Doha's Best International Brunch: Five Years Of Excellence

It's been five years since the finest address in Qatar: the iconic St. Regis Doha opened its doors to the public, and the hotel's success has been unwavering ever since. With an impressive thirteen industry awards to its name in 2016 alone, it's undoubtedly a front-runner amongst the luxury, five-star hotels in the country and throughout the region.

There are numerous reasons behind the hotel's five years of excellence, and the food served in the twelve world class restaurants, lounges and bars have a large role to play in it (see my review on Gordon Ramsay). However, there is one St Regis culinary tradition that stands out amidst them all, and that is the Friday Grand Brunch.

One of the first questions I was asked by people when I moved to Doha back in 2013 was, "Have you been to brunch at the St Regis yet?" as if I couldn't quite be considered a real resident until I had. It wasn't until my first experience there one month later that I finally came to understand what all of the fuss was about.

Diners can choose between the comfortable yet refined space within the hotel's restaurant, Vine, or outside seating on the terrace, where the shaded tables overlook the azure blue of the Persian Gulf.

Upbeat, live music lilts through the crowds. This is a brunch for groups of friends to mingle in a chilled-out setting, with a relaxed, party vibe. It's the perfect place for a celebration.

 
These days, the brunch extends beyond the confines of the outdoor area next to Vine, covering 2,500 square metres of lavish offerings and live cooking stations led by the hotel's acclaimed chefs from Astor Grill, Opal by Gordon Ramsay and Vine.

The resulting array of cuisines on offer could be disconcerting to the inexperienced bruncher. This is a brunch that requires an extensive map with a key. There seems to be something for everyone, and yet surprisingly, there is no scrimping on quality.

It provided the perfect location for a catch-up with a friend recently over a glass or two of bubbly (and a plate or six of food) while Sophia chilled out to the live music and napped in the cool ocean breeze.

It's not simply the food or the atmosphere that makes this my favourite international brunch in Doha, but the overall experience. To date, I'm yet to find another brunch that comes close.

What's been your experience of the St Regis Doha in the five years since it opened?

The details:

The St Regis Doha, West Bay, Doha, 14435, Qatar | (+974) 4446 0000

Price: QAR 350 with soft beverages | QAR 450 with alcoholic beverages

 I was a guest of the St Regis Doha this time, but as always all views are my own.

To read about my top child-friendly brunch in Doha, head here.