Antica Pesa, Doha’s new ‘real Italia’ culinary experience, has opened its doors for guests, adding a new and exciting dining experience to Doha’s blossoming culinary scene.

The celebrity hotspot from New York and Rome offers guests authentic Italian cuisine at Doha’s new premier destination Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha.

The restaurant remains true to its 17th Century family-focused roots, with four generations of the same family having managed the restaurant over the past 93 years. The menu is created following two fundamental guidelines: reworking traditional recipes from Roman cuisine and creating dishes using local organic products for seasonal dishes, with a nod to modern trends.

The inspiration for the restaurant’s name comes from its origins as a Vatican customs post that collected taxes on grain in Rome. The antique customs officer decided to initiate a sort of eatery that offered bread and wine to the many peasants who came to the tollhouse. ‘The Old Scales’ or ‘Antica Pesa’ was coined in the late 19th century when the original customs function was replaced by a real restaurant.

Antica Pesa is set in the grounds of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha and offers guests beautiful views of Qanat Quartier and the Arabian Gulf, with inside or outside dining on the terraces. There is a strong theme of iconic artwork throughout the décor of the restaurant with pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol, De Chirico and Helmut Lang photos.

Admired for its visually stimulating, delicious and entertaining dining experience, Antica Pesa restaurants are already a favourite destination for celebrities such as Madonna, Mike Jagger, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Charlize Theron, Richard Gere and Leonardo Di Caprio.

Francesco Panella, owner of Antica Pesa restaurants, said: “We are excited to open the doors of Antica Pesa to local food lovers offering ‘real Italia’ cuisine. The artistic design features, world-class food and beautiful setting of the restaurant makes for a truly authentic and unique experience that will redefine Qatar’s Italian culinary scene.” – TradeArabia News Service