(13 December 2025) - The Michelin Guide has published its 2026 restaurant ratings for Doha. The second edition recognises the city's ever-evolving gastronomic identity and introduces twelve new restaurants, nine of which receive a recommendation. Eight restaurants receive the Bib Gourmand award for their excellent value for money, while three establishments are honoured with a Michelin star.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said: "The selection of the Michelin Guide Doha 2026 reflects the remarkable evolution of the culinary scene in this dynamic city. Doha is not only a cultural centre, but has also established itself as a destination for foodies seeking exceptional experiences. The new Bib Gourmand awards and the continued presence of Michelin-starred restaurants emphasise Doha's commitment to quality, creativity and innovation. As the gastronomic landscape continues to flourish, Doha promises unforgettable culinary moments and an even more promising future for its culinary identity."

One star

Stars are awarded to restaurants with outstanding cuisine. Five universal criteria are taken into account: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef expressed in his cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency across the menu and over time.

The Italian restaurant Alba, nestled in the iconic Katara Towers of the luxurious Raffles Doha, was awarded a star this year thanks to the culinary artistry of chef Cristhian Serraino. Dishes such as veal cheek braised in Barolo and spaghetti with prawn ragout, as well as the premium ingredients used, such as Balfegó tuna flown in from Europe, made for an unforgettable experience.

Holding a star is one of the highest honours in the culinary world, and in the 2026 edition, two restaurants once again proved their excellence. Jamavar and IDAM by Alain Ducasse proudly defend their awards, reaffirming their mastery and commitment to exceptional gastronomy.

Bib Gourmand

The Bib Gourmand award recognises restaurants that offer high quality food at an excellent price. Four restaurants receive this rating for the first time:

• Fenyal: This cosy café on Gewan Island is a popular meeting place for locals and serves delicious, reasonably priced Middle Eastern dishes - from falafel and lamb kofta to aromatic Arabic coffee.
• Mila: Located on the first floor of Rosewood Doha, this inviting restaurant offers Mediterranean and Levantine dishes to share from chef Marc at excellent value for money.
• Berenjak Al Maha: Persian elegance meets island charm with hearty stews, fresh bread and kebabs grilled over charcoal - all at fair prices.
• Baron: The sister restaurant of the popular Beirut restaurant serves Mediterranean fusion cuisine with generous dishes to share, such as crab capellini, and offers excellent value for money for a business lunch.

Isaan, Argan, Jiwan and Hoppers retain their awards from the previous year.

Recommendations

Nine new restaurants are recommended in the guide selection.

• Em Sherif: This popular Lebanese restaurant on Al Maha Island impresses with its elegant interior and a terrace with breathtaking city views.
• Carbone Doha: On Al Maha Island, this lively branch of a New York icon serves classics such as spicy rigatoni, steaks and lamb chops.
• Koo Madame: Dark and stylish, this restaurant in Rosewood Doha showcases dim sum, hand-pulled noodles and table-side carved Peking duck.
• Shanghai Me Doha: This intimate city restaurant combines Chinese and Japanese flavours in a luxurious 1930s-style setting. Highlights include silver cod with yuzu miso, short rib gyoza and zodiac-themed cocktails.
• Hunters Room & Grill: Look out for the deer statue at the Westin Doha - here you can expect premium Australian steaks and bold flavours. The sea bass aguachile is a must-try.
• Koo Madame: Look out for the deer statue at the Westin Doha. Here you'll find prime Australian steaks and dishes with bold flavours. Salt Road: This restaurant at the Andaz Doha celebrates South African cuisine with smoked beef brisket, Josper oven-roasted mushrooms and outstanding steaks.
• Loris: In an elegant setting on The Pearl, authentic Lebanese dishes are served to share, from creamy hummus to cherry kebabs.
• Mr & Mrs Hawker: Experience Singapore's hawker culture with colourful dishes such as chilli crab and mango sago pudding.
• yūn: This opulent Chinese restaurant combines panoramic views with Cantonese classics. Start with dim sum and finish with the house speciality: roast duck, served two ways.

Special awards

With its Special Awards, the Michelin Guide recognises the diverse achievements in gastronomy and honours the most talented and committed personalities in the industry.
The Young Chef Award goes to Cristhian Serraino, head chef at Alba, a talented young chef whose experience in top European kitchens is reflected in his work. His dishes are creative, perfectly balanced and full of flavour. The award for the best new opening of the year goes to Koo Madame, an elegant restaurant that revives the charm of Shanghai in the 1920s and offers a truly unique culinary experience. Guests are pampered by attentive and warm staff who make every visit special.

The Shanghai Me Doha receives the service award. The testers praised the professional, friendly and extremely attentive team who provide exceptional service. The staff respond to guests in a friendly manner and often recommend their favourite dishes, adding a personal and welcoming touch. The yūn was honoured with the award for exceptional cocktails/mocktails. Located on the 44th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Doha, this sophisticated Cantonese restaurant combines breathtaking views with creativity. The signature tea-based mocktails are artfully prepared, complex in flavour and beautifully presented.