variety of sharing options – the 5 cured brisket is delicious as are the Josper roasted mushrooms – but the steaks are particularly notable here. If you’re unsure what to order, the well-informed team’s advice is a good guide. Try some of their South African wines, offered by the glass or bottle.

Mr & Mrs Hawker

﷼﷼Singaporean

Whether you come here to rekindle your memories of Singapore or just to experience something a little different, this restaurant delivers on the famed Hawker street food. Wherever you sit in the spacious interior dotted with subtle Asian touches, the focus is firmly on the chefs at work in the lively open kitchen. The menu is headed up 'From the Garden City', 'From the Pot', 'From the Wok' and 'From the Hawker Street.’ Expect all the vibrant Singaporean classics, from chilli crab to mango sago pudding, all carefully prepared. Ensure you let them know your spice tolerance, as they don’t hold ba

Nobu

﷼﷼﷼﷼Japanese

The location is a huge draw at what is the largest branch of this globally recognised restaurant brand. Part of the Four Seasons Hotel, this Nobu sits in a stunning futuristic building surrounded by water, located at the end of a narrow peninsula, and offers impressive views of the Corniche promenade. Choose from a wide range of Japanese dishes, with South American influences adding a lovely twist. An open kitchen, stylish bar and cool music ensure a chic atmosphere accompanies the food.

Curiosa by Jean-Georges

﷼﷼﷼Latin American

The eponymous Jean-Georges is none other than the world-famous Vongerichten, who has brought a sassy Latino vibe to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel. Ask for a table in the bar for the Gulf views, and then sit back and wait for the band to start playing as you enjoy a sparkling selection of Latin and globally influenced dishes. That could mean a classic ceviche, tacos and tortillas, sizzling shrimp or crispy fried chicken. End with the ‘Salted Impossible Flan’ or the vast passion fruit sundae and you’ll be gliding out happy.

Morimoto

﷼﷼﷼Japanese Contemporary, Fusion

From the catwalk entrance to the DJ, from the theatrical cocktails to the uber-contemporary hotel in which it sits, it quickly becomes obvious that this is a beautiful restaurant for beautiful people. The sushi counter is striking and there are booths for those wanting privacy, but for most guests a night out here is more about seeing and being seen. The contemporary Japanese menu offers something for everyone, with wagyu a speciality along with items like king prawns and lamb chops cooked on the robata grill.

Chicago Rare

﷼﷼﷼Steakhouse

If you’re craving a steak with all the trimmings, a glossy lamb shank, enormous crab legs or a fine lump crab cake then this restaurant within the Four Seasons Hotel is where to come. The Josper oven and grill are used to great effect and desserts also go all in, with the likes of ‘Campfire Alaska’; you’ll certainly leave feeling comfortably satisfied. Live jazz adds to the Chicago atmosphere, while the team channel the Blues Brothers in their look and zip around the room providing attentive service.

Loris

﷼﷼﷼Lebanese

It’s a pure Lebanese experience at this eatery located on The Pearl. Everything from the plush décor to the food alludes to the country located to the east of the Mediterranean. The flavours are all authentic, almost as if grandma was cooking up the dish. Of course, the dishes are made for sharing, with silky hummus and tasty kebab with cherry being the most popular choices. Aish el Saraya is a notable dessert that you mustn’t skip. After dinner, take a stroll on the walkway nearby to take in the city vistas.

Koo Madame

﷼﷼﷼Chinese

The Rosewood Hotel is home to this 1920’s-inspired Chinese restaurant. Dark and moody, the space has an open kitchen, an enclosed wine cellar and a smartly dressed team that are ready to serve. The menu is a roll call of some familiar and enjoyable dishes. They serve dim sum, wonderfully fresh-pulled noodles – the Fried Flying Dagger is the one to choose – and of course, the signature Beijing Duck is beautifully lacquered, flavoursome and carved at the table – don't worry, the kitchen will do a half if you can’t manage a whole. Their tea selection is also worth exploring.

SMAT

﷼﷼﷼Middle Eastern

At the southern end of the Corniche sits this wonderfully decorated restaurant that features bold colours and an opulent edge, with comfortable sofa seating and polished tiled flooring adding to its appeal. The authentic Qatari and Gulf State dishes are generous in size, eye-catching in looks and yield refined flavours and textures. You could start your meal with crisp Mzatara Samboussa, then move onto one of the particularly good lamb main courses, before the Donafa Ain Helaitan provides a satisfying conclusion.

Kai’s Songbird

﷼﷼﷼chinese

Kai London and their songbird have flown east – with no expense spared – to this spot at the Yacht Club. The glamorous interior is certainly something to behold, but there is much to be said for a table on their air-conditioned terrace. The menu fuses original and modern Chinese Nanyang cuisine, so expect plenty of seafood like their standout soft shell crab or wok-hei prawns; there are other London classics too such as their legendary aromatic crispy duck.

Desert Rose Café

﷼Middle Eastern

Beaming smiles greet you from behind the counter at this easy-going and friendly spot tucked away in the National Museum of Qatar. When it comes to ordering, start off with their arancini or ‘Dynamite shrimps’ then go traditional with keema, khabees and Chef Noof’s madrouba that’s made using a special recipe – and no visit here will be complete without the date cake. A great strawberry mojito or a cup from their vast array of speciality coffees will set you up nicely for your museum visit.

Masala Library

﷼﷼﷼Indian

The Fairmont Doha is a striking property by Lusail Marina and this Indian restaurant occupies a position on its first floor, with full-length windows facing the ever-changing landscape. The plush white surroundings are matched by a well-organised service team, while the kitchen produces colourful and artistically plated dishes – their kulcha is a must for enjoying the excellent dals. There is also a subtle influence from West Bengal so you can expect plenty of fish. Be sure to save room for the bebinca dessert.Currently closed for rebranding.

Em Sherif

﷼﷼﷼﷼Lebanese

This fast-growing Lebanese household name is ideally located on the bustling Al Maha Island. Inside, it’s an elegant affair with cosy seating radiating a luxurious feel – try and get a seat on the large covered terrace for incredible city landscapes. The menu is authentic and the emphasis is on flavours, with something for everyone: puffy breads, delicious fattet barek, creamy fassoulia, muttabbal – the list goes on. This is really a place to dine with family or friends as everything is made for sharing.

Carbone Doha

﷼﷼﷼﷼Italian-American

This branch of New York’s famed Italian American restaurant is found on the edge of Al Maha Island. A fun spot, it has all the iconic dishes from the original, including their signature spicy rigatoni, which is certainly worth coming for. Other must-haves include steaks, lamb chops and the desserts presented on a trolley; the cheery and attentive team are also all ready to recommend their own favourites. It’s a brasserie-style interior with a stage set up for a crooner to sing classic songs if you’re lucky; we suggest taking a seat on the terrace for fantastic views of the city.

La Petite Maison (LPM)

﷼﷼﷼French

Up in Lusail on Al Maha Island, this outpost of La Petite Maison has a prime location on the waterfront; the sunsets are always impressive. It’s very chic and elegant – and that’s just the service. The open kitchen offers bright, flavour-packed Niçoise and Mediterranean cooking – try the crevettes, confit de canard and finish with the tarte aux fraises. Add in an appealing cocktail, mocktail and wine list and you have all the ingredients for a fun night out, although it’s also worth coming during the day for their business lunch, which is a steal.

Zuma

﷼﷼﷼﷼Japanese Contemporary

With Winter Wonderland theme park opposite, this branch of the international group has always been popular with families at certain times of the year; its weekend DJ, large terrace, island bar and on-view kitchen also make it a favourite with groups of friends looking for a fun night out. The menu offers an extensive selection of contemporary Japanese dishes, which are all designed to be shared; this includes a range of options from the robata grill like marinated lamb chops and salmon teriyaki.

Bayt Sharq

﷼Middle Eastern

This characterful, restored Al Khulaifi house is around 100 years old and even has its own little museum; if you want a glimpse of Old Doha, this is where to come. It’s located just off the Corniche and offers a variety of seating options: in the restaurant or on its veranda, in the gardens or even in a cabin. The classic and authentic Qatari dishes are brimming with flavour and generosity, from mutabbel or majboos to delicious saffron mahalabia; whatever you choose, the only certainty is that you won’t leave hungry!