Leaving Doha behind, Sirine Boudjadi heads north-west to Qissa at Our Habitas Ras Abrouq for a laid-back lunch where the peaceful setting is every bit as memorable as what’s on the plate.

An hour’s drive from Doha isn’t exactly your average lunch plan but my first visit to Our Habitas Ras Abrouq quickly proves it’s worth the trip. Tucked away on Qatar’s north-west coast, it’s the kind of place you visit as much for the change of scenery as for the destination itself. After spending the morning unwinding at the resort’s spa, I’m more than ready for lunch, and Qissa, the property’s all-day dining restaurant, feels like the ideal next stop.

Overlooking the pool and the sea, the restaurant immediately sets the tone. The atmosphere is relaxed, nobody seems to be in a hurry and the natural wood interiors, woven light fixtures and earthy colours blend seamlessly with the landscape outside.

Before the experience begins, I’m handed the restaurant’s signature Hakuna Matata, a refreshing mix of apple juice, grapefruit juice and a hint of lemon. Light, fruity and just tart enough, it’s definitely what I’d want to be drinking by the pool on a warm afternoon.

Around The Table – Signature Dishes

To give us a proper introduction to the kitchen, the team has put together a selection of signature dishes and bestsellers. The Lamb Harees arrives first and it’s every bit as comforting as expected. Traditionally slow-cooked, the barley has almost melted into the rich lamb broth, creating a thick, creamy texture that feels somewhere between a risotto and a porridge. Tender lamb is folded through the dish before it’s topped with crispy fried onions and finished with pomegranate molasses, whose gentle sweetness lifts every spoonful. To lighten things up, the Date & Rocket Salad does the job perfectly. Made with locally grown jarjir lettuce from Heenat Salma Farm, roasted beetroot, dates, olives, walnuts and crisp radishes, it’s colourful, fresh and packed with contrasting textures.

By this point, the table is beginning to fill up. The Fiery Potato & Egg isn’t technically a main but it’s impossible not to order if you’re sharing. Crispy French fries are loaded with slices of chorizo, fried eggs and generous dollops of garlic aioli. The Honey Halloumi Saj keeps things comforting, wrapping golden grilled halloumi in warm saj bread with creamy chilli sauce, mashed avocado and sidr honey from Heenat Salma Farm. Simple yet satisfying, it’s proof that vegetarian dishes don’t have to play second fiddle.

The House Club has even more personality. Layers of marinated chicken, tomato, lettuce and creamy Akkawi cheese, also from Heenat Salma Farm, are tucked between toasted bread, with a generous side of crispy fries and a toum sauce that deserves to be used on just about everything.

Salmon and Steak That Don’t Disappoint

If fish is more your thing, the Roasted Salmon won’t disappoint. Served on a bed of bulgur with roasted carrots and celery, the salmon has flaky flesh, while the sundried tomato butter adds plenty of depth.

If you’re after something more substantial, the Steak Frites is the obvious choice. Thick slices of grilled sirloin are served alongside golden fries and a rocket salad, but it’s the pomegranate glaze that really makes the dish. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the beef, stopping every bite from becoming too heavy and adding sweetness to complement the char from the grill.

Signature Desserts to Remember

Dessert is just as tempting and if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Chocolate Tart. Roasted pecans, whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon add plenty of contrast in both flavour and texture. The Coconut Basbousa offers something completely different: soft and soaked in fragrant orange blossom syrup, it delivers coconut in every bite while remaining light enough to finish the meal on a refreshing and slightly less decadent note.

After working my way through so many of Qissa’s signature dishes, one thing is clear: the kitchen more than delivers. But as good as the food is, it’s the setting that makes me wish I had a little longer to stay. It’s calm, peaceful and feels a world away from the city. Sure, getting to Our Habitas Ras Abrouq takes a little planning but once you’re here, you’ll be glad you made the trip.

GO: Call 4023 0666 for more information or to make a booking.