AMS discovered traditional Lebanese charm coupled with exciting flavours and a warm welcome on a visit to Tawlet Yvonne.

Tawlet Yvonne is situated conveniently on the ground floor of Millennium Place Doha, and, walking inside, it immediately felt like entering a warm and familiar space. It reminded me of walking into my grandmother’s kitchen – a warm, familiar embrace that instantly puts you at ease.

The restaurant blends traditional Lebanese charm with contemporary elegance, creating an inviting atmosphere that pays homage to home cooking. Inside, cane-backed chairs and wooden tables complement a colour palette of earthy tones and soft lighting. Framed photographs and a striking mosaic-tiled oven serve as subtle nods to the culinary heritage celebrated here. The courtyard-style seating extends this warmth, with floral upholstery, wrought iron chairs and plenty of greenery, making it feel like a tranquil garden in the middle of the city.

Indoor Comfort or Open-Air Charm

The restaurant offers both indoor and ‘inside-outside’ seating, the latter being a semi-open space that bridged a relaxed café feel with a lively social hub. This area not only accommodated those looking for a more casual dining experience but also offered hookah, allowing guests to unwind fully. A giant screen in the background alternated between rolling images of Lebanon and, during sporting events, live broadcasts that brought the entire space to life with a communal energy.

The Chef’s Personal Touch

As we settled in, we were greeted by Chef Antonios Souss, whose presence added a personal touch to the experience. With genuine enthusiasm, he talked about each dish, explaining its origins and how everything was prepared fresh in-house. He ensured that the menu stayed true to Lebanese traditions, catering to those who sought authenticity, while still being enjoyable for all. His attentiveness extended beyond just presenting the food – he checked if we needed anything else and made sure we felt at home.

A Mezze Feast

The meal began with a selection of cold mezze. The Dream Salad was a refreshing opener, bright with parsley, green onions, fresh oregano and walnuts, all brought together with a sharp yet balanced mix of pomegranate molasses, lemon and olive oil. The Hummus Mohamara, a unique twist on the classic, combined creamy chickpeas with the smoky sweetness of mohamara. Moutabel added another layer of richness, its grilled eggplant infused with tahini and pomegranate. The vine leaves, delicately stuffed, provided a comforting familiarity. Each dish was fresh, vibrant and clearly prepared with care.

Moving on to the hot mezze, the sausages with pomegranate molasses offered a satisfying contrast of savoury and tangy, while the sujuk with tomato, green bell peppers and onions packed a bold, spiced punch. The cheese rolls were crisp and indulgent, balancing out the intensity of the other dishes. The spicy potatoes, fried to golden perfection and coated with chili paste, garlic and coriander, delivered just the right level of heat. And finally, the fried kebbe, filled with minced lamb and onions, had a perfectly crunchy shell giving way to a tender, flavourful filling.

Music, Atmosphere and Hospitality

Beyond the food, the experience was enhanced by a live singer performing throughout lunch. Her setlist, featuring Tarab music, provided a contemporary backdrop that felt both relaxed and engaging. The seamless blend of music, atmosphere and hospitality made the meal feel less like dining out and more like being part of a welcoming Lebanese gathering.

The Main Event

For the main course, the mixed grill platter arrived, featuring two kebabs, one taouk and a lamb skewer, all served with grilled vegetables. The meats were cooked to perfection – succulent, well-seasoned and infused with the unmistakable smokiness of the grill. Each bite reaffirmed the kitchen’s commitment to traditional preparation, letting the ingredients shine without unnecessary embellishments.

A Sweet Finale

We were completely full, but there’s always room for some dessert and it was a fitting finale. The baklava with mistika ice cream was both delicate and decadent, the nutty layers of pastry contrasting with the aromatic coolness of the ice cream. The second dessert, a layered creation of silky cocoa-infused custard with biscuit layers and a cloud of cotton candy, offered a playful mix of textures and flavours, melting effortlessly on the tongue.

Tawlet Yvonne successfully bridges authenticity with accessibility. Although its menu is rooted in traditional Lebanese flavours, its expertly crafted dishes and welcoming ambience appeal to all types of diners. It is a place where tradition is honoured not just in the food, but in the warmth of its hospitality. Whether for a long, leisurely meal, a quick bite or an evening of hookah and music, it offers a space where guests can unwind and enjoy the true essence of Lebanese culture.✤

GO: CALL 4484 2263 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.