Best Restaurants in Doha 2025: From Machboos to Fine Dining

Almosafer
Aug 4
4 min read

Doha boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that blends Qatari authenticity with upscale international dining, making it one of the top destinations for food lovers in the Gulf. Whether you're craving traditional machboos or looking for a high-end dining experience curated by world-class chefs, the Qatari capital caters to every palate.

In this guide, we take you on a curated tour of Doha’s best restaurants for 2025, highlighting local delicacies like luqaimat and offering practical tips to ensure an unforgettable dining experience, whether you’re on a short visit or a longer stay.

Top Traditional Qatari Restaurants

If you're a fan of local flavours and Gulf heritage, Doha is home to some excellent restaurants that serve authentic Qatari dishes, either with a modern touch or in a traditional setting. Here are some of the most renowned places for machboos, luqaimat, and more:

Al Majboos Al Thahabi, located in the heart of Souq Waqif, this spot is a top destination to try Doha’s most famous dish, machboos, made with spiced lamb or chicken and served with laban or fresh salad. Tip: Try the “Hamour Machboos” if you enjoy seafood.

Beit Al Maakulat Al Qatariyah is a cosy, home-style restaurant known for using fresh, local ingredients. Highlights include harees, tharid, and luqaimat drizzled with date syrup. Ideal for families seeking a traditional experience with private seating options.

Shay Al Shamous is a well-known breakfast spot offering classic Qatari dishes in a casual setting. Expect simple, flavourful meals like ragout and madrouba.

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Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Doha

Doha’s fine dining scene is world-class, offering a mix of international cuisines in elegant settings. If you're seeking refined service and culinary creativity, these venues are not to be missed:

Nobu Doha, located at the Four Seasons, this iconic restaurant features bold architecture and a menu fusing Japanese and Peruvian flavours. Perfect for special occasions. Booking is recommended.

Morimoto Doha Situated in the Mondrian Hotel and led by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, this restaurant delivers high-end Asian fusion dishes, including bluefin tuna and caviar. Prices start at approximately QAR 150 per person.

Hakkasan Doha sleek, modern Chinese restaurant known for its serene ambience and signature dishes like roasted duck in yuzu sauce and seafood dim sum.

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Family-Friendly Restaurants for Gulf Visitors

Ward Al Sham, located in Al Luqta, is a Levantine-style restaurant that offers private family rooms and a children’s play area. Ideal for Gulf families looking for comfort and privacy.

Karam Beirut is A classy Lebanese restaurant popular for its hot and cold mezze and grilled meats. The sharing-style platters make it a great option for families.

Afrah Al Khaleej is A casual restaurant serving Gulf classics such as machboos, kabsa, and matazeez. Average cost: QAR 50–80 per person.

Vegetarian and Healthy Restaurants in Doha

Evergreen Organics Qatar’s first 100% vegan café, located in The Pearl. The menu includes cold-pressed juices, superfood salads, and gluten-free options. All ingredients are organic and sustainably sourced.

Mylk Doha is A modern eatery offering plant-based meals like vegan burgers, organic tacos, and hummus bowls. Great for those following vegan or keto diets.

Thalatheen Mediterranean-inspired vegan dining with seasonal grains and vegetables. Calm ambience makes it ideal for work or casual dining. Prices start from QAR 40 per dish.

Tips for a Memorable Dining Experience in Doha

Book in advance: Especially for fine dining venues on weekends.
Dine at lunch or on weekdays: For a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Ask about dietary options: Most restaurants offer vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-carb menus.
Check customer reviews: Platforms like Google Maps and Zomato provide up-to-date ratings and photos.
Try Qatari dishes at least once: Even if you prefer international food, sampling machboos or luqaimat adds cultural depth to your visit.

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Try It for Yourself

Explore the dining options and reserve your table with ease. For more, check out our full guide to the 9 Best places to visit in Doha, or browse exclusive hotel deals on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous food in Doha?

Majboos is one of the most popular traditional dishes in Doha and Qatar in general, prepared using rice, meat or chicken with distinctive Khaleeji spices. Luqaimat is also very popular as a Ramadan dessert and in Qatari councils.

Is food cheap in Qatar?

Food prices in Qatar vary depending on the type of restaurant. You can have a full meal at popular restaurants with prices starting from QAR 25 to 40, while at high-end restaurants, the cost rises to over QAR 150 per person. In general, there are options to suit all budgets.

What is the most commonly eaten food in Qatar?

Some of the most commonly consumed dishes in Qatar are: Majboos, harissa, porridge, and seafood such as grilled fish and grouper. Rice is also commonly consumed in Qatari and Gulf meals.

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