What’s better than enjoying the few breezy days before the summer heat outside sipping ice tea, coffee and lemon mint? Eating outdoors is an experience in itself, that you can indulge in during April and May. Feel the warm sunshine on your face and let the breezy wind brush your hair and skin. There’s nothing better than to find a place for breakfast, lunch and even dinner that allows you to sit in the fresh air and forget about time. But when the occasion arises and you are spontaneously seeking out an outdoor café or restaurant, you can never find one. This is why we have compiled a top 15 list of our favorite restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating for you!

1. Damasca

Souq Waqif with all its alleys and corners offers enough shaded spaces for those passing by. One of our favorite spots here must be Damasca, with the most delicious Syrian food, fresh ice-cold juices and laban to relax in the sun or in the shade. Come here with your friends, family, visitors or even alone accompanied with a book!

2. Eatopia

Located in the Gate mall with a roof terrace Eatopia is a hidden city spot with healthy and indulgent food options. Whether you are coming for coffee, a snack or fresh sushi, you will be able to have it all outside in the tower jungle of Diplomatic Area. Eatopia is a real trendsetter with the fine delicacies and multi-cuisine dishes.

3. Chac’late

Chac’late is the chocolate haven of the cultural village Katara. Next to the amphitheater you can sit after visiting one of the fantastic temporary exhibits Katara has to offer. The best time to come here is for the breakfast, which is now also offered in the new Orangerie, or for an afternoon waffle, chocolate fondue or avocado quinoa salad.

4. Isaan

Grand Hyatt’s Isaan is an amazing combination of fine dining and authentic Thai cuisine. You may choose your dinner from the a la carte menu or a selected menu from Chef Somporn. The outside seating guarantees a great experience you can share with friends or family.

5. Nobu

For opulent eatery, you could enjoy the diversely arranged outdoor seating with sea view at Nobu. One of the best sushi and regional cuisine restaurants of Doha, it presents you with superb food, spectacular architecture and the surrounding ocean. Choose on which of the three levels you would like to sit in the Four Seasons Hotel restaurant.

6. Papermoon

Jaidah Square has one of the nicest Italian restaurants in Doha. The fashionable restaurant has a lot to offer with its simple elegance, the shaded terrace and delicious dishes and desserts. Why not come here for a three course lunch or the authentic Italian breakfast with fresh coffee?

7. Burj Al Hamam

Love shisha under a clear sky by the water? Burj Al Hamam in Porto Arabia of the Pearl serves selected shisha flavors and fantastic Lebanese dishes in an upscale environment. Here you sit like a king and queen in the comfortable chairs and sofas, and can walk along the port after dinner.

8. Al Mourjan

The award-winning restaurant at the Corniche is all about views. The skyline is yours when dining outside the 7-star gastronomy. Try out the seafood and over one hundred Lebanese appetizers. When visiting Qatar or when you host visitors you should definitely make this your target for an unforgettable lunch or dinner.

9. Al Nahham

Have you been to Banana island yet? Maybe visit Al Nahham for dinner some time! It’s like a holiday for a single meal! Lavish Arabic dishes are prepared with the freshest seafood. Once you are there, the water balconies are a must where you can see Doha’s skyline and have a shisha.

10. La Dolce Vita

Another place to seek refuge when in the Souq, is La Dolce Vita. If you love Italian food, you will keep returning to this cozy, casual restaurant. It’s lively, inviting, vibrant and gives you the chance to get a taste of authentic Italian cuisine without having to travel very far. Opposite the restaurant you can get homemade gelato for dessert from the ice-cream parlor.

11. Chef’s Garden

The Chef’s Garden is located in Education City by the Equestrian Club. The fresh and tasty lunches there are complete with the garden in which you can sit while it’s not too hot yet. The food is even prepared with locally grown goods and very healthy. Come with your children that can play in the Kids Zone for free!

12. Museum of Islamic Art Park Café

The MIA Park Café becomes a convenient stop for families, coming to enjoy the park on Fridays and Saturdays. Space for the kids to play and run, and for everyone else to get ice cream, a little bite and karak for a picnic in the grass. A day well spent!

13. Opal by Gordon Ramsay

Classy lunches outside are fabulous at Opal by Gordon Ramsay in the St Regis. ‘Lazy Saturdays’, where time seems to stand still are one of the special days in Opal made for you to sit in the sun and have eggs benedict or other lovely dishes. Also try their burgers on the dedicated ‘Burger Night’, with a special homemade tomato sauce and fat fries.

14. The Atelier Art Café

Located on the Pearl, the Atelier Art Café is a place where you can chat with friends, work or read a book alone, and feel at ease. Flavorful salads, and chocolaty desserts wait for you. And when simplicity is all you need, have dates with Arabic coffee!

15. Victoria Tea Lounge

Finally, Victoria Tea Lounge is where you have your afternoon or high tea looking over Aspire Park. The green colors of Aspire give you the sense of being elsewhere and tea in the afternoon is best enjoyed outside. Victoria Tea Lounge is one of our favorites for everything sweet and savory in the afternoon!

So what will it be? Which one is your favorite for outdoor seating? How many can you check out before the heat arrives? This is a tasty race against the heat that you shouldn’t miss. Qatar has amazing weather, so make use of it!

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