Nestled within the embrace of the W Doha, La Spiga by Paper Moon stands as a beacon of Italian culinary mastery, inviting discerning diners on a journey through the heart of Italy. It was a privilege to be swept away by the symphony of flavours and finesse this establishment has to offer, where every dish is a paean to the art of gastronomy.
Stepping into La Spiga, one is immediately ensnared by its enchanting ambiance. The restaurant's contemporary design, with its warm wood accents and chic furnishings, exudes an understated elegance that serves as the perfect backdrop for a night of culinary indulgence.Our gastronomic voyage began with a tantalizing duo of starters. The Burrata Pugliese, a masterpiece of simplicity, featured creamy burrata cheese nestling among yellow, black, and red tomatoes, crowned with fragrant basil leaves, and drizzled with the finest extra virgin olive oil. The burst of flavours and textures was nothing short of revelatory, a testament to the quality of ingredients used.
The Pizza Arabica, a delightful fusion of Italian and Arabian influences, was a medley of tomato, mozzarella, onion, beef pepperoni, and fresh chili. It was a perfect marriage of spice and indulgence, with the heat of the chili complementing the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. Each bite was a culinary adventure in itself and we couldn’t but sit in awe of what mains have to offer.
Our meal continued with the Insalata Panzanella Salad, a Tuscan classic reimagined with finesse. Olives, onion, tomato, cucumber, and Tuscan bread danced together in a refreshing symphony, accentuated by the exquisite extra virgin olive oil. It was a rejuvenating pause, preparing my palate for the pasta masterpiece ahead.
The Spaghetti Pomodoro was a celebration of simplicity. Adorned with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of spiciness, it was a plateful of pure flavors. The tomatoes burst with sweet tang, and the basil added an aromatic flourish. It was Italian comfort food at its finest.
The Robespierre, a seared sirloin with rosemary and green peppercorn, served medium well, was a carnivore's delight. The succulent sirloin, kissed by the flavors of rosemary and green peppercorn, was a testimony to expert grilling and seasoning. It was medium well, but quite well-done!
As the evening serenaded us toward a sweet finale, we surrendered to the allure of dessert. The Madagascar vanilla Panna Cotta, adorned with almond crumble and a raspberry sauce, was a revelation. Each spoonful was a journey through layers of creamy delight, the almond crumble providing a satisfying crunch, and the raspberry sauce a tantalizing tartness.
Our culinary journey reached its zenith with a cold selection of ice-cream sorbets - lemon, mango, and strawberry - sorbets with dried fruits. Each scoop was a burst of pure, unadulterated delight, a refreshing conclusion to a night of Italian elegance.
La Spiga by Paper Moon at W Doha is not just a restaurant; it is a voyage through the soul of Italy, guided by the expert hand of its culinary artisans. Every dish is a masterpiece, a testament to the dedication to quality and passion for gastronomy. It was an evening where each course was a brushstroke in a culinary masterpiece, and the dessert a sweet encore that lingered on the palate. La Spiga is a destination for those who seek an Italian dining experience that transcends the ordinary, an Italian soiree to remember.