Bayt Alwaldah
With a name that literally means ‘The Mother’s House’, it’s no surprise that this is helmed by a woman, Chef Hissa Al-Sulaiti. And the motto ‘It’s not just the food, it’s an experience’ tells us much of what we need to know about this place. Found on the Corniche in Mina District, Bayt Alwaldah boasts gorgeous views over the water and a menu that preserves the old traditional methods passed down from Chef Hissa’s mother combined with her own contemporary takes. A delightful combination of modern and traditional, it’s Qatari food with a touch of home.
GO: Call 7077 2000 or visit @bayt_alwaldah for more information.

Bayt Sharq
Found in an old 1920s Qatari house that’s been renovated by the original owner’s children, this place is in a gorgeous location close to the Corniche and surrounded by lush green gardens. Food is served on family-style sharing platters and the seafood machboos and yummy desserts come very highly recommended. Adding to Bayt Sharq’s authenticity credentials, the property is Heritage listed and there’s even a small museum on-site.
GO: Call 7745 4543 or 7770 4589 or visit @baytsharq.qa for more information.

Belhambar
One of the more recognised spots serving a fusion of traditional and modern Qatari cuisine, Belhambar is found right on the Corniche in Al Shyoukh Port. What they say: “Our menu does not contain fruits or vegetables that have been imported or genetically amended, they are from local Qatari farms. The oils used in cooking (olive oil, cow and sheep ghee) are fresh with a little high quality vegetable oil. Only sea and Himalayan salts are used. The milk and butter are prepared in the kitchen from fresh goat milk. Our jams are unsweetened. Our eggs are fresh from local farms.” The perfect place to taste truly local flavours. Make sure you try the spinach falafel.
GO: Call 77001729 or visit @belhambar.qa for more information.

Easair Café
Found right on the beach at Al Wakrah Souq, Easair serves both Qatari and international dishes which are beautifully presented. It’s particularly well known for its fabulous desserts, such as the very traditional khanfroosh and delicious house-made chapattis with Arabic-style fillings. Inside Easair looks like a traditional rustic home with its beamed ceilings and greenery while the outside terrace is perfect for the current cooler weather
GO: Call 6606 2349 or 4488 5199 or visit @easair_cafe for more information.

Gahwetna
From its bougainvillea-decked entrance to its pretty, quirky, souq-inspired interior, Gahwetna is a great place to take visiting guests or if you fancy a treat yourself. It just looks the part, traditional and welcoming and that goes for the staff too, who are more than happy to talk you through the many menu items. Something you must try if you visit is Gahwetna Fattah – eggplant, chickpeas and pomegranate in a special sauce served with zaatar toasted bread. It’s delish!
GO: Call 3329 0600 or visit @ghawetnaqa for more information.

Jiwan
While not strictly local, we couldn’t miss Jiwan with its distinctive blend of Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Located at the National Museum of Qatar, the restaurant itself is worth a visit just for the interior design which features a tribute to Qatar’s pearl diving history in the shape of four million Swarovski glass beads suspended from the ceiling to gently dance with the movement of the air. Familiar dishes rooted in Qatar’s past have been evolved with a modern twist that takes them forward to the future.
GO: Call 4452 5725 or visit @jiwanrestaurant for more information.

Shay Al Shamous
It would be impossible to talk about Qatari food without mentioning Shay Al Shamous and not just because of the food, though that is indeed excellent. But also because of the remarkable story of the owner – 60-plus grandmother Shams AlQassabi, the first woman to launch her own business in Souq Waqif, who still cooks her traditional dishes daily and greets guests that have included former First Lady Sheikha Moza, which Shams described as the ultimate ‘stamp of approval’. The Favourite Middle Eastern Restaurant at the Fact Dining Awards 2022 (we can certainly spot a winner) specialises in breakfast items and is particularly known for its eggs and tomatoes and rgag, the thin, crispy bread, served with honey. It’s always busy and you might have to wait for a table but it will certainly be worth it.
GO: Call 5511 5566 or visit @shay_alshomous for more information.

Sufrat Omi Lolwa
We’re surprised this place is not better known because the food is tasty, plentiful, cheap and authentically Qatari. But that could be because it’s not all that easy to find. It’s down an alley in Souq Waqif near the Gold Souq and the thumb statue. The décor is traditional and there’s some majlis-style seating. And the best sign of all that you’re going to have a truly Qatari experience? It’s often packed with local families enjoying the likes of harees and machboos. We love that the logo is a veiled lady hard at work over a steaming pan.
GO: Call 3314 2015 or visit @sufrat_omi_lolwa for more information.

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A True Taste of Qatar
Join a food tour with Embrace Doha – an independent women-run cultural house – where you’ll experience a tasting journey through the alleys and byways of the souqs learning loads about the country’s traditional dishes and getting a chance to sample many of them.
GO: Call 5006 4472 or visit @embracedoha for more information.