Qatar’s vibrant culinary scene is a treasure trove of Middle Eastern delights, offering a rich tapestry of flavours, aromas, and traditions. The country is home to various restaurants celebrating the region’s diverse heritage. Whether you crave juicy grilled meats, aromatic rice dishes, or indulgent desserts, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Here are eight of Qatar’s best Middle Eastern restaurants that deliver authentic flavours, ensuring a memorable dining experience at your doorstep.
1. Yasmin Place Restaurant
Yasmine Palace, located at The Pearl, seamlessly blends traditional Arab design with modern elegance. This opulent venue, designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient palaces, features four unique dining experiences, making it Doha’s only multi-themed restaurant complex. Guests immerse themselves in a sensory journey with a menu inspired by Andalusian, Levantine, and Qatari cuisines, all celebrating the essence of jasmine. From the charming courtyard to the stunning archway, Yasmine Palace promises a dining experience that is truly unparalleled in Doha.
Where: Parcel 18 Fountain Roundabout Pearl Qatar، Marina Way 31, Doha, Qatar
When: 9 am to 2 am daily
2. Burj Al-Hamam
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Burj Al-Hamam is a standout Middle Eastern restaurant in Qatar, renowned for its dedication to authentic Lebanese cuisine since 1958. The restaurant serves a rich array of traditional Levantine dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, embodying the essence of home cooking. Its elegant yet inviting atmosphere reflects a commitment to family traditions, while stunning views of Porto Arabia Marina enhance the dining experience. Burj Al-Hamam captures the true spirit of Middle Eastern dining in Qatar with its culinary excellence and warm ambience.
Where: One Porto Arabia Tower 1, 1 La Croisette, Doha, Qatar
When: 8 am to 1 am daily
3. Layali Restaurant
Established in 2002, Layali has become Doha’s premier Lebanese dining destination, earning recognition for its exceptional cuisine. With locations at West Walk and Doha Port, it beautifully showcases Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage. The name “Layali,” meaning “nights,” evokes the captivating atmosphere of old Andalusia. The warm, elegantly designed space greets guests with stunning mosaics and intricate wooden doors. Layali promises an unforgettable experience, blending exquisite cuisine, traditional shisha, and renowned Lebanese hospitality.
Where: Al Sidr St, Doha, Qatar
When: 9 am to 11:30 pm daily
4. Sukar Pasha
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Indulge in the Ottoman ambience at Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge, where exquisite Turkish dishes await in a luxurious yet casual setting. The menu features traditional Ottoman cuisine, with spiced meats and seasonal vegetables crafted from 16th-century Imperial Palace recipes. Guests enjoy the beautifully designed interiors, complete with hand-painted ceilings and mosaics, while the terrace offers panoramic sea views of West Bay. With attentive service and an intimate atmosphere, Sukar Pasha is perfect for grand feasts and cosy gatherings.
Where: 31، Al Moasses St, Doha, Qatar
When: Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 1 am and Fridays from 9 am to 11 am, 1 pm to 1 am
Also Read: 10 Best Italian Restaurants In Qatar That Will Transport You To Italy
5. Khan Farouk Tarab Café
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Khan Farouk Tarab Café, a fine dining restaurant managed by Adara Group in Doha, beautifully captures the spirit of Cairo’s Golden Age. Named after the iconic Egyptian souk “Khan El Khalili” and King Farouk, the restaurant is located in the cultural village of Katara. Its decor reflects the essence of old Cairo, featuring portraits of famous Egyptian personalities and authentic furnishings. Guests enjoy a unique dining experience enhanced by daily performances from the Tarab band, transporting them to the enchanting era of modernity, cinema, and art in Egypt.
Where: Near Amphitheatre Katara Cultural Village, Qatar
When: 9 am to 12 am daily
6. Al Sufra
Al Sufra is an award-winning modern Levantine restaurant that captures the charm of traditional dining. Meaning “The Dining Room” in Arabic, it celebrates the rich flavours of Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine through authentic recipes. With a coffee lounge, an open terrace with views of the Gulf, and a diverse à la carte menu, Al Sufra offers all-day dining. The restaurant’s elegant gold and turquoise decor, adorned with stunning art and ornaments, creates a captivating atmosphere for enjoying the timeless traditions of Levantine cuisine.
Where: Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha, Qatar
When: 6:30 am to 11 pm daily
7. Arabesque
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Arabesque offers a modern twist on traditional Lebanese cuisine with a casual, street food vibe. Focusing on freshly prepared, chef-driven dishes, the restaurant draws inspiration from the region to reimagine classic flavours rooted in heritage. Collaborating with local cooks and conducting thorough research, Arabesque aims to attract a new generation of food lovers with familiar taste profiles enhanced by innovative twists. Expect elevated Shawarma, refreshed Tabbouleh, and exciting new desserts that bring a fresh perspective to Pearl Qatar.
Where: 18 La Croisette, Porto Arabia Drive, Doha, Qatar
When: Saturday to Wednesday from 8 am to 12 am and Thursday to Friday from 8 am to 1 am
8. Em Sherif
Nestled within the vibrant city, Em Sherif Restaurant is a beacon of refined dining. Its meticulously crafted by the visionary restaurateur Mireille Hayek. Every dish is a nostalgic embrace reminiscent of cherished home-cooked meals and promises to whisk guests away on an unparalleled gastronomic journey. Impeccable service and the artistry of Lebanese culinary traditions converge to create an unforgettable dining experience at Em Sherif Restaurant.
Where: Al Maha Island, Doha, Qatar
When: 1 pm to 2 am daily
From the elegance of Yasmine Palace to the cosy charm of Layali, each restaurant offers a unique experience that showcases traditional recipes. Whether indulging in the warm ambience of Burj Al-Hamam or the modern twists at Arabesque, these eight eateries invite you to explore the diverse tastes of the region. Focusing on quality and authenticity, they create memorable dining experiences celebrating Middle Eastern culture in every bite.
Cover Image Courtesy: Burj Al-Hamam and Sukar Pasha
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First Published: October 04, 2024 9:25 AM