Founded in 1926, Bice now has 18 venues around the globe – and the world-renowned restaurant has become even more famous as the first dining establishment to open on The Pearl. Though it opened with an ultra-glam soiree for the who’s who of Doha, we managed to net ourselves a table without a reservation only one week later. It’s quite impressive to walk through the slick interiors, featuring a floor-to-ceiling wine cabinet (with an outstanding selection), tempered glass, glossy wood floors and even a white grand piano (with requisite songstress crooning the classics). But it’s outside on the terrace where you want to nab a table, which enjoys sweeping marina views.

After nibbling at some Italian breadsticks served with goat’s cheese and olive oil, we ordered from the menu, which offered a classic Italian trattoria repertoire, though, as my dining partner (who used to live in Italy) pointed out, no typical Italian trattoria would charge these prices. Especially when it comes to a dish like the Siciliana rigatoni; pasta cooked with aged ricotta, tomato and eggplant. It was delicious, but dare we say it, Time Out Doha has had similar-tasting dishes at our friend’s dinner parties. We also sampled the branzono forno – oven-roasted sea bass with porcini, olives, roast potato and spinach.

It was a huge serving, but we felt the spinach overpowered the dish. Our salad choices fared much better – particularly the fresh rocket salad with palm hearts and plump, ripe tomatoes, though our minestrone soup was a little oily. It seemed a bit hit and miss – truth be told, we’re not sure we believe the hype. Though we might be swayed by a return visit when the paint has dried – especially if they’re still serving that epic trio of mango, raspberry and lemon gelato.