When it comes to dining in Doha, few know the scene better than Rachel Morris — Qatar’s leading food writer and a longtime explorer of the city’s culinary landscape. From sophisticated business lunches to street-food snacks, Rachel has tried it all. We asked her to share her go-to spots across the city — the places she loves sharing with friends, colleagues and the ones she enjoys when dining solo. Whether you're after authentic Qatari flavours or the perfect flat white in a cozy coffee shop, her picks are a must for anyone looking to uncover Doha's food scene.
If you could recommend only one restaurant in Doha to visitors, which would it be?
This is like asking me to choose a favorite child! I have three I always recommend — Nobu for the location and incredible food, LPM also for location and laid-back vibes and Bandar Aden in Souq Waqif, for an authentic taste of regional food.
Where can you find the best authentic local cuisine in Doha?
In terms of Qatari food, definitely head to Souq Waqif — there you can find everything from Qatari family style dining to street food like ragag. For something more contemporary, definitely Jiwan at the National Museum of Qatar.
Best restaurant to invite your business partners to?
Market at W Doha — it’s well located, good food, a varied menu and they have a great business lunch. This has been a favorite of mine for years!
Perfect place to go with friends?
This depends on your mood! I am loving Msheireb at the moment, and there’s a lot of options there and it’s great to walk around. The cafe I really like is Qaqaw, which is a chocolate café on the square.
Best breakfast in Doha?
Shay Al Shamous in Souq Waqif for Qatari-style shakshouka and the karak. For something more elaborate, I do like the American-style breakfast – fried eggs and all the extras — at Ric’s in West Bay.
Best street food?
Souq Waqif should be your first stop in Doha for street food. From steaming hot karak and chapati from the cafes on the main walkway to freshly grilled meat skewers from Shujaa.
Best coffee?
Ohhh, this is controversial and with so many coffee shops opening every month in Doha, it’s hard to keep up. But I love Toby’s Estate in Msheireb and it reminds me of my home, Sydney. Also, flat white coffee never disappoints at Nomad in Souq Waqif (in the tunnel to Msheireb).
Perfect spot for a quiet, meditative dinner alone?
If the weather is cool enough, the MIA Park Café. You can’t beat that view and ambience and it’s a great place just to chill and watch the world go by. If it’s too hot, head to the MIA itself and the café inside on the ground floor also has great views to contemplate life over!
Best place to order lunch delivery?
I think lunch is my favorite meal! My repeat lunch orders are from Joe and the Juice (Tunacado FTW), the hearty and fresh salads from Graze and the viral stacked sandwiches from Caccia (always the number 13 with extra pickles).
