Walk into the quaintest and most classically-styled trattoria for a little bit of comfort, warmth, and a whole lot of flavour in the heart of Doha — enter The Italian Job.

We found ourselves transported to the streets and aromas of Italy in this little trattoriainspired restaurant. The Italian Job defines comfort food at its cosiest, with rustic furniture, bricked and textured walls, and old-fashioned scenery. You won’t believe you’re not in Italy!

The restaurant sits in the backyard of the renowned Radisson Blu Hotel Doha, with a newly introduced outdoor seating area under a cheery, charismatic, and colourful array of fairy lights. Enclosed with a picket fence and just off the pool’s waterfall, this is the cutest outdoor seating we’ve seen in a while. Even though food under colourful hues entices us, we head indoors to truly experience a taste of Italy. Walking in we are greeted by a smiling host, traditional wrought iron railings, and a curved staircase that mimics a modern-day Juliet balcony, straight out of a classic and eternal love story. We head upstairs to take our seats in a booth under the arched ceiling. The perfect seating arrangement for a romantic and intimate dinner. Usually, this little eatery is full of music from its talented singing hosts, who serenade guests throughout the evening, something we hope to see again after the pandemic ends. But for now, we make do with the clashing of pots, sizzling grills, and the Italian melodies that engulf our senses.

The menu is a collection of warm flavours ranging from soups to desserts, as we begin our browse for the evening. We start with a hearty bowl of zuppa di pesce alla livornese, a Tuscany-style seafood soup with tomato and herbs. This warm bowl is swarming with deep flavours and gems from the sea and comes with a slice of crusty and flavourful garlic bread. Each spoonful brings rich flavours and comfort to the soul; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. And for some extra added crunch to accompany the smoothness of the broth, we order and indulge in the fritto croccante ai frutti di mare.

A platter that comes adorned with perfectly seasoned and crispy fried calamari, hammour strips, shrimp, and sea scallops with a creamy and tantalising garlic dip. An audible crunch with every bite, no less. For our main dishes, we go for traditional Italian flavours with the risotto ai gambari con punte di asparagi, risotto with prawns and asparagus, and the ravioli di magro al pomodoro e basilico, ricotta and spinach filled ravioli in fresh tomato basil sauce. Simple and stunning dishes that arouse all our taste buds and fill us with happiness and content. Infused with time and love, along with a special seafood broth, the delicate risotto brings out a sea of aromas with every mouthful, accompanied by perfectly cooked shrimps. The ravioli is set in a thin smooth layer of pasta that erupts a well-seasoned and delicious blend of cheese and spinach.

For us, it’s the simplicity in each dish that makes them stand out. To finish off this journey to little Italy, we end our meal with two desserts, because why not? A fresh tiramisu with mascarpone cheese and a chocolate mousse in mint sauce. The chocolate mousse arrives with an enhanced mint sauce and is truly picture perfect. Decadent and rich chocolate mousse, engulfed in a web wafer under a mountain of chocolate shavings and mint leaves.

The tiramisu is layers of rich cheese, coffee dust, a shot of espresso for a little extra drizzle, and an authentic Italian Ladyfinger Biscuit or ‘Savoiardi’. This charming dessert serves us an explosion of strong coffee flavours and is the perfect end to our meal. The Italian Job focuses on simple flavours that bring its customers warmth, comfort, and homemade goodness. It’s the perfect place for a night out with friends or a splurge of romance, with serenading waiters who will hopefully make a comeback as things return to normal.

We’ve graced this venue quite a few times over the years and we’re always thrilled to find it bustling with laughter, trays of food, and smiles all around. It’s definitely our happy place! ✤

GO: CALL 4428 1555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.