Best spot to eat Italian food in Qatar

Standing proudly between Nozomi and Toro Toro is Antica Pesa. The restaurant is adjacent to the iconic horse sculpture at the astonishing Marsa Malaz Kempinski, in The Pearl-Qatar. As its neighboring counterpart, Antica Pesa's sheer sophistication, luxury, and lavishness. It is nothing short of amazing.

The building resembles a small Arabian palace with a grand entrance and offers unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf. Upon entering one can spot dozens of pictures of celebrities that had visited the restaurant decorating the wall. Among the many stars that have savored the amazing Italian dishes are; Matthew McConaughey Richard Gere, Penelope Cruz, Leonardo Di Caprio, Salma Hayek, Will Smith, Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper, Al Pacino and many others, and recently in Doha: Novak Đoković, Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso.

Diners can also enjoy the strong theme of iconic artwork throughout the décor of the interior with pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol, De Chirico, and Helmut Lang photos. Antica Pesa is visually invigorating and all dishes can be described as culinary masterpieces.

History of Antica Pesa    

Before we talk about the food, let’s talk about how everything started. The first restaurant opened its doors in 1922 in the nearby Roman neighborhood, Trastevere by the Panella family. The success was such that in 2012, the family opened a second branch in Williamsburg Brooklyn and a third one in 2015 in Qatar.

Four generations of the Panella family have contributed to making Antica Pesa a truly Italian experience not only in Italy but outside its borders.

I am told that the three restaurants follow two fundamental guidelines: to rework traditional recipes from Roman cuisine and to utilize local, seasonal and mostly organic products with a modern touch.

The amazing dishes

There are many Italian dishes to choose from in the menu and all of them are just spectacular. The man behind the creations of these fantastic dishes is Chef Marco. The charisma and impeccable cooking skills have made Marco an internationally renowned chef. The Italian-born has turned Antica Pesa into one of the most successful restaurants in Qatar. Here we present you with our favorites dishes prepared by Chef Marco and his team.

Antipasti

To start your meal the Fritto Misto
is sensational. In this dish, the seafood and vegetables are deep-fried in a crisp batter and served with a fresh dressing. We recommend ordering this appetizer to share.

Pizzas

If one goes to an Italian restaurant one must try a pizza. Invented in Naples in honor of the first queen of Italy, the Margherita pizza is the most popular in the planet and for a good reason, it is simple and delicious. Here in Antica Pesa, this pizza is so tasty and well-cooked that anyone can easily eat more than one. Also, give the Pizza Gricia a go. This pizza is the version of the famous roman recipe "pasta alla gricia" and the star here is beef bacon, pecorino cheese, and black pepper.

Paste

The Raviolotti provola affumicata e pancetta is by far one of the best raviolis I have ever tried. I don’t think I will ever visit the restaurant and not ordering this phenomenal dish.  Rich with traditional Italian cheeses, sweet from the balsamic vinegar and crispy from the beef bacon, the Raviolotti provola affumicata will impress any foodie lover.

Risotti

I must admit that I am torn between the Raviolotti provola affumicata and the Risotto affumicato ai funghi porcini. With this recipe, Chef Marco reaches a new level of excellence when it comes to a fantastic Traditional Italian Risotto.

From the land

Osso buco is a classic Milanese dish of braised veal shanks in a hearty vino- and vegetable-based sauce. The marrow in the shank bones bathes everything in its rich flavor as it renders during braise, while a bright mixture of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic (known as gremolada in Italian) finishes the dish off.

Did you know?

- The restaurant's name derived from an old Vatican customs post that collected taxes on grain in Rome. The antique customs officer decided to initiate a sort of eatery that offered bread and drinks to the many peasants who came to the tollhouse. The term 'The Old Scales' or 'Antica Pesa' was coined in the late 19th century when the original customs function was replaced by a real restaurant.

- Recipes are from Rome, Sicily, Palermo, Catania, and Bologna.

- Their menus feature homemade pastas, homemade desserts, the finest Italian imported cheeses and olive oils, and farm-to-table ingredients.

- Risotto in Italy is normally a primo (first course), served on its own before the main course.

- Chef Marco is the Head Chef of the three Antica Pesa worldwide.

ANTICA PESA  

• Location:  Set in the grounds of Marsa Malaz Kempinski

• Average meal price: QR 280 (food only)

• Timings: from 12:30 noon till 11:00 p.m. for dining. Lounge opens from 4:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

• Dress code: Smart casual

• Reservations: 4035-5300

• Photo Credits: Brian Candy