Call it a mood more than a menu: the glow of the fire, the hush of leather chairs, plates that arrive with confidence but never fuss. Fuego, Sirine Errammach discovered, feels less like dinner out and more like slipping into a little Argentine hideaway in the heart of the city.

Qatar has a way of surprising you: a simple night out suddenly feels like a plunge into another country. This time, the ticket is to Argentina, courtesy of Fuego at JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. Just one floor above the city’s buzz, the mood changes instantly. Outside it’s neon and restless; inside, the tones are warm, earthy and composed. Some corners are dressed with deep brown parquet that gleams under soft light, others with a bold red-and-cream spiral carpet that adds movement underfoot. Dark wood panelling wraps the room, while leather high-back chairs and tufted suede seats strike a balance between clubby and comfortable.

Overhead, circular chandeliers hang like halos, their soft glow pooling across the tables. Along one side, the open kitchen brings a spark of theatre, chefs moving in rhythm beneath a mural sketched with steaks and knives, reminding you that at its core, this place is all about fire and grill. Elsewhere, horse sculptures and framed artworks nod to Argentina’s equestrian spirit, subtle details that reinforce Fuego’s South American soul.

Because no journey is supposed to start on an empty glass, we begin with mocktails. At Fuego, they’re part of the script, each one crafted in tribute to the country’s regions. La Linda is pure sunshine: orange, pineapple, passion fruit and lemon layered into a glass that smells like summer before you even taste it. The first sip is bright and zesty, the citrus giving a little spark at the edges, while the tropical fruits round it out into something soft and golden. Sweet, but never cloying, it feels like that first sip you take on holiday, when everything slows down. Los Andes heads in the opposite direction: the yerba mate infusion brings a grassy, almost earthy depth, blackberries add a tangy kick, lime keeps it sharp and honey smooths it all into place.

Starters With Soul
A good warm-up before our starters land on our table. First, the Tomato & Aji Amarillo Soup shows up in a deep black bowl, and it looks like it means business. The colour is a vivid brick red, broken up with little pools of bright green herb oil. First spoonful, pure tomato. Not the watery kind, but the ripe, slow-cooked version that actually tastes of summer. Then the aji amarillo kicks in, more sunshine than fire, giving heat without hijacking the flavour. Goat’s cheese softens the finish; it melts into the soup and adds a gentle tang. The texture? Spot on: silky, creamy, never heavy.

Then comes the Empanada Pampeana: homemade golden halfmoons with perfectly crimped edges, the pastry carrying that slightly fried sheen that promises crunch. Steam curls out as we cut in. The Argentinian Angus beef filling is generous and juicy, full of savoury depth. On the side, llajua, a traditional pepper-and-tomato sauce with a smoky kick, does the rest, adding freshness and a lick of heat.

From the Grill and the Sea
Fuego is a steak house at heart, and we lean into it. Our pick: an Australian Wagyu fillet, medium rare. The plate is clean and unfussy: two thick medallions with a firm sear, a spoon of chimichurri on top, a pinch of sea salt and a few grilled vegetables on the side. Because it’s fillet, the texture stays delicate, buttery without being heavy. The knife slides through easily and the herb sauce adds a sharp, garlicky lift. As for your side choice, we say this with love: order the Corn Ribs and accept that your cutlery will be useless for a minute.

They come charred and fragrant, glistening from a brush of herb butter, and dusted with smoked paprika that perfumes the air. On the side, a chipotle aioli keeps things grounded: creamy, cool, with just enough fiery kick heat. You snap one free, take a bite, and it’s everything at once: sweet kernels, a bit of chew, a lick of char. Some dishes are designed to be shared; this one forces you to!

If steak isn’t your calling, Fuego makes sure the menu doesn’t stop there. We also tried the Pulpo Parrillero, their take on octopus from the grill. Seared properly so the edges pick up a light crispness, it’s set over roasted baby potatoes with flicks of chimichurri here and there and a confident swipe of Romesco sauce, pepper-forward and slightly nutty on the plate, giving the octopus two very different companions.

Sweet Endings
When it comes to dessert, Fuego plays it safe in the best way: rooted in tradition, but indulgent enough to feel like a treat. Two classics win. First, the Flan Mixto, exactly the sort of classic that ties a meal back to memory. The custard has the right tremble: smooth and glossy, holding just enough to keep its shape while still quivering at the spoon’s touch. The caramel sauce pools generously around it, with a faint bitterness that lingers. On top, a dollop of whipped cream lightens things, while a spoonful of dulce de leche adds that unmistakable Argentine sweetness.

Next to it, the Hazelnut Chocolate Soufflé feels more international in spirit. A warm chocolate base rises soft and steady, not as airy as a classic French soufflé, not as dense as a molten cake, somewhere in between. Around it, crumbled chocolate ‘soil’ gives crunch, a few strawberry quarters add brightness and, on top, crisp praline tuiles provide both structure and roasted nuttiness. A scoop of cool vanilla cream slowly melts down the side, setting up that hot-cold contrast that makes every spoonful satisfying.

If, like us, a single dinner isn’t enough to satisfy your curiosity, Fuego has more up its sleeve. Fridays are for Verano Brunch, where the room shifts gears into a livelier mood: Argentinian flavours spread across the table, premium cuts hit the grill and the energy picks up with live rhythms from Chicas Melao. And midweek, Wednesdays bring Asado Night, a nod to Argentina’s most cherished ritual. Think fire-grilled feasts straight from the Josper, dishes passed around the table and that unmistakable smoky warmth that makes you want to linger a little longer. ✤

GO: CALL 4429 5146 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.