Looking for a place to dine? Try these restaurants

Qatar although a small country, does not let its size be an obstacle to providing visitors a taste of that culinary experience.

Doha, its capital city is not short of world class restaurants to make a visitor's experience in Qatar complete. Here's a list of our choice of 10 restaurants in Doha that is known for great dining experiences.

IDAM

One can do no wrong to visit an Alain Ducasse restaurant, especially if that restaurant is IDAM, his very first restaurant in the Middle East. Located in the heart of the Museum of Islamic Arts, this restaurant will give you the best culinary experience it has to offer from the moment you enter the restaurant until you leave it.

The chef creates refined French Mediterranean cuisine with an Arabic twist, offering a wide selection of local and regional dishes that is as fresh as you can get anywhere. Phillippe Starck's unique design for the decor, which also offers a spectacular view of the beautiful Doha skyline, definitely creates a sophisticated atmosphere for your dining experience.

The staff here are trained for six months in order to provide you the best service possible, and with a name like IDAM (which means generosity), what would it give to its customers if not the best dining experience it has to offer?

IDAM also won "Restaurant Of The Year" in Time Out Doha's Restaurant Awards 2014.

La Varenne

Situated on the 28th floor of the West Bay's stunning Tornado Tower, La Varenne is Qatar's only brasserie serving traditional French cuisine in a contemporary setting. Executive chef Stuart Collins compiled the menu and took great care in making sure that diners are provided with exceptional standard of food and service in a relaxed atmosphere.

The restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner services but is most recognized for its exceptional Lunch service, winning the title of "Best Business Lunch" in Time Out Doha's Restaurant Awards 2014.

Market by Jean-Georges

Inspired by the souks that are both a way of life and the cultural heritage of the Middle East, Market by Jean-Georges is a melting pot where international cuisine meets the best of what local Arabian flavors have to offer. Jean-Georges who is well known internationally for his innovative and ground-breaking cuisine surely left his mark in the dining scene in Doha.

The restaurant which is located in W Doha Hotel & Residences has won numerous awards offers nothing short of excellence in its food and service. Surrounded by hundreds of different-sized jars filled with spices and delights from all around the globe, its "market" concept doesn't fail to offer an intimate environment that is still trendy and modern.

Gordon Ramsay at The St. Regis Doha

If you are looking for a romantic place to have dinner with your significant other, Gordon Ramsay at The St. Regis Doha, is definitely a restaurant you should visit. Winning Time Out Doha's "Best Romantic" award, Gordon Ramsay offers a unique experience in avant-garde dining that involves creating an environment and menu which offers a total theater of the senses.

Before you start your dining experience, you are invited into The Conservatory for a drink and to watch the theater and satisfy your thirst for the out of the ordinary. The attention to detail that is put into everything from the decor to the cuisine is impeccable and aims to give diners the best fine dining experience it has to offer. This is a great place to dine in if you want to experience a romantic night-out with your lover.

L'Wzaar Seafood Market

You know a restaurant is doing something right when it has Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence under its belt. Located in the Katara Cultural Village, the L'Wzaar Seafood Market offers over 50 varieties of seafood. Freshness is a top priority in the L'Wzaar Seafood Market and you can also decide what style you prefer your seafood to be cooked in.

Served in a number of styles including Classic Mediterranean, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Far Eastern and even Indian, you would be spoiled for choices! Your dining experience is only enhanced by the sparkling furniture and decoration imitating an underwater experience. It doesn't hurt that the restaurant is located right by the seaside either!

Hakkasan

Set in the gardens of the St. Regis Hotel, Hakkasan is a fusion of authentic and contemporary Chinese fine dining, especially the Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant features two private dining rooms; one inside and the other outside, as well as a Ling Ling Lounge.

Hakkasan's signature dishes include the Peking duck with caviar and grilled Wagyu beef with king soy sauces. Take note however, that you may not go in dressed just as you please because the dress code in Hakkasan is "smart elegant".

Saffron Lounge

If you are looking for authentic Indian food in the streets of Doha, then Saffron Lounge is a place you must visit. It is located in the Katara Cultural Village and represents Indian cuisine in its traditional, yet varied regional diversity. The menu with a wide array of traditional Indian dishes is designed to bring you on a journey through India.

The elegant interior of the restaurant is also consistent with the overall atmosphere it is trying to achieve with deep red colours to reflect the spicy flavours of the Indian cuisine. Service is excellent, and A dining experience in Saffron Lounge will be an exotic gourmet adventure for those who would like to experience it. The restaurant also offers a vegan-friendly menu.

The Anvil Rooms

Located on the 28th floor of the Tornado Tower, The Anvil Rooms is a steakhouse that provides a very unique setting with a traditional blacksmith's forge theme. The ensure the highest quality steaks, all the beef used are from carefully sourced farms worldwide, making the dining experience nothing less than the best.

If you feel like treating yourself to an exceptional meal, you can even try out their top of the range Kobe Wagyu Sirloin. Open seven days a week, The Anvil Rooms also offers a private dining room that will fit up to thirty-two people for those who prefer a more intimate setting.

With Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence and Time Out Doha's "Best Steakhouse" award, The Anvil Rooms is dedicated to providing an unrivalled dining experience for their guests.

The Cellar

The Cellar is a great place to dine in if you are into wine and tapas. While it offers a wide array of choices for anyone who wants a full meal on their plate, it is its extensive selection of Mediterranean Tapas that really stands out.

The wide variety of vintage wines in the wine tasting section is a great complement to tapas choices like the bite-size whoopie pie, saffron and parmesan arancini, or even the grilled asparagus with cheese fondue.

Its simple, dark wood and marble decor brings elegance to the environment and further enhances your dining experience. The Cellar is located in the Oryx Rotana Hotel along the Airport Road.

Mykonos

Located within the Intercontinental Hotel Doha, Mykonos offers the exciting flavours of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine right in the heart of Qatar. "Mykonos" is a small but beautiful island well-known for its stunningly beautiful landscapes, off the coast of Greece.

This influence is apparent in the traditional Greek flavours of the dishes and also in the decor of the restaurant. The restaurant has a well thought-out decor and ambience in the indoor area while the outdoor area overlooks the beautiful view of the pool, sea and the city.

What are some of your favourite places to dine in Doha? Share your list of favourite restaurants in Doha and let us know why in the comments below!