Looking for a dining spot that impresses both the palate and the eyes? SD heads to The Diplomatic Club for an Asian feast.
In the flood of fancy dining experiences in Doha, Nassayem Qatar is a delight for all the senses and a pleasant change. This unassuming Japanese eatery offers much more than meets the eye and has been under the radar for far too long. In a scenic location at The Diplomatic Club, this is a refreshing and impressive dining spot.
The drive past The View Hospital to arrive at The Diplomatic Club almost makes us feel like we’re in a different, more aesthetic part of Qatar. A beautiful lagoon on the right, dotted with trees and greenery, sets the tone for the dining experience at Nassayem.
The Diplomatic Club entrance is regal and exclusive. Majestic chandeliers, dramatic drapes and luxurious upholstery are just a few highlights as we make our way to the restaurant on the ground floor.
There are two dining areas – indoor and outdoor. The outdoors is absolutely spectacular. It’s our first visit to this place and, after 14 years in Doha, we’re ashamed that we hadn’t discovered it earlier. What a scene! A massive waterfall stands grand right in front of us, adjacent to a wooden bridge above a makeshift river. The entire space is covered in lush grass, and it feels like an oasis in the midst of a crowded city. There are trees everywhere, and the sounds of the waterfall are so calming. As the colours change every few seconds, they keep our sight and other senses engaged. You can tell that a lot of thought has gone into this landscaping.
As much as we are swept away by this space, it’s relatively warm this evening, so we choose to dine indoors. And the air-conditioned area does not disappoint. The wooden floors, decorated ceilings and stained-glass, antique-style mirrors catch our attention as we settle into a cosy table for two.
Chef Joseph introduces himself and promises us we’re going to have a good evening. Spoiler alert – the promise was kept. Marianne is our host for the night and she starts us off with some refreshing lemon mint drinks to cool down.
We are trying the Japanese set menu featuring appetisers, a selection of sushi, main course and dessert. An à la carte menu is available too, but it features many of the same items. The set menu option is definitely good value.
As we finish considering the options, Marianne surprises us with wonderfully scented hot towels. And shortly after, salted edamame and a delicious Kani Salad reach our table. The portions are really generous and the Kani Salad is simple, with some much-needed umami. One can never go wrong with edamame.
The sushi selection is divided into cooked and uncooked. We get a total of 20 pieces and each maki is rolled to perfection. Included in the platter are Salmon Sushi Roll, Crazy California Roll, Grilled Salmon, Crab Maki and many more. The plate is so colourful, it is a proper celebration. And the party is in our mouths.
For mains, we are asked to choose from four options: prawns, chicken, beef or salmon. The Prawns Tempura with mirin soy sauce and white rice looks like a winner. The batter is crispy, and a little dip in the sauce, combined with the fragrant rice, makes the perfect bite. Our second main, the Beef Teriyaki, is just as good. Thoroughly cooked with the savoury flavour of mushrooms, the cubes of beef are truly indulgent. The portions are really generous and all of this feels like too much for two people – but of course, that’s never something we’d complain about.
A decadent Matcha Cheesecake graces our table for a sweet ending. Alongside it, a vibrant platter of fruits elevates the dessert experience and, despite reaching our physical limits of consumption, we finish every bite of the selection, which includes strawberries, raspberries, watermelon and more. The service has been flawless and Marianne has been splendid tonight. We reflect on a wonderful evening as we sip jasmine tea.
This dinner at Nassayem really uplifts an otherwise regular weeknight. Japanese food in an undiscovered location is probably the best way to surprise your significant other or a group of friends you want to impress. Bookmark this place and then book your table, you’re going to love it.
For more information or to make a reservation,
please call Nassayem Qatar at The Diplomatic Club on 4484 7470.
@diplomaticclub