15/09/2026
👀 A surprising brunch experience at Carbone 👀
To say I was a skeptic about this brunch would be an understatement. Carbone Doha has a bit of a reputation as a "party" brunch, and my days of those kinds of Friday events have faded, like my general tolerance levels. But I am always up for new brunch experiences with my friends.
A few snags at the start were handled quickly and professionally by the team, and we took up a table for eight on the long, light filled, air conditioned indoor/outdoor terrace. The food is perhaps secondary here and the prop for the "scene": big tables of friends and families, a DJ playing 80s/90s "like a version" bangers and some of the best service I have had for brunch in recent times.
The 1pm and late finish start meant we could all manage the “Great Doha Uber Drought of 2026”.
The food, it's a short menu designed for easy service and to soak up the tall cocktails, starts with their excellent bread and some tiny bowls of marinated cauliflower (a Carbone special). No buffet, just all starters served on the table and a choice of mains. Their famed spicy rigatoni gets a look in, as does a serviceable grilled herby chicken breast. Another main of lamb chops was less successful, reportedly chewy. These come with a side of crispy potatoes. The best of the bunch was their silky beef carpaccio, which only needed a hint of citrus to make it truly great. Desserts, again, crowd pleasing: cheesecake and French toast.
Price wise, yes it's punchy, but the cocktails were strong and drinks topped up and while the food was mostly forgettable, it was the company and experience that stayed with me.
The details
📌 Carbone, Al Maha Island
⏰ Friday 1pm to 5pm
💵 QR350 / QR450 / QR550
🍝 It's a short and sharp menu with no surprises, no real standouts, everything comes to the table
🍷 the cocktail selection is the standout - proper Bellini!
📝Try to get a table away from the speakers (trust me here) and near the floor AC vents
🎶 OK it’s loud but being “outside” helps - and the vibe is chilled.
👩🏼💻Sometimes you just need a circuit breaker and a genuinely fun afternoon after a few stressful months for all.
