Best Restaurants to Visit Near Al Bayt Stadium
Al Bayt Stadium, located in Al Khor, is one of eight stadiums to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar. The stadium, home of the tournament's opening match, is designed to resemble an enormous tent and is one of Qatar's most unique arenas. The tent structure is an ode to Qatar's nomadic heritage. Historically, Bedouin tribes, who wandered the vast Arabian plains in search of pasture for their herd animals, lived in tents weaved from animal hair, known locally as a 'bayt' (translated as 'home') to protect themselves from desert elements - hence the design of the Al Bayt Stadium.
Bedouins were, and still are, famous for their exceptional hospitality. Traditionally no guests, be they strangers, friends or enemies, were turned away from a Bedouins tent. Instead, they were fed, watered and given a place to rest for up to three days. Today, Al Bayt Stadium extends the Bedouin tradition of hospitality with a host of eateries for weary travellers to state their appetites. So, if you're feeling peckish while in the vicinity, you're guaranteed to find something to tickle your tastebuds. So, without further ado, let's look at our top three picks for places to eat a stone's throw from the stadium.
Lamazani Grill
Image: Bozhena Melnyk /Shutterstock.com
Founded in 1992 by a Persian resident of Qatar, the restaurant chain is well known for its fresh, healthy grills and kebabs, Persian flavours and reasonable prices. The restaurant's kebabs are best eaten hot from the tray with a squeeze of lemon and paired with jarjeer (rocket) leaves and piping hot bread! Kebabs, koftas and grilled lamb chops are favourites among locals. Besides the grills, they also have a selection of appetisers and salads, including lentil soup and hummus.
The food stop is located within the Al Bayt Stadium Park, a vast green area the size of over 30 football pitches, with lots of entertainment activities on offer, including a children's play area, basketball and padel courts, a man-made lake with boat rentals, bike rentals, exercise stations, horses and camel paddocks and more.
Location: Al Bayt Stadium Park, Al Khor
Hours: Saturday - Thursday: 11 am - 1 am; Friday: 12:30 pm - 1 am
Contact: +974 5010 0910
Website: https://lamazani.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamazani/
McDonald’s
Image: McDonald’s Qatar
If you're looking for something quick, easy and familiar to eat, look no further than the McDonald's inside Al Bayt Stadium Park. This well-known eatery, known for its array of burgers and fries, is well worth a visit just for its unique architecture. Taking inspiration from Al Bayt Stadium, this restaurant looks like a smaller version of the arena it sits adjacent to, making it one of the iconic branches in Qatar. Plus, the restaurant also offers plenty of seating, indoors and outdoors, with exceptional views of the stadium and the surrounding park, an indoor play area for kids, digital ordering platforms, and a digital drive-through - Qatar's first. For those looking to have a coffee and a sweet bite, the branch also has McCafe - the McDonald's cafe brand.
Since this branch of McDonald's is right beside the stadium, you can easily grab a meal before or after a match.
Location: Al Bayt Stadium Park, Al Khor
Hours: Open 24 hours
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcdonaldsqatar/
Al Mandarin
Image: almandarin.com
Al Mandarin is another homegrown brand located in Al Bayt Stadium Park. Originally conceived in Doha in 1998, this eatery has grown in popularity ever since, with nine outlets across the country. Though predominantly a fresh fruit juice and smoothie bar, Al Mandarin also offers a host of wholesome foods at its various branches. It is a great place to stop by before or after a match if you are looking for a light meal or want to grab a quick drink with friends and family. We highly recommend trying the signature Mandarin cocktail - a refreshing drink made of fresh fruit slices, cream, nuts, ice cream, and honey or the Feisal cocktail - a delicious medley of mango, coconut, and avocado with milk. In terms of food, try our favourites, the mouthwatering Tawook Meal - grilled chicken, or the delicious Riyash Plate - grilled lamb chops. If none of those appeals, there are plenty of other options - salads, sandwiches, and mixed grills, to name a few.
Al Mandarin is just a few minutes walk away from the Al Bayt Stadium door and is a great stop to make to try some of the local favourites.
Location: Al Bayt Stadium Park, Al Khor
Hours: Saturday - Friday: 1 pm - 10 pm
Contact: +974 3004 0342
Website: https://mandarinqatar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almandarinqa/
Main image: Firas Abousido /shutterstock.com