DOHA, Qatar — Dining out with children in Qatar has become far easier and more enjoyable, as a growing number of restaurants now cater specifically to families. From kids’ menus and indoor play zones to dedicated family seating and supervision, the best restaurants in Qatar are increasingly designed with everyone in mind. According to local guides, the number of restaurants in Qatar advertising play areas and child-friendly services has surged in recent years.
Lemon Garden – dusitD2 Salwa Road
Location & Address: dusitD2, Salwa Road, Doha.
Menu & Features: A garden-style, relaxed dining space that offers both international and Lebanese/Mediterranean cuisine. For children: a dedicated kids’ play area within the restaurant, and a kids’ menu featuring favourites such as pancakes, waffles, burgers.
Facilities & Reviews: Open daily from 8 am to 2 am, the restaurant is praised for its family-friendly set-up, plenty of space for families with strollers and good views of the city skyline. Time Out Doha calls Lemon Garden “a total winner for families with play area and city views.”
Why it stands out: Easy access along Salwa Road, flexible hours (useful for families with varying schedules), and a comfortable environment for both children and adults.
Chuck E. Cheese – Lusail Boulevard
Location & Address: Lusail Boulevard, Doha. Phone: (4473 9954)
Menu & Features: American‐style family fun: pizzas, snacks, desserts paired with a full arcade and “Adventure Zone” with over 50 games. They also offer hour-by-hour live shows for children.
Facilities & Reviews: Open from around 10:00 am – 11:30 pm (Thu until midnight, Fri family brunch 1pm-4pm). Time Out Doha lists it as “the ultimate family-friendly destination.”
Why it stands out: Ideal for families with active or older children—parents can enjoy a meal while kids are entertained; good for special occasions or extended dining with kids.
Chef’s Garden – Al Shaqab Hotel, Education City
Location & Address: Marwan Club at Al Shaqab Hotel, Education City, Doha.
Menu & Features: Emphasises “farm-to-table” with produce from Qatari farms, organic herbs and vegetables. The children’s menu has playful names and healthy options.
Facilities & Reviews: Includes the “Kid Zone”, a supervised soft-play area for children three years and older allowing parents to dine in relative peace. Premier Inn blog recommends the venue for families.
Why it stands out: A quieter, more upscale choice for families who want a combination of quality dining and child-friendly services; good for those based near Education City.
Coral All Day Dining – InterContinental Doha, West Bay
Location & Address: West Bay, InterContinental Doha.
Menu & Features: Large buffet style restaurant serving international cuisine. Children’s area with TV cartoons, colouring books, crayons; weekend brunch includes face painting and supervised kid activities.
Facilities & Reviews: Reviewers note good value for families, wide variety of dishes for adults, and dedicated play space for children. Sea & Co and other sources highlight it.
Why it stands out: Great option for large families or groups; West Bay location makes it accessible for many expats and hotel-guests alike.
The Square – InterContinental Doha The City, West Bay
Location & Address: West Bay, InterContinental Doha The City. Contact: 4015 8888 / 7021 8803.
Menu & Features: International buffet (lunch/dinner) with kids’ club “Aladdin Kids Club”, Mini Chef activity, play-zone. Menu includes pizza, fries, burgers among many options ensuring children are catered for.
Facilities & Reviews: Excellent views of the city, family-friendly pricing (children under 6 eat free in some brunches). The “Mini Chef” activity is a popular draw.
Why it stands out: For families looking for a refined buffets experience where children are entertained and parents can relax.
What This Means for Expats and Visitors
For expat families or visitors travelling with children, the rise of well-equipped restaurants in Qatar means more stress-free dining. With dedicated play-zones, kids’ menus and family friendly seats, these venues allow adults to enjoy a meal without constant supervision. For visitors staying in Doha, this improves the experience—dining out becomes inclusive for all age groups.
Restaurants in Qatar that are children-friendly also help make socialising, family gatherings and weekend outings smoother; many of these venues also allow pre-booking of the kids’ zone. It means less time juggling menus and more time enjoying the company.
Practical Tips and Considerations
- Book ahead for weekends or brunches, especially in hotels or buffets, to secure family-friendly seating.
- Check age-policy for kids’ zones: Some markets state children must be over 3 years old for playspace.
- Consider budget: While many family restaurants in Qatar offer value (kids free or half-price), buffets at premium hotels can be expensive.
- Dress modestly and respect culture: Though family friendly, standard cultural norms apply—modest cover, quiet behaviour are recommended.
- Location & transport: Many of these restaurants are in hotel complexes or malls; consider parking/transport if staying in outer areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
A restaurant in Qatar is considered “family-friendly” when it offers kids’ menus, play zones or supervised children’s activities, and seating or spaces designed for parents with children.
Yes. While some facilities cater to children aged 3+, many venues have soft-play areas suitable for toddlers, colouring spaces and child-safe zones. It’s best to check age-restrictions beforehand.
Reserve ahead, choose known family-friendly restaurants (like those listed above), bring small essentials for kids (snack, colouring book), and dine during non-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
These carefully selected restaurants show how the dining scene in Qatar has adapted to families, offering welcoming, enjoyable meals for both children and adults. Whether you’re visiting or living in Qatar, knowing where to eat with ease and comfort improves the dining-out experience significantly.
