FOOD AND DRINK
BRUNCH SPOTS
Friday brunches are a Doha institution – popular venues include W Doha, and Opal at the St Regis, one of three Gordon Ramsay offerings at the property (tel +974 4446 0000; opalbygordonramsaydoha.com). The St Regis’s range of restaurants also includes an impressive branch of modern Cantonese chain Hakkasan.
LOCAL DINING
One of the best spots for local dishes is Souq Waqif, where great options include Shay Al Shoomos, Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill and Al Mourjan. Better still, try the branch of Al Mourjan on the Corniche, where the bay views are almost as spectacular as the Lebaneseinfluenced dishes (tel +974 4483 4423; almourjan.com).
IDAM
Celebrated French chef Alain Ducasse’s 60-cover restaurant, Idam, boasts an enviable spot atop the Museum of Islamic Art, and has an interior designed by Philippe Starck. The sumptuous menu sees Mediterranean-style dishes lifted by Middle Eastern touches. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays (tel +974 4422 4488; alain-ducasse.com/en/restaurant/idam).
NOBU
From the stylish interiors to its trademark Japanese cuisine, Nobu at the Four Seasons Doha impresses on many levels. It’s a popular spot for cocktails, not least during happy hour, which takes place from 6pm to 8pm daily except on Saturdays, and the packed ladies’ nights on Mondays (tel +974 4494 8888; fourseasons.com/doha).
CITY CENTRE ROTANA
Varied options at the five-star hotel include Teatro, for fusion food encompassing Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese and Thai cuisines; Misk, for Lebanese cooking; and the Cheers- inspired Boston’s bar (tel +974 4445 8888; rotana.com).