15 Must-Try Restaurants for Authentic Qatari Cuisine in Doha 2024

Last updated on May 8th, 2024 at 11:05 am

There are many restaurants in Qatar where you can indulge in authentic and traditional Qatari cuisine. Traditional foods such as Machboos, Harees, Madrouba, Thareed, and Luqaimat, along with many others, taste lovely.

You will be satisfied with the food at the following Qatari restaurants. However, you could ask for recommendations from the restaurant staff if you need help with how or where to begin your foodies tour.

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01.  Bayt Sharq

Bayt Sharq, located within the Al Khulaifi heritage home, feels like a time capsule from an earlier era. In addition to the main dining area and private cabanas, the lovely courtyard is filled with flora and outdoor seats.

 Indulge in madrooba, harees, and machboos, as well as a mixed grill plate, if you visit this restaurant for lunch, supper, or an ambience-enhancing pot of Karak. Also, remember to visit the modest museum on the premises

Must-try dishes: madrooba, harees , machboos , mixed grill plate and  Maalem breakfast

02. Gahwetna

Gahwetna is a coffee shop in Qatar that is made in the traditional Qatari and Khaleeji style. You can sit down and eat traditional meals or quick snacks, or you can grab and go. From breakfast to sandwiches to fast food, everything on the menu has a little twist. The decor, which is based on a souk, and the authentic food on the menu make this a place you can’t miss.

Must-try dishes: Gahwetna Fattah, Moutaktak Nakhi, Msaga’a Jedr, Balaleet, moshakshaka, with Gahwetna’s special sauce, and mozaatar, with labneh and  zaatar.

03.  Jiwan

Jiwan is named after an Arabic word that means “perfect pearl.” This idea is reflected in the restaurant’s design, which is on the fourth floor of the National Museum of Qatar and has fantastic city views and excellent food. The restaurant serves the best of Qatari cuisine.

Must-try dishes: Jiwan Harees, Cumin Madroba, Chicken Salona, Tender Lamb Shoulder, unique Fruit Mahalabia

04. Karak Mqanes

There is no better location to enjoy Karak than Karak Mqanes. Karak Mqanes is committed to preserving Qatari traditions and culture by offering native cuisine. So you can experience authentic Qatari food at an affordable restaurant.

Must-try dishes: Loqimat, Karak Saffron, Lamb Magbous Barri, Sweet Al Jassasiya With Pistachio, Sweet Alghaf

05. Saasna Restaurant

Saasna is a contemporary and genuine Qatari fine dining establishment that delivers the finest traditional Qatari cuisine with a modern touch.

Must-try dishes: Baddawi, Qasheed, Fish Salouna, Chicken Madrouba, Mhalbea, Khabis, Balalit

06. Shay Al Shoomos

Shay Al Shoomos is located in Souq Waqif, and it is one of the best Souq Waqif restaurants.

And they are famous for their breakfasts. We highly recommend trying one of their Regag.

Shay Al Shomous is owned by a Qatari woman, and the food is as authentically local as you can get.

Even though it’s small, it’s always full of people because the food is good and the prices are reasonable.

Must-try dishes: Meat Regag, Margoga, Asida, Saago, Baleelat

07. SMAT Restaurant

SMAT Restaurant is a unique eatery with origins in Kuwait that serves traditional local Qatari cuisine here in Doha with a modern twist and delivers a unique flavour and texture of Qatari cuisine that you must experience.

Must-try dishes: Majbous Al Shouyoukh, Royal Yogurt Tharid, Sea Bass Jalbout Fish, Harees Mnahnah

08. Walima

At Walima, you can eat tasty Middle Eastern food with the famous Qatari hospitality. There is only one word to describe this Qatari restaurant at the Mondrian Doha: magnificent. So naturally, you’ll want your cameras ready because this dining establishment looks picture-perfect.

Must-try dishes:  Lamb Harees, Chicken Machboos,, Chicken Mathrooba, Vegetable Thareed and Lamb Saloona

09. Basta Qatar

The retro decor at Basta Qatar, a fine-dining Qatari restaurant, is inspired by the style of the Middle East. There are lots of tasty Qatari dishes served with a twist that brings out the flavour and makes you want more

Must-try dishes: Bakhura, Marget Jadeti, Mal Awal, Sheikh Al Freej, Majboos Aboy Al Aoud, Khabesa

10. Desert Rose Cafe

Chef Nouf Al Marri, one of Qatar’s best-known chefs, makes the food at Desert Rose Cafe, which is a mix of Qatari and other cuisines. The Desert Rose Cafe is in the National Museum of Qatar. It serves modern local food in a unique setting that was inspired by the desert rose that grows naturally in the deserts of Qatar

Must-try dishes: Chef Noof Madrouba, Chicken Majbous, Rekak Labneh, Nakhe

11. Homemade food in Souq Waqif

When you go to Souq Waqif, you can’t miss the local women cooking and selling Machboos, Mathroba, Harees, Luqaimat, and Koushari, delicious traditional Arab dishes. They also make Rogag, which is a type of crepe filled with Cheese, Chips Oman, or Nutella, right in front of you. This is one of the best places in Doha to eat Qatari food that tastes like it was made at home.

Must-try dishes: Harees, Regag, Mathrooba, Machboos, Balaleel, Luqaimat

12. Karaki Qatar

Karaki is a beautiful tea house in Qatar that stays true to its roots by serving loqaimat, a sweet from Qatar. Because the tea lounge has a friendly, authentic look and feels derived from local architecture and culture, you’ll feel as if you’re in a Qatari home.

Must-try dishes: Loqimat Mix, Arabic Coffee, Sahlab with Kaak, Karak Saffron

13. Nassayem Qatar

Nassayem Qatar is well-known for its authentic Qatari cuisine. This fine-dining restaurant at The Diplomatic Club offers a distinct perspective on traditional Qatari foods and serves them in a stylish manner so that diners may appreciate the presentation and flavour of real regional cuisine.

Must-try dishes: Mashkhoul, Makbous, Kors Eigely With Khanfarouch Ice Cream, Jareesh and Dates Pudding

14. Um Abdelaziz

Um Abdelaziz is located in Souq Waqif and is recognizable due to its outdoor majlis-style dining area. It delivers authentic and traditional Qatari meals and snacks at a fair price and is often crowded.

Must-try dishes: Harees, Nakki, Khabees, Margogah, Luqaimat, Khanfaroosh

15. Opus at Park Hyatt Doha

Michelin-starred chef Jean-Francois Roquette creates cuisine at Opus at Park Hyatt Doha. The food is served in family style, similar to traditional Qatari cuisine. The open kitchen allows you to watch as your meal is prepared. In addition, you have the option to dine indoors or on the patio.

Must-try dishes: Slow Cooked Lamb Majboos, Braised Lamb Majboos, Lamb Shank Margooga, Mouhalabia

If you want to try unique Qatari foods at an affordable price, read the article, 22 Best Affordable Restaurants in Doha.