Yasmine Palace

Yasmine Palace is one of the most theatrical places to eat in Doha. The restaurant sits on the Fountain Roundabout at Porto Arabia on The Pearl, and its interiors are inspired by classical Arab architecture, with carved walls, mosaics and chandeliers, and Andalusian details in the indoor rooms. A terrace looks out over the marina. Visit Qatar notes the jasmine-scented interior.

The menu brings together Qatari, Levantine and Andalusian dishes with a modern twist. Expect grilled meats, rice specialities and freshly baked bread, with desserts flavoured with rosewater and jasmine. There are separate breakfast and sweets menus, so it works for a late breakfast as well as for lunch or dinner. The restaurant is organised into several dining concepts, named Andalusia, Tamari, Alrabwa and Terrace, so ask which suits you when booking.

Opening hours are not listed on the restaurant's website, so call ahead to confirm times and to book, particularly for the terrace in the cooler months or for a group. As a restaurant outside a licensed hotel, it does not serve alcohol. Allow around two hours for a relaxed dinner. Smart casual dress fits the elegant rooms.

Yasmine Palace suits couples, families and visitors who want a memorable setting for a Middle Eastern meal, and it makes a good choice for a celebration or for hosting visitors. The breakfast menu makes it a good weekend option for a long, leisurely start to the day, and the sweets menu is worth a look if you only want tea and dessert.

If you are new to Gulf and Levantine food, start with a spread of mezze and fresh bread for the table, then share a grill or rice dish, which is how these menus are designed to be eaten. Leave room for a dessert from the sweets menu with tea.

Porto Arabia is the marina area of The Pearl, north of West Bay and Katara Cultural Village, so a taxi or ride-hailing app is the easiest way to get there. After eating, walk along the Porto Arabia waterfront or take a short taxi ride to Qanat Quartier for the canals and water taxis. Yasmine Palace also has a second location at Doha Festival City, which is useful if you are staying on that side of the city.