Azqa Haroon recently visited The Italian Job at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Doha, and she came away delighted. Combining homely Italian cuisine with vibrant entertainment, this restaurant has earned its reputation as a must-visit spot for Italian food lovers in the city.
From the moment I stepped into The Italian Job, I felt transported to a cozy Italian village. The décor, inspired by the 1969 movie The Italian Job, this restaurant features charming wooden arches, red brick accents, and vintage images of Italy. Whether dining inside or in the outdoor seating area, the ambience exudes a warm, verdant charm perfect for intimate dinners or large group gatherings. The outdoor area, with umbrella-covered tables and colourful overhead lights, added a spirited al fresco dining experience.
Singing servers
What truly sets The Italian Job apart is its talented waitstaff who double as entertainers. Throughout the evening, waiters and waitresses serenaded us with classic hits from ABBA and Celine Dion, bringing a joyful energy to the meal. Rico, our server, has been entertaining guests for over 19 years at the restaurant, adding a personal touch to the experience.
The dinner experience
The dinner featured an exquisite array of authentic Italian dishes, beautifully curated from appetisers to desserts. I began with two standout salads – the Insalata Di Mare (a refreshing seafood salad, packed with octopus, cuttlefish, calamari, mussels, and topped with a zesty lemon dressing) that brought out the freshness of the ingredients and the Insalatina Con Frutti (a delightful blend of mesclun greens, strawberries, clementine, and berries, paired with creamy goat cheese, thyme, and a light balsamic vinegar dressing) both polished off with a sprinkle of toasted black pepper for a subtle kick.
Moving to the mains, the Linguine Ai Frutti Di Mare was a highlight of the evening. This perfectly cooked durum wheat pasta was paired with a rich and creamy pink sauce and an array of seafood, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavours and textures.
For seafood lovers, the Grigliata Di Pesce Con il Pescato Del Giorno was a showstopper. The platter featured a generous selection of grilled seafood, including lobster, prawns, fish, and calamari, all expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection, delivering robust, smoky flavours.
The Costolette Di Agnello was equally remarkable. These tender lamb chops were served with roasted potatoes, spring onions, and a flavourful thyme and garlic sauce, which elevated the dish with its aromatic richness.
The meal wouldn’t have been complete without the freshly baked Mare E Monti A Mode Mio pizza. This delicious creation blended the sea and earth, featuring mozzarella, succulent shrimp, zucchini, garlic, and parsley, perfectly balancing light seafood flavours with the comforting warmth of the dough. A wide variety of refreshing cocktails were freshly prepared at the counter.
Decadent desserts
No meal at The Italian Job would be complete without indulging in their decadent desserts. The Tiramisu was nothing short of perfection, with layers of creamy mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. The Pannacotta Vaniglia E Cardarmono, a vanilla and cardamom panna cotta with strawberry coulis, was rich and velvety, offering a balanced sweetness that wasn’t overwhelming. The Affogato Al Caffe, vanilla ice cream soaked in espresso coffee, was a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
Final thoughts
For an unforgettable dining experience that packs authentic Italian cuisine, lively entertainment, and exceptional service into a wholesome whole, The Italian Job at Radisson Blu Doha is the perfect destination. Prepare for a fun, saporous night you won’t forget!
Find It: The Italian Job, Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha
Call: +974 4428 1555
