Doha is a city of contrasts, where age-old Arabian traditions intertwine with futuristic architecture and a thriving luxury landscape. There’s no better way to experience this city's many faces than through its dining scene, which is as rich and diverse as its heritage.
Whether perched atop a world-class architectural masterpiece, along the labyrinthine alleyways of an Arabian marketplace, or even overlooking a sparkling private marina, these MICHELIN-recommended restaurants offer highly rated food and a sophisticated atmosphere, all in the shadows of Doha’s most iconic landmarks.
IDAM by Alain Ducasse
Near to: Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
IDAM, one of two restaurants in Doha with one MICHELIN star, is the brainchild of renowned chef Alain Ducasse, the man behind several MICHELIN-starred restaurants worldwide. The Doha venue, perched atop the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), offers French cuisine with a subtle Middle Eastern twist, all set within a space that boasts panoramic views of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. The interior, designed by Philippe Starck, complements the museum's architectural grandeur.The MIA is a masterpiece designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I. M. Pei. Opened in 2008, it houses a vast collection of Islamic art spanning 1,400 years and showcases fascinating artifacts from three continents. Its location on an artificial island off the Doha Corniche provides a serene backdrop, with IDAM offering a unique cultural and culinary experience.
RELEVANT: What is a MICHELIN Star?
Jamavar
Near to: Sheraton Grand Doha
This opulent restaurant, which holds Doha’s only other MICHELIN star, reflects the elegance of Indian heritage, providing a regal dining atmosphere inside the city’s oldest hotel. Sheraton Grand Doha was inaugurated in 1982 and has been at the heart of Qatar’s hospitality evolution, playing host to world leaders and global dignitaries over the decades. Its distinctive pyramid shape stands out as a significant part of Doha’s skyline along the famous Corniche.Inside the hotel, Jamavar brings the rich flavours of Indian cuisine to the heart of Qatar. Part of an international group, which also has a MICHELIN-starred branch in London, the restaurant is named after the intricate 16th-century shawls of Kashmir. Guests can indulge in a menu that spans India's diverse regions with both classic and contemporary dishes.
Argan
Near to: Souq Waqif
With its winding alleys and vibrant atmosphere, Souq Waqif is a cornerstone of Doha's cultural heritage. Historians in Qatar believe it dates back 250 years, according to local reports, and it has been meticulously restored to preserve its traditional architecture. Today, it attracts droves of tourists and locals thanks to its many shops, eateries and cultural experiences.Amid the hustle, Bib Gourmand restaurant Argan offers an authentic Moroccan dining experience in a plush setting. The restaurant's traditional décor features intricate mosaics and lanterns, while the menu has a variety of classic dishes, from flavourful tagines to sweet pastries.
Jiwan
Near to: National Museum of Qatar
The stunning interiors of this Bib Gourmand restaurant, whose name translates as “perfect pearl”, were designed to evoke Qatar’s illustrious pearl diving trade. It is indeed the perfect theme, given its location on the fourth floor of the National Museum of Qatar, where a good portion of its displays are dedicated to this era in the country’s history. The museum, designed by world-renowned architect Jean Nouvel, was built to resemble a desert rose and narrates the story of Qatar’s past, present and future through immersive exhibits.Besides the curated interiors, Jiwan perfectly complements this ethos by offering a contemporary take on Qatari and Middle Eastern cuisine, with a menu inspired by the region’s culinary heritage. Guests can enjoy dishes that celebrate local ingredients while sat on the outdoor terrace, taking in uninterrupted views of everything that makes Doha unique, from the pastel-coloured Old Doha Port to the sparkling Corniche and the modern skyscrapers of West Bay. It also features dining pods inspired by the dunes of the Inland Sea, a cosy spot during the cooler winter months.
RELEVANT: What is a Bib Gourmand?
Alba
Near to: Katara Towers
MICHELIN-selected Alba, named after the northern Italian town famous for its truffles, is in the striking Katara Towers. The two buildings, home to Raffles and Fairmont Doha hotels, are distinctive for their intertwined design that symbolises the traditional scimitar swords of Qatar’s national emblem. They’re in Lusail Marina District, a neighbourhood built in the lead up to Qatar’s World Cup, which now stands as a testament to the city’s architectural innovation.As a hub for luxury hospitality and dining, there is no better location for Alba, where the focus is on Italy's rich and age-old culinary traditions. Its menu highlights seasonal ingredients and classic techniques, with an emphasis on the country’s north. This is all served in an elegant setting of vaulted ceilings and Italian-themed décor.
Baron
Near to: Old Doha Port
Set amid the cobblestone streets and pastel-hued edifices of Old Doha Port, Baron offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu in a relaxed setting. It’s sister to a well-known restaurant of the same name in Beirut, and the Doha venue sits in a pastel-pink property where diners can watch the cruise ships dock.The interiors feature exposed pipework and an open kitchen for a contemporary vibe, but the atmosphere aims to transport guests to Greek tavernas by the sea and Levantine eateries in the countryside. The menu showcases what it describes as Mediterranean fusion but with international influences, particularly from North Africa and Asia. This includes a shrimp pizza with shawarma butter and saffron yoghurt, slow-cooked lamb shank with machboos risotto, and chicken momos with tomato harissa sauce.
Kai’s Songbird
Near to: The Pearl-Qatar
Doha’s branch of Kai’s Songbird is located within the Corinthia Yacht Club at The Pearl-Qatar, a notable residential district renowned for its upscale designer shops, five-star hotels, exclusive marina and myriad restaurants. This MICHELIN-selected venue offers a modern take on Chinese Nanyang cuisine, with signatures including soft shell crab, wok-hei prawns and its famous crispy duck.The restaurant's chic, contemporary design provides a sophisticated backdrop for its unique menu, which can be enjoyed amid the glamorous interiors or on the air-conditioned terrace that offers an excellent vantage point from where to enjoy views of the neighbourhood’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture and the surrounding Arabian Gulf.
Zuma
Near to: Al Maha Island
Zuma brings its internationally acclaimed contemporary Japanese cuisine to Doha’s Al Maha Island, a tourist hotspot off Lusail. MICHELIN-selected Zuma Doha features a stylish, minimalist design that complements its menu of modern Japanese dishes, which span a variety of sushi, sashimi and robata-grilled creations. Expect to find Zuma’s signature dishes, including miso-marinated black cod and wagyu tataki.Al Maha Island is one of Doha’s newest entertainment and lifestyle destinations. It’s set along the Arabian Gulf and boasts a popular collection of fine-dining restaurants, including MICHELIN-selected Le Petite Maison (LPM), luxury beach clubs, and entertainment attractions, such as the family-friendly Winter Wonderland theme park.
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