MARVELLOUS Grills and Girly Giggles

We love exploring the dining scene in Doha and after hearing rave reviews about authentic Zeituna Lebanese Restaurant we couldn’t help but organise a girly gathering to explore the culinary delights on offer in the ideally located City Centre Rotana Doha.

As we entered Zeituna, situated on the first floor of the City Centre Rotana Doha, our senses were tantalised. The first thing which strikes you is the modern yet sumptuously authentic décor which extends throughout the restaurant. Attention to detail is what sets Zeituna apart from other Lebanese and Arab establishments. From the quirky, orange molded tumblers which are the perfect vessels for the fine selection of drinks on offer, to the freshly prepared Shishas, everything is designed to draw diners into an all encompassing Lebanese experience within the City Centre Rotana, Doha.

The staff were attentive and knowledgeable as they handed us menus and brought drinks, very swiftly to the table, before helping us to make informed choices from the extensive menu. Zeituna offers set menus which provide an introduction to a wide array of Lebanese dishes such as Pan fried Chicken Livers with lemon and pomegranate sauce, fried baby fish and sensational Lebanese mixed grills. They vary in price and choices. We opted for the extensive a la carte menu this time.

Despite being very eager to order after seeing some of the white platters emerge from the kitchen, the intoxicating entertainment delivered by Fadi Kfoury and Cynthia made it very difficult to draw our attention away from them to the menu. Zeituna not only provides a feast for the eyes but also the ears as well as the live music acting as an additional form of seasoning for the mind as opposed to the mouth.

Hummus Beiruti was creamy and vibrant due to the addition of tomatoes and fresh mint. The cheese rolls with air cured beef were also a spectacular start, which made me wonder if Zeituna had peaked too soon and our main courses would be a disappointment. Needless to say this was not the case. Having seen other diners devouring their mixed grills I couldn’t resist. The mix of kofte, taouk and veal were seared to perfection and coated in authentic spices which complimented the charred tones from the grill. The accompanying fries and vegetables were equally tasty and well cooked.

My dining companions had looked on with envy as my platter arrived, however, their marinated veal fillet and boneless, marinated, grilled chicken dishes soon fulfilled their cravings. At this point I should mention that one companion was from Lebanon and having enjoyed the apple and mint shisha as much as everything else at Zeituna she gave it an authentic seal of approval.

For reservations please call City Centre Rotana Doha +974 4445 8888