SD discovers a cosy ambience coupled with classic flavours on a visit to Harry’s Dolce Vita.

Set in the vast expanse of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha, Harry’s Dolce Vita Doha promises an exceptional and sophisticated Italian dining experience and tonight we are putting it to the test. The entrance is breathtaking enough for an unforgettable start to the night and as soon as we enter, we are mesmerised by the opulent interiors. There’s charm, there’s luxury, there’s incredible art everywhere we look.

The brown leather couches give a warm feel and add an elevated touch to an already elegant space. Despite its contemporary feel and modern aesthetics, it’s hard not to notice how cosy the restaurant feels.

Colourful, modern artworks mixed with greyscale portraits adorn the walls. The space feels well thought out with picture frames that are not overbearing and brilliantly blend with the surroundings. Dim lights create a romantic ambience and this feels like the perfect intimate dinner spot.

There’s an open entertainment area on one side and an al fresco dining space on the other. The weather tonight is rather pleasant, so we’re happy to dine outdoors.

The chef passes by and introduces himself and on first interaction, we’re confident he knows his way around the kitchen.

Our server starts us off with some drinks and a few recommendations. He promises us the best of the menu and we’re happy to let him take the reins. Harry’s Persian Iced Tea is noteworthy, served in a rose gold tumbler and crowned with fresh mint. Then cute plates with quirky stemmed flowers are placed on the table alongside stylish cutlery and the server brings out a plate of Calamari Fritti, Truffle Arancini Balls and a twirl of truffle Tagliolini that smells like pure indulgence.

The crispy, polenta-coated squid is not greasy at all and pairs well with a light garlic aioli on the side, enough to lift the flavour without overpowering the light seafood bite. We take a nibble of the arancini, and a burst of truffle notes in the deep-fried rice takes over in the best way. Generous amounts of parmesan shavings melt on top.

Harry’s signature antipasti is the tagliolini, a feather light spaghetti-style pasta tossed with parmesan, cream and truffle. It sounds simple but a just a few ingredients bring together an incredible complexity in flavour, while still managing to keep it light enough for an appetiser. We really did save the best for last.

But last of just the first course, to be clear. The mains haven’t even started yet and from the chef’s introduction, we’re convinced some strong candidates are going to battle it out for favourite at our table.

The pizza menu at Harry’s is very promising. The hand-stretched dough is proofed for 72 hours and then served in the form of an incredibly decadent looking variant named Rosso. One bite and the lightness of the crust is impressive. We immediately feel a tingle on our tongues from the spicy pepperoni but there are so many fresh flavours to balance it out. A magical medley of the finest Italian ingredients includes schiacciata piccante, red onion, roasted peppers and black olives enhanced with rocket and wild oregano on top. This pizza is an experience in itself and one we’d exclusively come back for.

We really don’t want to be distracted, but an absolute banger makes an entrance – Harry’s Spaghetti Seafood. It’s telling that spaghetti appears first in the name before the seafood, and rightly so. The spaghetti isn’t just the vessel for the seafood but complements it and happily shares the crown with marinated and cooked prawns, squid, clams and mussels. No second fiddles here, every component is a star in its own right.

A chicken dish for main would hardly be our preference at an Italian restaurant. But the Truffled Chicken in the Secondi menu calls for an exception. This roast half-chicken is generously doused in a rich, creamy mascarpone truffle sauce with sauteed mushrooms. The fungi add those familiar earthy flavours and while one can never go wrong with a mushroom-truffle combination, there is something impeccable about its treatment here. Every bite feels like a treat. It almost feels like the chef crafted this exclusively for us, just once, as a grand gesture. Luckily, it’s on the menu, so every time we crave a bit of pampering, we know the Truffled Chicken sits right here in Harry’s Dolce Vita.

We can’t leave without trying Harry’s signature Tiramisu, which our server claims is the best in Doha. Flawlessly constructed inside a bowl wrapped with a serviette and a gold ring, it is simply but stylishly presented. The coffee-soaked ladyfingers are delicately meshed under layers of creamy mascarpone. The cocoa dusting adds a spot of balanced bitterness convincing us that this is indeed one of the best Tiramisus in the city. After a light yet indulgent sweet affair, we’re ready to wrap up the night.

How is any Italian fine-dining experience ever going to top this? We aren’t too worried about that. If we’re ever in the mood for an impeccable night out, we know exactly where to reserve our table. ✤

GO: CALL 7479 6061 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.