Doha is one of the best places in the Middle East for foodies. Whether you are living in Qatar or visiting the country, you won’t be disappointed by the variety of food offerings you will find here.
The restaurants in Doha offer various cuisines that will allow you to embark on a satisfying culinary journey around the world in just this one city.
Moreover, you can enjoy these cuisines in different types of restaurants: casual, fast-casual, family-style, fast food or quick service, buffet, and fine dining, to name a few.
Because of these, you will never be disappointed by the best restaurants in Doha, regardless of which cuisine they serve.
Must-Try Cuisines In Doha
So, what international cuisines can you sample in the city of Doha? Here are the top six:
1. American
American cuisine offers a melting pot of different dishes that originated locally and from other countries. This fascinating mix paved the way for comfort foods, indulgent meals and snacks that warm the heart and satisfy the palate and tummy.
American cuisine is also continuously shifting and changing as new cultures influence its food scene.
Some of the most famous homegrown American dishes include:
- Hamburger and cheeseburger
- Fried chicken
- Clam chowder
- Deep dish pizza
- Texas barbecue
- Macaroni and cheese
- Chicken pot pie
- New England clambake
- Crab cakes
- Apple pie
- Cherry pie
- Key lime pie
All these dishes make for a great, hearty meal.
The top restaurants serving American fare in Doha include:
- Bubba Gump
- Five Guys
- Hudson Tavern
- Shake Shack
- Texas Roadhouse
- The Cheesecake Factory
- 41 Degrees WS Grill
If you want to indulge in comfort food, which American cuisine is known for, you will be spoiled for choice in Doha.
2. Arabic
Arabic or Middle Eastern cuisine covers the various regional cuisines in the Middle East. Most of the dishes are centuries old and reflect the region’s climate and culture of cultivation and trading in spices, herbs, and more.
Middle Eastern cuisine is fresh, aromatic, wholesome, and rich yet healthy. Because of this, its popularity is also skyrocketing around the world.
Some must-try Arabic dishes include:
- Falafel
- Foul medammas
- Fattoush
- Grilled halloumi
- Manakeesh
- Hummus
- Tabouleh
- Umm ali
Another Arabic dish you shouldn’t miss is Machboos, Qatar’s national dish. It is a rich, tasty rice dish with a variety of meat and aromatic spices.
Doha’s most sought-after Arabic restaurants include:
- Al Mataam
- Al Mourjan
- Al Shami Home Restaurant
- Mokarabia
- Musheireb Restaurant
- Walima
While in Qatar, take advantage of the opportunity to sample authentic Middle Eastern dishes at any of these restaurants.
3. French
French cooking is one of the most recognized and prestigious cuisines in the world and has always been synonymous with fine food and dining.
French cuisine has a rich and colorful history and is known for its use of fresh ingredients and simple flavors that stand out.
French dishes are also prepared using formal techniques, making them flavorful and presented beautifully that they are appetizing both to the palate and the eyes.
Some of the most beloved French foods are:
- Soupe à l’oignon
- Coq au vin
- Boeuf bourguignon
- Confit de canard
- Salade Niçoise
- Ratatouille
The French are also known for their pastries and desserts, which you can also sample in various restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in Doha.
Examples of these are croissants, crêpes, chocolate soufflé, crème brûlée, eclairs, and financiers.
Some of the must-visit French restaurants and cafes in Doha are:
- Angelina Paris
- Fromage
- Ladurée
- Le Grand Comptoir
- Le Petit Train Bleu
- L’ETO Caffe
- The French Olive
If you want to reward yourself with a luxurious meal, head to a French restaurant.
4. Indian
Indian cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world since each region has different ways of cooking its dishes and uses a variety of ingredients.
But even if this cuisine is diverse, it is characterized by its variety and complexity of ingredients and flavors, with the average dish containing a minimum of seven elements.
Also, Indian cuisine stands out because of its sophisticated and subtle use of different spices, vegetables, grains, and fruits grown across the country.
Undoubtedly, curry is the most popular Indian dish known all over the globe. But aside from this world-famous fare, this cuisine also has these to offer:
- Biryani
- Butter chicken
- Chicken tikka masala
- Kofta
- Palak paneer
- Tandoori
Some of the best Indian restaurants in Doha include:
- Asha’s
- Gokul Gujarati Restaurant
- Indigrill
- Kailash Parbat
- Zaffran Café
Whether you want a vegetarian or meat-based dish, Indian food will surely satisfy your craving.
5. Italian
Italian restaurants have been taking the world by storm for years.
Italian food focuses on family, tradition, and coziness. This particular cuisine is subtle yet hearty, making use of fresh ingredients, simple flavors, and green herbs, such as basil, sage, and thyme. As a result, all dishes are tasty and vibrant.
For these reasons, Italian fare is also considered comfort food that won’t fail to please anyone.
Pizza and pasta dishes make up the majority of popular Italian foods. However, this cuisine is also known for its:
- Carpaccio
- Calzone
- Gnocchi
- Polenta
- Risotto
- Osso Bucco
- Cannelloni
- Tiramisu
Doha’s top Italian restaurants are:
- Carluccio’s Italian Dining
- Eataly
- Jaimie’s Italian
- La Spiga by Papermoon
- La Veranda
- Rocca
If you want something hearty for lunch or dinner, head to one of these Italian restaurants.
6. Japanese
Like French cuisine, Japanese food is also elegant and refined. The preparation and presentation of their beloved dishes have been honed over centuries that their flavors are always clean and delicate.
Japanese cuisine is also regarded for its connection with nature. Dishes are served and eaten as fresh as possible and only mildly seasoned.
Also, Japanese food celebrates the flavors, colors, and textures of the country’s seasonal produce.
Lastly, aside from their refined flavor, authentic Japanese food highlights visual beauty; they are appealing to the eyes and palates.
Some of the well-known and loved Japanese dishes are:
- Onigiri
- Ramen
- Sushi
- Sashimi
- Soba
- Tempura
- Unagi
- Udon
Doha’s most famous Japanese restaurants include:
- Fudo Restaurant
- Katsuya
- Maki
- Maison de Sushi
- Nozomi
- Sumo Sushi and Bento
- Wagamama
If you are looking for filling and healthy food, Japanese cuisine is your best option.
Trying different cuisines is one of the best kids’ activities in Doha you can include in your itinerary in Qatar when you are visiting the city or thinking of things to do here.
Aside from allowing everyone to indulge in delicious and filling food, you broaden your children’s knowledge of international cuisines and palates.
As such, make sure to include sampling different cuisines on your list of must-try family activities in Qatar.
