Doha’s gastronomic scene has been on a rise lately with the countless amount of cafes, diners and bars opening every other day. As we all know today going to a restaurant is no more about just good food and a happy tummy. People want an experience and something that is Snapchat and Insta worthy. Well, if you didn’t click a picture it didn’t happen right? So most restaurant owners in Qatar have been coming up with great concepts to give the restaurant a personality of its own.

As a foodie my first criteria would be food first, but when the overall ambience of the restaurant meets the quality of food and service, that is when I would call it a complete dining experience.Believe it or not the interiors of a restaurant has a big impact on the customers mood and appetite.

Here’s my list of restaurants in Doha that not only serve yummy food but also stands out for its wonderful interiors.

1. SUGAR AND SPICE , ASPIRE PARK

Located at the aspire park, the exterior of the restaurant looks like a pretty and feminine  European house. Stepping inside, the staff greets you with a smile and you instantly feel a sense of belonging, as if you have reached home. Each area is decorated to the style of the standard rooms in a house with a delicate vintage chic feel. The pastel colors ,sheer curtains with lace, traditional yet contemporary decorations fit in perfectly. And just as you are mesmerized by the look of the place you can smell some baked goodness.

Breakfast is my favourite time of the day to be at Sugar and Spice. If you were to dine here make sure  to try their pink pasta and Goodie jar.

2. BURGERI, ASPIRE PARK

A local Qatari start up, right opposite Sugar and Spice at the aspire park is Burgeri. The place has a great American vintage vibe. The interiors are a mix of industrial, raw and minimalistic aligning with the theme of a renovated garage. The retro American music only adds to the experience. Their collection of old coca cola memorabilia’s is worth a special mention!

If you love burgers, then burgeri is the right place for you, the burgeri special meat burger and cheesy fries are definitely top of my list. When the weather is good, I love to sit at their roof top terrace.

3. SHAKESPEARE AND CO, THE PEARL

Shakespeare and Co is famous for their Victorian themed interiors. The style flaunts decorative arts and ornamentation. Its unique wall décor, ornate plates and frames, the candles chandeliers, ceiling and luxurious drape are elegant and classy yet makes you feel homely and comfortable. Each detail of the Victorian era has been carefully crafted in the interiors of the restaurant, importing you back to a different era. They have an elaborate food menu that doesn’t fail to please you. I love the pesto butter they serve with their breads.

4. PARISA, SOUQ WAQIF.

This Persian Restaurant has the most bold and glamorous interiors. The whole place sparkles with mosaics, mirrors, frescoes, golden walls and crystal chandeliers. The first time I visited I was drawn in by their stunning decor that sparkles when you pass by the streets of Souq Waqif. They have a lovely variety of appetisers and Persian kebab dishes to devour in. On the weekends they have a band playing live traditional music that is soothing and relaxing. This is a hidden treasure that gives you the best of the Arab world food and décor.

5. FRENCH OLIVE, AL SADD BARWA TOWERS

This place offers the best of both worlds: ITALY AND FRANCE!  A huge well lit open space, low hanging lamps, light blue chairs all of which gives you the feeling of dining by the coast of French riveira. The have a good selection of desserts and I loved their pizzas and lasagna. It is a perfect place to be with your family or friends to enjoy a tasteful meal with great ambience.

There definitely are a lot of restaurants in Qatar that have great interiors and food , it is hard to list all and a blog post must end. Some other unique places are Romeo & Juliette (Al Sadd), Fy Cafe (Barwa Al Sadd), Remman’s Cafe (Ezdan Towers Westbay), MokaArabia (Pearl Qatar) & Tasmeem Cafe (Al Nasr Street). If you haven’t already been there, why not try them this weekend?

Signing off,

Ameera Hassan.

Funky,x.o.