Nobu Doha. Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Doha
If your idea of a glamorous morning meal is eggs Benedict and a mimosa, then Doha’s brunch scene will be an eye-opening experience. Friday brunch is something of an institution — it’s anticipated all week and executed with skill and precision by both restaurants and attendees.
And it seems that this time-honored tradition is no longer confined to Fridays, with many hotels and dining venues offering Saturday spreads to keep the spirit alive well into the weekend.
Get a sample of Doha’s ever-evolving brunch scene with one of these five sumptuous services.
Friday Brunch at Nobu Doha
Location, cuisine and atmosphere — Nobu Doha’s Friday brunch is a winning recipe for foodies. A hybrid of à la carte and buffet items, the impressive spread in the main dining room comes with stunning views of the coastline.
The self-serve options are a great sampling of the venue’s Japanese-Peruvian fare: a lineup of sushi and maki rolls is continually topped off by the knife-wielding chefs, while a smorgasbord of fresh catches (oysters, prawns and lobster, depending on availability), foie gras and ceviche tempt the palate. Don’t miss out on the addictive crispy rice morsels topped with crab or prawn.
Should you prefer to order individually, choose from a list of signatures, such as black miso cod or snow crab legs. A platter of petite bites will be served for you to nibble on while you wait.
Pair your picture-perfect meal with a cocktail (the lychee martini is particularly refreshing) or, if you’d rather not imbibe, one of the mocktails.
Elements. Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Friday Brunch at Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Considered by many to be the brunch to beat them all, the foodie extravaganza at this Doha grand dame can be overwhelming at first glance.
Regulars head straight for the expertly made sushi and handmade noodles at Elements — this restaurant’s Asian cuisine is among the best in the city. For a more decadent Friday meal, look for the foie gras, Peking duck pancakes or the tender Arabic grilled meat cooked before your eyes.
In the cooler months, try to snag a sought-after terrace table with views of the resort’s garden and beach.
Families are well-catered for with a dedicated kid’s buffet as well as games and entertainment provided by children’s clothing company Gymboree.
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The Big Apple Brunch at New York Steakhouse
Held in the American restaurant of Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, this brunch differs from its counterparts in that it’s purely à la carte. You’ll be welcomed with a cold seafood platter and French bubbles, and it only gets better from there.
The menu features a selection of favorites from the daily menu in addition to a few specialties — expect crisp crab cake Benedict, slow-cooked beef cheeks with pureed potatoes and lobster bisque.
A medium beef roast is served tableside, as is the venue’s famous cheese cart, complete with housemade chutneys.
You also can choose from 25 different martinis, all made to order.
While the location may scream old-school dinner club, the vibe is actually more relaxed lunch with friends.
Morimoto Doha. Credit: Mondrian Doha
Momosan Brunch at Morimoto Doha
A new entrant in the capital’s competitive brunch market (the restaurant just started its service in October), this Japanese-inspired Saturday spread at Mondrian Doha is shaking up the scene.
The offerings include a mix of à la carte and buffet options, such as seafood-heavy starters like oysters and lobsters, tiny tacos filled with hamachi, and freshly fried tempura served from heaving platters perched on the sushi bar.
But save room for the entrées, which change each week. Standouts include the surprising shiso (a minty Japanese herb) risotto and spicy butterflied Angry Chicken (poultry marinated in hot roasted peppers).
The restaurant’s interior, including a rose gold chandelier centerpiece, feels decidedly sophisticated, and the karaoke setup in the private dining room allows you to channel your inner chanteuse.
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. Credit: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
All’Italiana Friday Brunch at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel
Boasting breathtaking views of the Corniche, this waterside hotel’s Italian-inspired offering could be forgiven if it let the venue do the talking. Fortunately, the menu and ambiance are up to the task.
An antipasto assortment of meats, cheeses, fresh seafood and other favorites is the best place to start before moving on to to the mains, which include slow-cooked beef and lamb rack.
Made-to-order pasta and hot-from-the-oven, thin-crust pizza are highlights, as is the decadent gelato section.
When conditions permit, make the most of the property’s gorgeous setting and request a table outside.
