Doha’s dining scene blends Middle Eastern tradition with modern luxury, offering some of the Gulf region’s most memorable meals. The must-try experiences include desert barbecues, where you’ll feast on grilled meats while seated on cushions under the stars. I’m especially fond of the private island dinner cruises – they combine spectacular Arabian Gulf views with fresh seafood in a way that feels both authentic and special.
Traditional Qatari restaurants in the historic Souq Waqif serve home-style dishes like machbous (spiced rice with meat) and warm hospitality at reasonable prices. For upscale dining, the city’s luxury hotels house world-class restaurants with spectacular city views.
Let’s check out the top dining experiences waiting for you in Doha.
Key Points
- Private dinner on Safliya Island offers a boat trip, dinner, and beverages with stunning sunset views.
- Open-buffet dinner is included in private overnight desert safaris, providing a diverse culinary experience.
- BBQ dinner options during desert safaris enhance the overall desert experience with flavorful meals.
- Dining experiences in Doha feature 5-star meals with generous portions and breathtaking views.
- Feedback suggests concerns about food temperature and lighting in some dining experiences.
Doha : Full Day Desert Safari | BBQ Dinner | Inland Sea
A full-day desert safari in Doha, Qatar offers travelers an immersive experience into the captivating landscapes of the region.
Hosted in a 4×4 vehicle driven by a certified desert guide, the safari includes dune bashing for around 2 hours, a visit to the inland sea, and a shared desert camp.
Travelers can also opt for a camel ride for an additional 20 QR.
With 99% of 99 reviewers recommending the tour and a Badge of Excellence, this desert adventure is a must-do for visitors to Doha.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, coffee/tea, and bottled water, along with convenient pickup and drop-off within the city limits.
Read our full review: Doha : Full Day Desert Safari | BBQ Dinner | Inland Sea Review
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Private Overnight Desert Safari, Dune Bashing, Dinner & Breakfast
Travelers visiting Doha can embark on a private overnight desert safari, which promises an unforgettable experience of dune bashing, dining under the stars, and waking up to a serene desert landscape.
This highly-rated activity includes pickup and drop-off within Doha or Wakra, a professional desert safari driver, and a range of inclusions such as water, soft drinks, an extreme dune bashing experience, a visit to the inland sea, and an open-buffet dinner and breakfast.
While optional activities like camel rides and ATV biking are available for an additional fee, the overall experience boasts a 92% recommendation rate from travelers, with positive feedback on the skilled drivers and delicious food.
Read our full review: Private Overnight Desert Safari, Dune Bashing, Dinner & Breakfast Review
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Overnight Desert Safari || BBQ Dinner || Sand Boarding || Inland Sea Visit
Embarking on an overnight desert safari in Doha promises travelers an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling dune bashing, an authentic under the stars experience, the opportunity to try sandboarding, and a visit to the stunning Inland Sea.
The safari, which includes coffee, tea, breakfast, and lunch, offers private transportation and bottled water.
While not recommended for those with certain health conditions, the experience is highly praised, with 100% of past travelers recommending it.
Priced from $350 per person, this desert escape provides a badge of excellence and flexibility, with free cancellation and rescheduling options available up to 24 hours before the start time.
Read our full review: Overnight Desert Safari || BBQ Dinner || Sand Boarding || Inland Sea Visit Review
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Desert Safari 7 Hours Tour With Dinner and Camp
This 7-hour private desert safari tour in Doha, Qatar offers an immersive adventure for visitors.
Featuring a 100% recommendation rate across 22 reviews, the tour includes a thrilling 4×4 dune bash with a specialist driver. Guests can also visit the stunning inland sea and opt for additional activities like camel riding, quad biking, and sand boarding.
The experience includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, coffee/tea, and a delectable dinner or lunch at a 5-star desert camp.
Moderate physical fitness is required, and the private tour ensures an uncrowded experience.
With a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation/rescheduling policies, this desert safari is an unmissable highlight of any Doha visit.
Read our full review: Desert Safari 7 Hours Tour With Dinner and Camp Review
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Private Dinner on Safliya Island
For a memorable dining experience in Doha, Qatar, guests can embark on a private dinner excursion to the serene Safliya Island. Priced from $76 per person, this 5-star experience includes a boat trip, dinner, and beverages.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the activity accommodates up to 6 travelers. Guests have praised the stunning sunset views, generous portions, and attentive staff, though some raised concerns about food temperature and island lighting.
The provider has acknowledged the feedback and shown a willingness to address issues and provide refunds for unsatisfactory experiences.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this private dinner outing offers a unique opportunity to dine under the stars in a picturesque setting.
Read our full review: Private Dinner on Safliya Island Review
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Half Day Doha City Tour With Lunch or Dinner
Travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Doha can opt for the Half Day Doha City Tour with Lunch or Dinner.
Priced from €137.50 per person, this private tour includes private transportation, bottled water, a meal, and an English-speaking guide.
The tour covers key attractions in Doha, with the museum entrance fee included.
Pickup is available anywhere in the city, and the experience is confirmed at booking.
Reviewers have unanimously praised the tour, with all nine reviews rating it 5 out of 5 stars.
The tour is operated by Qatar International Tours, which offers a lowest price guarantee and a pay later option.
Read our full review: Half Day Doha City Tour With Lunch or Dinner Review
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Private Souk Waqif With Lunch or Dinner Tour
Situated in the heart of Doha, the Private Souk Waqif with Lunch or Dinner Tour offers travelers an immersive experience into Qatar’s rich cultural heritage.
For $96.15 per person, the tour includes private transportation, bottled water, and a meal at a local restaurant. Guests can explore the maze-like lanes and restored Arabian houses of the iconic Souk Waqif, learning about its history and browsing Qatari crafts, jewelry, spices, and fabrics.
An optional visit to a falconry shop allows for handling and photographing falcons. The tour also includes folk music, dancing, and the opportunity to see traditional donkey saddles.
Read our full review: Private Souk Waqif With Lunch or Dinner Tour Review
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Recap
Doha offers a range of exceptional dining experiences, from thrilling desert safaris with barbecue dinners to private dinners on secluded islands. Whether you’re seeking an adventure or a more relaxed cultural experience, the city’s diverse culinary offerings cater to all tastes. Visitors can enjoy these memorable experiences while seeing Doha’s captivating blend of modern and traditional elements.