Qatar is home to some tremendous Middle Eastern and traditional restaurants. However, like other countries in the Gulf region, Qatar’s oil and technology industries have brought in a huge expat population over the last three decades. As a result, an abundance of international cuisine is available. The best of Qatar’s dining experiences are found in Doha, which boasts a range of expensive, medium-range, and cheap restaurants. Alcohol cannot be brought into the country, but there are some places for tourists to enjoy a few drinks after dark. These night spots are generally connected to the major hotels around the country. Before getting into the bar, tourists are likely to be asked for identification. Carrying a passport around is therefore recommended.
Bars and Pubbing in Qatar
Doha is the main city in Qatar, and therefore contains plenty of clubs and pubs for visitors to rip through a few alcoholic beverages. Crystal Lounge (W Doha Hotel, Somerset West Bay, Doha) is a popular spot, found within the W Hotel. The Sheraton boasts the Irish Harp Bar (Sheraton Resort, Al Corniche Street, Doha), which is a great sports and social pub. Another expensive but memorable spot is the Skyview Bar (La Cigale Hotel, 60 Suhaim Bin Hamad Street, Doha).
Al Banush Club (Umm Sa’id, Al Wakrah, Qatar) is a small but social establishment in the city of Umm Sa’id. It is one of the most popular poolside clubs in the city. Another similar establishment is Al Dana Club (Umm Sa’id, Al Wakrah, Qatar). Al Maha (Umm Sa’id, Qatar) is also worth checking out.
With Doha dominating Qatar’s night life and beverage scene, there are limited places to enjoy a drink after dark. Al Khor has one popular spot to visit for a drink, although it is only open during daylight hours. Inside the Al Sultan Beach Resort, Al-Buhayra (off Al Corniche Main Street, Al Khor) offers alcoholic beverages until the sun goes down.
Dining and Cuisine in Qatar
Doha boasts a huge list of restaurants of all kinds of cuisines. Seafood dishes are absolutely delectable at Best Fish (Al Mirghab Street, Doha). Indian food is a great option, so tourists should head to the Garden Village Restaurant (Fereej Kulaib, Doha). There is a fantastic list of Indian food options at this restaurant. Layali (Salwa Road, Doha) is another beautiful option for tourists, serving traditional Middle Eastern cuisine in Qatar.
Al Khor is much smaller than Doha, but it contains several interesting restaurants. The Green Gate Restaurant (Al Khor Coastal Road, Al Khor) is an Indian-cuisine dining option with an exciting range of multicultural dishes. The delightful food and relaxing atmosphere at Grand Palace Restaurant (Al Maamoura, Al Khor) makes it a popular spot among locals and visitors. Al Dente (Al Sultan Beach Resort, Corniche Main Street, Al Khor) is a remarkable Italian seafood restaurant that cannot be overlooked.
Rayyan provides plenty of dining options for tourists. Al Maiz Restaurant () is renowned for its intricate interior and stunning menus for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Great Lebanese food can be found at Al Hamra (Al Rayyan Road, Al Rayyan, Qatar). Visitors should sample the local cuisine at Kabab-ji Grill (Al Shafi Street, Al Rayyan). Traditional Middle Eastern food fills the menu here.