We hadn’t intended to go to French Olive on Friday morning ( Nonna Zanons was closed) but I’m glad we ended up there, I was very impressed with the food and service. There is ample parking at Barwa Tower and French Olive has indoor seating or an outside terrace – admittedly the view is of C Ring road but it’s still nice to sit outside. It was fairly quiet when we arrived and the menus were brought to us quickly. Carol our server was polite, friendly and efficient throughout the meal.
The menu is a mix of salads, tarts, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, meat and fish dishes – there really is something for everyone. Shortly after we ordered we were brought a variety of breads with olives, a tomato dip and olive oil with balsamic, the bread was very nice. For starters we decided to share calamari, firstly because this was only meant to be a light lunch but secondly I found the starters quite expensive. When the calamari came it was really nicely presented and was crispy, fresh and well seasoned not rubbery or chewy.
For our main course I had chicken pasta in a creamy pink garlic sauce, it was delicious. Big chunks of tender chicken, a good portion of fresh pasta bound in a rich creamy mascarpone sauce – yummy. Gregs pizza was also freshly made – a perfect thin, crispy base with a good ratio of meat / veg to cheese.
By now we were so full we boxed up half of the pizza and pasta and I went for a nosey inside. There was a vast array of beautifully decorated cakes on display, someone with a sweetooth would be in sugar heaven. I contemplated buying some chocolate truffles but felt it was better left for our next visit as we will definitely go back.
Its sometimes rare in Doha to have good service and good food but French Olive seem to have mastered it! Our bill was 350QR for 2 fresh juices, large water, a starter, 2 mains and a tip which I thought was reasonable for a very filling lunch.
Eat. Sleep. Repeat 