The holidays are coming and, with the season just starting, AMS was genuinely excited to sample the festive menu at Hunters Room & Grill at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa.

The dining room at Hunters Room & Grill felt calm and understated, all dark wood, warm lighting and clean lines that gave the space a modern, earthy character. The indoor garden just beyond the glass added a soft green backdrop, making the room feel even more open. There were already diners outside when we arrived, in lively conversation.

We were delighted by the sight of the open glass kitchen, where flames flickered hypnotically from the grill, promising culinary delights in the making.

Starters

We were there to try the festive menu, available throughout the December holiday period, and we immediately felt the seasonal vibe. The evening began with fresh, warm bread with either herb butter or a livelier chilli butter. Who doesn’t love freshly baked bread straight from the oven with butter?

We started with a sumptuous roasted chestnut and parsnip soup, a velvety blend of deliciousness with crispy beef chicharron adding surprising crunch and contrast. Alongside it, was a delicate beef carpaccio with truffle oil, presented in thin slices perfumed lightly with truffle and lifted by shaved parmesan. The brioche toast brought a gentle sweetness and a crisp edge that paired beautifully with the unctuous soup.

As we were finishing our starters, more guests drifted in. The atmosphere settled into a warm hum, helped in no small part by the team on the floor. Anna, in particular, set the tone: warm, poised and effortlessly attentive. She went about her job with an assurance that made guests feel both welcomed and well looked after. Her ease with diners, her quick understanding of what each table needed, and her ability to maintain a relaxed, polished rhythm throughout the evening lifted the entire service.

Mains

The festive grilled striploin arrived first among the mains. Cooked exactly as we had asked, it was juicy, well seasoned and confidently simple. The mashed potato we chose alongside it was smooth and buttery, the kind of classic comfort that anchored the plate and let the quality of the beef speak for itself. It was this dish, the striploin, that ultimately became the standout of the entire meal for us. Its straightforward presentation allowed the flavour and tenderness of the beef to shine, and the balance between seasoning, texture and technique made it the plate we kept talking about long after the meal had ended. Weeks later and we are still talking about the steak we had at Hunters.

The mint and herb-marinated lamb chops brought a different sort of richness. The chops were nicely charred on the outside and tender within, carrying rosemary, thyme and garlic in a way that felt fragrant rather than heavy. The cranberry-mint relish on top cut through the fat with a bright, sharp sweetness, giving each bite a lift that kept the dish feeling lively.

The roasted chicken with coconut glaze continued the contrasts. The saffron and ginger marinade gave the chicken a gentle warmth, while the coconut glaze added a soft sweetness that wrapped around the spices instead of hiding them. The roasted vegetables served with it were colourful and properly cooked, adding an earthy balance and making the plate feel generous and homely.

Dessert

Dessert brought the evening to a soft close with panettone served alongside ice cream and a light mango mousse. The combination felt both festive and refreshing, the soft, airy bread soaking up the melting ice cream while the mango added a bright, tropical note. If you’re looking for a welcoming spot to gather with family or a few colleagues from the office, Hunters is an easy choice. The setting feels warm and seasonal, the service is genuinely attentive and the food is excellent from start to finish. You’ll leave well fed, relaxed and very glad you picked it. ✤

GO: CALL 3359 8514 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.