Zengo by Chef Richard Sandoval — Restaurant in Doha

Brunch Extravaganza at Zengo: A Culinary Love Affair in the Clouds

Nestled atop the luxurious Kempinski Hotel in West Bay, Zengo stands as a sanctuary of gastronomic delight and tantalizing views, where brunch transforms into an extravagant celebration of flavor and flair. Picture yourself stepping into this penthouse paradise, greeted by a symphony of colors and a sophisticated ambiance that beckons you to indulge.

The beverage options at Zengo are nothing short of a liquid carnival, bursting with charm and creativity. Let me tell you, the margaritas here are pure magic—zesty, refreshing, and a true fiesta in a glass! The sangria, solid and sublime, dances alongside margaritas in a vibrant duet, while a myriad of other options flirt with your palate, ensuring you find the perfect sip to accompany your culinary escapade.

As the brunch unfolds, one must begin by diving into the starters that set the stage for a delightful feast. The beef and chicken tacos are a revelation—each bite an explosion of flavor wrapped in a warm embrace of tortilla. They are the perfect prelude to the Chinese-style salad, a vibrant medley that adds a playful crunch to the experience. Oh, what a way to whet the appetite!

Now, allow me to address the main courses. While they were undeniably delicious, I found them a tad light—like an artist’s gentle brushstroke rather than a bold declaration. My heart yearned for a touch more exuberance; however, this tiny hiccup was swiftly forgiven as the dessert parade arrived. Generous portions of sweet indulgence made their grand entrance, captivating our senses and leaving us blissfully satiated.

But let’s not forget the pièce de résistance of our Zengo experience—the staff. These fine folks are not merely waiters but rather maestro conductors of an orchestra playing the delightful symphony of service. Attentive, knowledgeable, and ever so gracious, they sprinkle their magic throughout the dining affair.

As if the delicious fare and stellar service weren’t enough, a live trumpeter filled the air with enchanting melodies, elevating the brunch energy to jubilant heights. The mood was infectious, and soon, even the most reserved diners found themselves tapping their feet and nodding along.

And now, for the cherry on top—breathtaking views that would make even the gods themselves weep with joy. Gazing out from Zengo, one is greeted with a sweeping panorama of Doha’s skyline, with the Lusail expressway glimmering below and the stunning coastline stretching all the way to The Pearl. This vista is not just a feast for the stomach but a true feast for the eyes, reminding you that you’ve been transported to a realm where culinary dreams and stunning landscapes intertwine.

In summary, brunch at Zengo is an experience crafted for the spirited soul seeking a blend of exuberance, mouthwatering flavors, and unforgettable sights. Whether you're sipping a margarita, savoring delightful starters, or relishing the mesmerizing views, you're sure to leave with a heart full of happiness and a belly full of joy. Cheers to Zengo—where every brunch is an eccentric celebration that dances...

Worst Brunch Experience in Doha – Unacceptable Service from the supervisor

I recently visited Zengo at Kempinski Residences, West Bay, Doha, for a Friday brunch (13/12/2024), and it turned out to be the worst brunch experience I have ever had in Doha.

Initially, everything seemed fine until it was time to settle the bill. I planned to use the Entertainer app (buy one, get one free), which was shared with me by a friend. A supervisor named Mounim approached me and rudely demanded to see the code. After I showed it to him, he insisted that I open the app on my phone, behaving more like a police officer than a service professional. I explained that the app was on my friend's phone, as she often shares it with me, but his tone remained stern and offensive.

In front of my entire table, Mounim declared that using the Entertainer in this manner was “illegal” and abruptly walked away, leaving me humiliated. As far as I know, Entertainer offers can be shared with family and friends, and I have used it this way many times without issue.

Even if the restaurant had a specific policy against this, there are far better ways to handle such situations. His behavior was completely unprofessional, ruining my entire experience.

One of my friends tried to speak to him privately to request an apology, but Mounim cut him off and refused to listen. He never returned to our table to address the matter. Shockingly, the manager on duty, who was seen chatting and laughing with Mounim nearby, chose to ignore the incident entirely, despite being fully aware of what had happened. The lack of care and professionalism was appalling.

Apart from the ceviches, Kung Pao prawns, guacamole, and the cocktails, the rest of the food was below average, especially considering the high price of 445 QAR per person. Compared to other brunches in Doha, this one fell far short in terms of quality, service, and overall experience. Despite the horrible experience with the supervisor, the waiter who was from Cape Town ( I forgot to ask for his name) was very kind and friendly to us and his hospitality was far more better and outstanding.

Yet this restaurant’s failure to deliver even the basics of hospitality, coupled with the rude and humiliating behavior of the supervisor and manager, makes it a place I cannot recommend to anyone. I will not be returning, even if offered a complimentary meal.

Zengo’s management needs to take immediate disciplinary action against both the supervisor, Mounim, and the manager for their bizarre and unprofessional behavior. This was an entirely unacceptable experience from start to finish.

Save yourself the disappointment and choose any of the far superior brunches...

Restaurant Zengo in the Kempinski Hotel, Qatar, located on the 61st floor, offers an exceptional dining experience with its breathtaking views of the West Bay Corniche and surrounding skyscrapers. Specializing in Asian and Mexican fusion cuisine, this restaurant provides a unique and exciting culinary adventure.

The tacos at Zengo are moist and delicious, making them a standout choice. Given the rarity of finding good tacos in Qatar, it's a pleasure to discover a place that can deliver satisfying flavors. Additionally, the sushi, although limited in variety, still manages to be decent and enjoyable.

The main dishes, such as the beef fajita and Kung Pao chicken, are tender and bursting with delicious flavors. The skilled chefs at Zengo have truly mastered the art of blending Asian and Mexican cuisine, creating dishes that delight the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.

In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, it's worth highlighting the exceptional service at Restaurant Zengo. The waiters exhibited a high level of professionalism while also being friendly and engaging. They went beyond their duties by taking the time to chat with you, sharing light-hearted conversations and jokes, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their attentive and personable approach added an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience, making it even more delightful and memorable.

The ambience of the restaurant is generally pleasant, with the highlight being the mesmerizing view from the 61st floor. However, the only downside is the loud music, which can make conversation challenging. Nevertheless, the live violinist adds a touch of elegance and performs excellently, enhancing the overall dining experience.

It's important to note that the prices at Zengo are on the higher side. The alcohol menu costs 400, while the non-alcohol menu is priced at 375. However, considering Zengo as a special experience, the price tag is justifiable. The combination of delectable food, stunning views, and attentive service creates a memorable occasion that is worth splurging on.

In conclusion, Restaurant Zengo offers a remarkable dining experience that combines Asian and Mexican flavors in a captivating setting. The tacos and main dishes are delicious, the ambience is generally pleasant (aside from the loud music), and the panoramic views from the 61st floor are awe-inspiring. While the prices may be steep, the overall experience at Zengo is truly worth...