Sharq Village & Spa offers 'coastal cuisine' at new Al Dana restaurant

This casually chic enclave happens to be the only beachfront restaurant in Doha. Dining in the 118-seat bistro offers guests a relaxing beachside sanctuary in a breathtaking Qatari-inspired setting.

Other distinctive features include a visually exciting show kitchen and sushi counter where aspiring gourmets can follow the preparation of their meal. During the cooler winter months the relaxed and al fresco environment of the outdoor terrace offers stunning views over Doha bay, which makes for a casual dining spot as well as a perfect location for evening cocktails.

"Al Dana delivers a chic dining experience combined with the impeccable Ritz-Carlton service standards. The design approach meets the high standards, for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is known, whilst the interior design evokes an authentic sense of place. The décor was inspired by the vibrant colours of the sea and the rugged landscape that are symbolic of Qatar," said Abdul Aziz Al Emadi the General Manager of Sharq Village & Spa.

Under the creative guidance of Chef de Cuisine Shahram de Contades, Al Dana offers a diverse menu with cuisine meant to share with family and friends. The selections are light, healthy and filled with flavour. Here, the culinary focus is inspired by modern classics with an emphasis on seafood - a "Coastal Cuisine" that's both sweet and savoury, triggering a wave of succulent and refreshing flavour with every bite.

The chef's culinary brilliance is highlighted with dishes on the menu such as oysters shucked to order, mussel pots with choice of flavours including miso broth with shitake mushrooms or Thai green curry and coconut milk. The daily selection features whole fish prepared to your liking; the chef recommends salmon either steamed with soy, ginger and cilantro or baked with lemon confit and rosemary.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delectable treats to satisfy the senses. A stellar dessert selection includes lemongrass crème brulee, strawberry tiramisu, pineapple compote accompanied by coconut ice cream and decadent chocolate fondue served with fresh seasonal berries, fruits, biscotti and home-made marshmallows.

Arab Engineering Bureau, responsible for the conceptual design and development of Sharq Village & Spa, along with Qatar National Hotel's (QNH) senior interior designer Pascale Julian, celebrated for her expertise in Qatari culture and interior design, are responsible for the design approach of Al Dana. Their combined vision infuses The
Ritz-Carlton elegance with architectural details, inspired by Qatari heritage, to create a traditional ambience within Al Dana.

Al Dana's interior design reflects Doha's marine life, with fanciful blown-glass light fixtures inspired by sea urchins, jelly fish and vibrant coral reefs. To complete the illusion of an underwater retreat, Al Dana features a large sea water aquarium located at the heart of the restaurant that is home to 30 species of tropical fish.

Local patterns and traditional colours such as gold, bronze, copper, brown, deep blue, white and cream have been used in the lavish handmade furnishings, linen, crockery, ornaments and staff uniforms of the bistro, with an emphasis on local environmental factors.

Al Dana is open for dinner every evening between 7pm and 11 p.m.