I spent two years living in Qatar, where I quickly came to appreciate the country’s stunning cafe culture, especially in its capital, Doha.
The city attracts coffee lovers, and the cafes in Qatar offer a variety of concepts and are great places to work, catch up with friends, or just relax over a hot drink.
I’ve visited my fair share of cafés across Qatar, and I wanted to round up some of the ones that stand out to me.
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Disclaimer: All views are my own.
Qinwan Cafe
Qinwan Cafe is a great choice for breakfast or lunch in Doha, especially outdoors when the weather is just right.
When I visited, I was very impressed with the menu, as many of the items were ones I had seen at other cafes in Qatar I’ve visited, which is refreshing. The cafe aims to keep “a blend of traditional tastes with a contemporary twist,” and I think it’s done well.
The cafe is popular among Qataris themselves, as you can’t miss all of the white thobes during breakfast time.
Qinwan is located in Msherib, one of my favorite areas in Doha, tucked away in one of the buildings, making it a great place to walk around after your time there.
Rusk Artisanal Bakery
A bakery and café in one, Rusk has a great range of freshly baked pastries and bread as well as an all-day breakfast menu.
Funny enough, it’s a Talabat order that put this cafe on my radar, as the food was so delicious I had to visit.
The cafés ambiance is soothing thanks to its neutral colors and decor choices.
My go-to order: Focaccia with Homemade Dips + Ruby Iced Tea
Pampas
Imagine a cafe where you get to sit and enjoy the views of a sparkling waterfront while watching a camel parade pass you by.
Well, thankfully, you don’t just have to imagine it but can experience it for yourself because at Pampas it is the reality.
My absolute favorite café in Qatar, it is located in Al Wakrah and has such a soothing atmosphere.
Unlike many of the cafes I’ve visited in Qatar, Pampas offers a selection of lighter dishes inspired by Balkan cuisine, alongside other offerings. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual cafe scene in Qatar, this is a great place to visit.
Pampas is about 30 to 45 minutes away from Doha City Center, so depending on where you are commuting from, it will take some time to get there.
Planning Tip: Reach out to the café to ask what time the camel parade usually passes by, as timing does vary depending on the season. Once you have the time, I would aim to arrive one hour earlier as the camel parade does not last long and you don’t wanna miss it!
My go-to order: Beetroot Four Cheese Ravioli
EL&N
If you’re looking for one of the prettiest cafes in Qatar, EL&N is worth a visit.
Known for its signature pink decor and floral displays, the London-born cafe has brought its aesthetic to Doha, creating a stylish and Instagram-worthy space.
Even many of the drinks and desserts have shades of pink, adding to the cafe’s charm.
Beyond its interiors, EL&N offers an extensive menu with specialty coffees, matcha drinks, all-day breakfast options, and desserts.
Artist Cafe
One of the most unique cafes in Qatar, the Artist Cafe combines coffee with creativity.
At this cafe, you are encouraged to paint your own canvas and take your artwork home as a souvenir.
For a small fee, the cafe provides canvases, paints, brushes, and all the supplies you need to create your own masterpiece, making it a fun activity for all ages.
Located in the Qanat Quartier at The Pearl, the cafe is surrounded by colorful buildings and scenic canals.
Planning Tip: Choose a table outside overlooking the canal. You’ll have a front-row view of the passing boats and the opposite side of the canal.
Earth Organic Coffee
Earth Organic Coffee has several locations across Doha and is a popular spot among the city’s coffee enthusiasts.
Known for its organic coffee, it’s a go-to spot for those who appreciate high-quality brews in a calm, minimalist setting.
While I’m not a big coffee drinker myself, I’ve enjoyed tea at several of their cafés with people who love coffee and always appreciate the relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, this may be your place.
Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters
A beautiful cafe in Msheireb, Toby’s Estate is another one of my favorite cafes in Qatar.
You’re greeted by lush greenery thoughtfully placed throughout the cafe, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
The indoor seating is comfortable and makes it a great spot to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done.
There’s also outdoor seating, which is especially enjoyable during Qatar’s cooler winter months when Msheireb comes alive with locals and visitors.
Athr Cafe
Athr Cafe blends Qatari and Arab flavors with classic cafe foods, creating a menu that’s both familiar yet local.
Located inside the Perfume Souq in Souq Waqif, I love how the cafe keeps a traditional touch with its decor and ambiance, given the historic character of the souq.
If it’s your first time visiting Qatar, I think Athr Cafe is a wonderful place to experience the country’s cafe culture while soaking up the atmosphere of one of Doha’s most popular attractions.
Evergreen Organics
Evergreen Organics is Qatar’s first fully vegan cafe, opening its doors in 2016.
The cafe is a great option if you’re looking for fresh, healthy, plant-based food in Doha.
The menu has something for everyone, from smoothie bowls and cold-pressed juices to hearty burgers, tacos, salads, and all-day breakfast dishes. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a lighter meal, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.
I’ve visited two of their three locations—The Gate Mall and The Pearl—and loved both.
Desert Rose Cafe
Located inside the National Museum of Qatar, the Desert Rose Cafe is inspired by the museum’s stunning architecture, which mimics an actual desert rose.
The cafe serves Qatari fusion cuisine and is a great spot to try traditional Qatari dishes, as well as regional favorites. I’ve had a lot of my first regional dishes here when they were difficult to find elsewhere.
Another unique feature is the robot servers, which add a fun and memorable touch when your food is ready.
Planning Tip: Add the cafe to your itinerary on a day when you’re already planning to visit the National Museum of Qatar. It’s the perfect place to take a break during your museum visit while enjoying a taste of local cuisine.
Subzero Cafe
If you know anything about Qatar, you know that it gets extremely hot during the summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 104–113°F (40–45°C).
Subzero Cafe provides a temporary solution to the heat with its ice lounge cafe kept at sub-zero temperatures and decorated with ice sculptures and frozen furniture.
As part of the entry fee, you are given a warm coat, gloves, ear muffs, and a hot drink to enjoy while inside.
Cup N Go
Cup N Go is a cafe in Qatar that I find ideal for meetings or getting some work done.
The space is usually calm and quiet, with light bites and drinks available, making it a great spot to step away from the home or office and focus in a different environment.
