The Best International Restaurants in Doha, Qatar

The Cellar has mastered the Spanish art of tapas, with a selection of delectable Mediterranean bites to while away a balmy evening. There’s an extensive selection of standard fare in full portions for those wanting a square meal on one plate, but it is the tapas selection that makes the Cellar really stand out, with choices such as bite-size whoopie pie, chicken liver pâté with caramelised pear, saffron and parmesan arancini, grilled asparagus with cheese fondue, and grilled salmon with fennel and orange.

This mini Chinatown, at the Doha Radisson Blu Hotel, serves sizzling beef, moreish dumplings and spicy snapper. Located near the Ramada bars, Ruby Wu’s is the perfect restaurant to sample fine food before enjoying the nightlife. Traditional Chinese dishes are tamed to suit international tastes, so everybody can find something they love. Similar to many other restaurants within international hotels, the quality of food here is of a very high standard, and the licensed bar is well stocked.

From its name you might think his place is located somewhere rural, but it’s actually bang in the heart of downtown Doha. Not much country about that – but Ric’s does remain faithful to the image and ideals of quality diners so beloved in the United States. What does allow Ric’s to qualify as “country”, perhaps, is the homemade food and a genuinely friendly welcome by the American owners. So if you’re in search of pancakes, T-bone steaks or pillow-soft hamburger buns, you’ve come to the right place.

This Greek retreat, perched near West Bay in the Intercontinental Hotel, can whisk you away in your imagination to the Greek islands in the time it takes to be handed a menu. Mykonos serves authentic Greek cuisine right on the waterfront, next to the swimming pool, with the sea just a few hundred meters beyond. Here you can enjoy such culinary classics as pittas, moussaka and spinach pastries, as well as sizzling kebabs served with a creamy tzatziki dip.

L’Wzaar, on the waterfront in central Doha, allows you to choose your own fresh fish and seafood, which is sold by weight. You can choose to dine at a table overlooking the Persian Gulf, or watch the chefs prepare your meal in the open kitchen. There’s a great range of flavours and cooking styles on offer, and the menu includes fish and chips as well as sushi.

Often voted Doha’s best Lebanese restaurant in travel reviews, Layali is a delightful cacophony of hummus eating and shisha-smoking in a magical Arabian Nights setting. There’s traditional Lebanese cuisine on offer with live tarab music, complete with oud player. (Tarab, which doesn’t really translate, is the emotion you experience listening to Arabic music.) The dining space is vast, and you are guaranteed a great meal – with the gentle notes of live music complementing the powerful flavours of the cuisine.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten of Spice Market brings Southeast Asia to Doha, with no qualms about flitting between countries, social origins or style of cuisine. From sushi to Thai noodles, Mongolian lamb to salmon tartare, all sorts of Asian delicacies can be found on the menu. Spice Market also offers a brunch menu and themed nights and events on a regular basis.