Luke Bennett found good food and a great atmosphere at The Mondrian’s latest venue.

Stepping into Walima at The Mondrian, you’d be forgiven for thinking not a lot has changed. However, continue your journey out onto the newly refurbished terrace and you’ll instantly understand the excitement building around this venue. Welcome to The Patio by Walima, the uber stylish outdoor lounge area that is sure to be a hit on Doha’s social circuit.

Here you’ll find a selection of high-top stools and tables, perfect for sipping long drinks and listening to the latest tunes, along with a mixture of cushioned, lounging chairs in which to fully appreciate the perfect weather and al fresco vibes.

If you are seeking a stylish bar or a relaxed, chilled experience, The Patio by Walima has your desires covered in an elegant and surprisingly spacious outdoor setting.

As you select your seating preference, your eyes will instantly be drawn to the striking views across Doha’s skyline, and three imposing digital screens that flicker dazzling images to the beat of the music. The Patio has been revamped with an elevated DJ area centred between two open-air bars serving up a wealth of beverages for you to enjoy. Rotating strobe lighting adds to the club-like ambience.

The setting isn’t the only aspect that has been overhauled; now encompassing a wider variety of cuisines from across the globe, the new menu focuses mainly on an exciting assortment of hot and cold appetisers, designed to share.

While I rejoiced in the trendy atmosphere, an eclectic mix of dishes arrived at our table. A trio of smooth hummus dips complemented with cruditѐs and shards of crispy zaatar bread was my first port of call. The squash hummus delivered the sweetness; the chipotle hummus offered the spice. Next up was a plentiful portion of moreish, smoky Potatoes Bravas that were lighted brushed with a punchy, Peruvian cheese sauce and topped with fresh chilli and shavings of Manchego cheese.

The other appetisers truly showcased the newly enhanced culinary options on offer. Firstly, the Tomatino salad was simplicity at its finest – a perfect blend of fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes and the saltness of feta cheese made for a mouthful of flavoursome food. If that wasn’t enough, generous wedges of perfectly toasted focaccia bread made for wonderful dipping agents. The final sharing dish that I sampled was Tiradito Nikkei. ‘Tiradito’ refers to delicate tranches of seabass bathed in a zesty, ponzu sauce and ‘Nikkei’ indicates the South American-Japanese fusion with which this delectable dish was prepared. It was, quite simply, a pleasure.

If you are a reluctant sharer of food like me, do not fear! There is a considered selection of main courses that mostly pay homage to Arabic cuisine: a traditional Mixed Grill and Lamb Chops to name a few. I opted for a dish that I frequently enjoy – Shish Taouk. It’s no secret that the basis of a delicious Shish Taouk lies within the marinading and cooking of the meat. Pleasingly, the plentiful chunks of chicken breast were perfectly grilled – lightly charred yet still moist and tender with a subtle, smoky flavouring.

For a more international flavour, the second main I sampled was the Seafood Creamy Paella. The chef utilises saffron and piquillo peppers to develop a sweeter flavour and lessens the undertones of fish that you’d normally associate with Spanish Paella. Despite the soft, creamy nature of the sauce, the rice was by no means sticky and retained the ‘bite’ you’d expect from this well-known dish. Scattered generously across the bed of rice was an assortment of voluptuous shrimp, rings of tender squid and tasty mussels.

Just like the main options, the desserts offered up many Middle Eastern classics. I was extremely tempted by my personal favourite, Umm Ali. However, feeling adventurous, I ordered Olive Oil Cake whose sponge mixture of Greek yoghurt and olive oil was surprisingly light and soft. Wrapped around the sponge was a pistachio glace that added a ‘snap’, and a mixture of velvety cream and zesty lemon peaks adorned the cake.

If you were to order just one dessert, you must try the Dark Equatorial Chocolate Tart. Wow! Three layers of utter indulgence. At the base you’ll find a crumbly chocolate sponge; the middle layer provides a rich, dark chocolate ganache; and the top layer is a perfectly piped, sweet Jivara ganache. Wait, there’s more… a light quenelle of vanilla ice cream brings some freshness and crushed chocolate soil adds a welcomed textural element of crunch. A truly ‘must-try’ dish even for those diners who do not possess an overly sweet tooth.

The vision behind the recent renovation was to provide Doha with an establishment that exudes the sophistication of an international rooftop bar minus any unnecessary pretention. Without extravagant or elaborate decor, The Mondrian has achieved a perfect blend of chic, downtown Beirut and chilled Ibiza bar vibes. Now that the cooler months have arrived, The Patio by Walima provides an ideal location to enjoy ‘the golden hour’ with a beverage of your choosing; share and snack on a variety of appetising dishes from around the world; rejoice with a selection of hubbly bubbly; or bust out some dance moves as the music ramps up. ✤

GO: CALL 4045 5999 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.