Heading to eat at W Doha is always a treat – usually Market by Jean-Georges gets my undivided attention. However, this time I decided to try out the Italian fare offered at La Spiga by Papermoon. Priding itself on offering fresh and authentic Italian cuisine, the menu covers all the usual suspects from homemade pastas and pizzas to seafood dishes.
The restaurant has a sleek design with architecturally interesting wood elements. The windows let in a surprising amount of light considering that the restaurant is surrounded by high rise buildings and is tucked away at the back of W Doha. Seating is varied and there is a beautiful outside terrace, however the internal space is limited and tables are a little close together which could be an issue when the restaurant is very busy. The celebrity wall of fame is a signature feature of the restaurant, whilst the bronzed disco ball-like pizza oven is a sight to behold!
La Spiga by Papermoon – Business Lunch
Just like Market the restaurant offers a reasonably priced Business Lunch Menu, with a starter, a main and a dessert for QR98. (It should be noted that Business Lunch at W Doha restaurants has recently increased in price by a few riyals). You are provided a complimentary bread basket with a limited selection of Italian favourites including focaccia and breadsticks. I usually over-indulge on the bread basket but I made sure to hold back as I was saving room for dessert.
Business Lunch is designed to be served quickly, but do make sure you let your server know if you are in a rush. Service is attentive and moves along depending on your pace, so make sure you remmber your own timings. It is not that La Spiga cannot do quick service; it is rather that we diners seem to enjoy our lunch so much that we forget the outside world as we take on the Italian character of enjoying our food at a leisurely pace.
I ordered the Calamari which is one of my favourite seafood starters. It was excellent with crispy fried zucchini which still had a little bite to them. The portion size was very generous so you do need to be careful not to over-eat. For my main course I chose the Pappardelle with smoked beef which really highlighted the freshness of the homemade pasta. I liked the simplicity of the dish, but I found the smokiness to be a little strong for my liking.
The star of my meal at La Spiga has to be the dessert – I was wavering between the Panna Cotta and Tiramisu but eventually ordered the latter feeling in the need for a hit of coffee. The dessert was beautifully light yet decadently rich…coffee, chocolate and cream worked together in harmony to give a lovely hit of Italian joy!
La Spiga by Papermoon has a Business Lunch Menu priced at QR 98 per person, with a starter, main course and dessert.
Available Daily except Fridays from 12pm – 4pm.
For more information and bookings call +974 4453 5135 or email [email protected].
Pic Credits: Qatar Eating and W Doha.
