A restaurant only earns a loyal following by getting the basics right. At Scarpetta in Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail, Sirine Boudjadi discovers comforting Italian classics and warm hospitality that make a compelling case for booking a table.

After a year of eating my way around Doha, I’m starting to revisit some of the city’s standout restaurants. Scarpetta is one I was more than happy to return to and this second visit only confirmed why it’s built such a loyal following. We are welcomed by the restaurant manager, whose warmth and enthusiasm are probably just as much a part of the experience as the food itself.

To start the night, we’re brought warm Stromboli bread stuffed with tomato, broccoli and mozzarella, plus three things you’ll want to keep dipping into: silky butter, citrus-infused olive oil and an eggplant caponata with basil and onion that’s sweet and savoury.

Before the starters make their entrance, we’re treated to a little amuse-bouche. It changes regularly, but during this visit, it’s a Mushroom and Truffle Croquette, crispy on the outside, unbelievably creamy in the middle. One bite in and we’re more than ready for the rest of the menu.

To ease ourselves into the meal before the inevitable carb fest, we go for the Farmer’s Market Salad. Seasonal vegetables, truffle pecorino and sherry vinaigrette, it’s fresh, crisp and exactly what we expect from a salad.

One of the restaurant’s other signatures is the Braised Short Rib, served with farro risotto. Coated in a glossy sauce, the beef is so tender we barely need a knife. The farro keeps a little bite that makes a nice change from a classic risotto. We also try the Creamy Polenta with truffled mushroom fricassée and it’s comfort in a bowl: smooth, buttery and rich, with the mushrooms adding plenty of earthy depth. Or are these all appetiser portions?

A Pasta Feast

Let’s be honest, this is what we came for: the pasta. And picking just one feels almost impossible. Having tried several dishes over different visits, I can safely say this is where Scarpetta really shines. The signature Spaghetti Tomato & Basil is proof that simple doesn’t mean boring. The sauce tastes fresh, naturally sweet and coats every strand perfectly. That said, if I could only order one thing here forever, it’d still be the Cacio e Pepe Ravioli. Instead of the traditional pasta, the restaurant turns the Roman classic into delicate little boat-shaped ravioli filled with a creamy pecorino and black pepper mixture. Every bite bursts with the sauce from the inside, making it somehow even more indulgent than the original. They’re finished with a glossy butter-and-cheese emulsion and crispy Parmesan shards for extra texture.

For anyone trying to hit their protein goals (or just looking for an excuse to order more food), there are plenty of options beyond pasta. The Pan Seared Salmon, with braised endive, chickpea purée, tomato compote and pistachio crumbs, gets the balance just right.

Another big star here is the Black Angus Grilled Tomahawk (1400g), made for sharing, but after everything else we’d ordered, that feels slightly ambitious. Instead, we go for the New York Strip Steak. Served pre-sliced with black pepper and mushroom gravy sauces, the meat is juicy, perfectly cooked and nicely charred around the edges. Grilled corn, tomato and mushrooms complete the board.

Sweet Treats The Scarpetta Way

Just when we think the meal has reached its perfect conclusion, our server, Tun, tempts us with dessert. Unable to resist, we order both the Valrhona Chocolate Cake and the Classic Tiramisu. The chocolate fondant is exactly what you’d hope for: rich, intensely chocolatey and paired with caramel gelato.

The tiramisu arrives in a glass hidden beneath a dark chocolate dome. Then, right at the table, hot espresso is poured over the top. The chocolate slowly melts, collapsing into the mascarpone cream and soaked sponge fingers underneath. Within seconds, the whole thing turns into this warm, glossy, coffee-soaked dessert that’s as fun to watch as it is to eat.

The food may be the headline, but the setting deserves a mention too. Think curved leather booths, statement green marble tables, soft lighting and plenty of greenery, all giving the restaurant a polished New York-Italian feel without tipping into anything overly formal. It’s stylish, comfortable and somewhere you’ll happily linger long after dessert. Huge credit also goes to Tun, who looked after us from start to finish and made the whole evening effortless with spot-on recommendations and genuinely friendly service.

GO: Call 4456 5779 for more information or to make a booking.