Top 10 Restaurants in Msheireb Doha
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is not only the largest city but also renowned for its oil and gas reserves, making it one of the wealthiest countries in the world per capita. It's a popular tourist destination featuring attractions like the Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, and Msheireb. In this article by Wingie, we suggest the best restaurants in Msheireb and the activities you can enjoy there.
Climate in Qatar
Qatar enjoys a desert climate, hot and humid in summer and mild in winter. Summer temperatures (May to September) can exceed 40 degrees Celsius during the day, while nighttime temperatures usually drop to about 25-30 degrees Celsius. Winter months (November to February) are cooler, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-25 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures dropping to about 10-15 degrees Celsius.
The country experiences minimal rainfall, mostly during the winter months. The annual average rainfall is about 70 mm (2.8 inches), occurring in short, intense showers. Humidity in Qatar can reach up to 90% during the summer months.
Due to the high temperatures and humidity in the summer, most outdoor activities in Qatar are best enjoyed during the cooler winter months. Additionally, many indoor facilities like shopping centers and entertainment venues are air-conditioned to provide a break from the heat.
Qatari Cuisine
Qatari cuisine is influenced by traditional Arabian Peninsula food, as well as Indian, Persian, and Turkish cuisines. Some of the most popular dishes in Qatar include:
- Majboos: A spicy rice dish typically made with chicken or lamb, tomatoes, onions, and a mix of spices.
- Harees: A porridge-like dish made from ground wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb), flavored with cinnamon and cardamom.
- Thareed: A stew made from lamb or chicken and vegetables, with bread soaked in the broth until soft.
- Balaleet: A sweet breakfast dish made from vermicelli noodles, eggs, sugar, and cardamom.
- Luqaimat: A popular dessert made from deep-fried dough balls, then drizzled with honey syrup.
- Qatari tea: A sweet tea flavored with cardamom and saffron.
Msheireb
Msheireb is a downtown area located in the heart of Doha, the capital of Qatar. It is a mixed-use development project aimed at revitalizing traditional Qatari architectural styles while incorporating sustainable technology and modern amenities. Covering an area of about 31 hectares, it is one of the largest urban redevelopment projects of its kind in the world.
The development includes a range of residential, commercial, and retail spaces, as well as cultural and recreational facilities. Buildings in the Msheireb area are designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, featuring elements like solar panels, green roofs, and water recycling systems. One of the key features of the Msheireb project is the Msheireb Museums, a collection of four museums that display the history and culture of Qatar. These include Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and Radwani House.
Top Restaurants in Msheireb
Msheireb is known for its diverse array of restaurants offering both traditional and international cuisines. Here are some of the best restaurants in the area:
Idam Restaurant
Located in the Museum of Islamic Art, Idam is an upscale French restaurant offering fine dining with a panoramic view of Doha’s skyline. Led by Chef Alain Ducasse, the restaurant blends French cooking techniques with Middle Eastern flavors to create a unique dining experience.
Operating Hours: 12 PM - 2 PM, 7 PM - 9 PM.
Lunch Menu Price: QAR 280 per person, featuring dishes such as stuffed morel mushrooms with Parmesan cheese, Paris mushrooms, and arugula with parsley oil, plus duck meat with green onions, sweet and sour duck sauce, and apple blossom.
Feasto
A Qatari restaurant offering traditional dishes with a modern twist, located in the Mondrian Hotel. Features a rooftop terrace with stunning city views.
Operating Hours: 4 PM - 12 AM.
Average Prices: Assortment of hot mezzes QAR 55, Eggplant zaalouk QAR 35, Harraq Osbao QAR 35, Arab salad QAR 30.
Al Terrace
A Lebanese restaurant serving traditional Lebanese cuisine with a modern twist, located in the Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel. The restaurant features a terrace overlooking the hotel's pool.
Operating Hours: 12 PM - 12 AM.
Average Prices: Spiced eggplant with Georgian spices QAR 25, Hummus with avocado and adjika sauce QAR 25, Red bean balls with smoked turkey and asparagus sauce QAR 32.
Yum Yum
A Thai restaurant offering a wide range of Thai dishes, including curries, fried potatoes, and noodle dishes. Located in the Msheireb Downtown area, it features a modern and stylish interior.
Operating Hours: 6 AM - 11 PM.
Sridan
An international buffet restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Indian, and Western dishes. Located in the Shangri-La Hotel, it features an open kitchen where guests can watch chefs prepare their meals.
Operating Hours: 6 AM - 10:30 AM.
Four Seasons
Known for its Mediterranean-style seafood, located in the Four Seasons Hotel, this restaurant offers a dining experience on the beach.
Basta
An Italian restaurant situated in Msheireb Downtown. The restaurant is known for its chic interior design and focuses on classic Italian dishes.
Operating Hours: 8 AM - 11:30 PM.
Average Prices: Shakshuka QAR 40, Chicken liver QAR 35, Falafel QAR 32, Cheddar cheese shawarma QAR 25.
Mondrian Restaurant
Located in the Mondrian Hotel Doha, this steakhouse offers a variety of meat dishes with stunning views over Doha’s skyline.
Nobu Doha
A Japanese restaurant located in the Four Seasons Hotel, serving sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes.
Operating Hours: 6 PM - 11:30 PM.
Average Prices: Nobu sushi bento QAR 195, Chicken Nobu bento QAR 215, Nobu taco box QAR 450.
The Chef's Garden
Situated in the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, this restaurant offers a selection of healthy and sustainable dishes.
Operating Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM.
Average Prices: Seafood soup QAR 55, Steak slice with asparagus QAR 85, Mini burger trio QAR 95, Shrimp pasta with tomato and basil QAR 95.
Best Activities in Msheireb
Msheireb is a vibrant area in Doha, offering a variety of activities for visitors. Here are some of the best activities you can do in Msheireb:
- Explore Msheireb Museums: The Msheireb Museums are a collection of four museums that showcase Qatar's history and culture. Located in traditional Qatari houses that have been restored, they provide insights into the country’s past.
- Stroll in Msheireb Downtown: Msheireb Downtown is a mixed-use project featuring residential, commercial, and retail spaces designed to showcase traditional Qatari architecture with modern comforts and technologies.
- Visit Souq Waqif: Souq Waqif is a traditional market in the heart of Doha. It offers a range of shops selling traditional Qatari handicrafts, clothes, and foods. Visitors can also enjoy Qatari music and entertainment.
- Enjoy the view from Al Zubarah Fort: Al Zubarah Fort is a historical fort located in the Msheireb district. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Watch a movie at Cinema Under the Stars: Cinema Under the Stars is an outdoor cinema located in Msheireb Downtown. Visitors can enjoy watching movies under the stars in a unique and relaxed setting.
- Visit the Qatar National Museum: The Qatar National Museum displays the history and cultural heritage of Qatar. It features exhibits and interactive displays exploring the country’s past and present.
Msheireb also houses many public spaces, including a central square and a park, providing venues for community events and gatherings. The area is easily accessible by public transportation. If you want to experience these restaurants, Wingie offers the best flight bookings to Doha.
