Best for people watching

Le Gourmet
Le Gourmet is arguably the best spot in Souk Waqif to enjoy shisha. Whether it be the roof-top area, with the night-time breeze and a great view, or out front with all the pedestrian action and people-watching, both are top notch. While there have Rashaad set you up with an apple, grape or mint shisha, a grape-mint mix, or even a special Egyptian tobacco (it’s quite strong) any day or night of the week for QR22. And the best thing about Le Gourmet is that there are lots and lots of tables. But be sure to come early, especially at the weekend, as they all fill up fairly quickly. There is also outdoor air conditioning during the hot summer months – making this, literally, a place to chill whilst enjoying your hubbly bubbly.
Souk Waqif (4437 6025). Open daily 8am-1am

Best for something different

The Corner Café
Another shisha spot to be found in Souk Waqif, the Corner Café’s limited seating lends itself to a more intimate setting, so come early. Located next to Coffee Bean, this small indoor café has under-canopy seating outside, comfy couches, and a few tables and chairs inside and out – perfect for watching passers-by whilst enjoying the Arabic sweets, coffee and shisha on offer. The café has a great traditional feel, and offers something a little different in the form of cappuccino shisha – it actually tastes like cappuccino too. The other flavours offered include, apple, double apple, mint, strawberry, and ‘rose’… you can also mix any of the above, with prices set at QR20.
Souk Waqif (4432 4341). Open Sat-Thu 9am-midnight; Fri 4pm-1am

Best for splashing out

Al Sayyad
It may be a little more expensive than some of the others listed (we’re talking QR85 per shisha), but at Al Sayyad you can relax outside with a cold drink and enjoy some spectacular views. The main benefit of Al Sayyad is that it features a great waterfront patio with a view of the Pearl – you can also order a good steak or fish and chips from the menu. There is seating suitable for large parties, and also for a more intimate three-four person table. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, but it’s not a casual dining restaurant, so we recommend dressing to impress.
Diplomatic Club (4484 7444). Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight

Best for watching football

Grand Joud Café
Just across from Megamart and two doors down from Beijing Chinese restaurant on Salwa Road, you’ll find the Grand Joud Café – two floors of indoor air conditioned space with couches and tables galore. This place is huge, there are separate rooms and areas for private gatherings, and also big screen TVs showing the latest sporting action. Grand Joud Café was packed during the World Cup, and we expect similar when the Premier League starts this month. Lots of coffee, fruit drinks and snacks are available. The shisha itself is QR30-45, with flavours including grape, mint, cherry, strawberry and melon. The special shisha is the Ajami Super Grand, which is a bit stronger and costs QR45.
Salwa Road (4442 9944). Open daily 8.30am-4am

Best for hosting your own shisha nights

Nisreen Roaster
This shop in Al Sadd, just across from Marmara Istanbul and right on the corner, has everything you need to host your own shisha party – big shishas, small shishas, ornate shishas, plus all the accessories and replacement parts you could possibly need. Here you can find hoses and clay tops (called ‘ras’), a choice of tobacco (melon, grape, cocktail, double apple, apple and lemon), plus charcoal, incense and even the charcoal-carrying trays if you really want to impress your friends. Nisreen Roaster also sells fresh coffee, ground right on the spot.
Al Saad (no number). Open daily 9am-noon, 4pm-10pm