Somerset Al Mansoura Doha

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.