The new authentic Italian concept at the Fire Station is curated by Groupe Ducasse Paris
IN-Q Enterprises (IN-Q), the commercial arm and wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Museums (QM), held the grand opening of Cafe #999 at the Fire Station on 18 January. The restaurant returns under the new management of IN-Q in consultation with Groupe Ducasse Paris.
Café #999 offers authentic Italian culinary creations as reimagined by Groupe Ducasse Paris chefs led by Executive Chef Jeremy Cheminade and Head Chef, Fabio Fioravanti. It is the third and latest Groupe Ducasse Paris restaurant to be launched in partnership with QM in Doha.
The grand opening of the restaurant was celebrated with an Italian Long Table Lunch in the presence of Groupe Ducasse Paris Founder, Alain Ducasse; QM CEO, Mr. Ahmad Al Namla and VIP guests from Qatar.
Commenting on the grand opening, Phil Lawrie, General Manager of IN-Q said: “We are proud to officially launch Café #999, the third outlet in our long partnership with M. Alain Ducasse, who shares our passion for art, heritage and culture. Here we take guests on a timeless artistic and gourmet journey to Italy in a vibrant retro-pop setting. Café #999 is the perfect dining destination, located at the heart of the Fire Station overlooking Al Bidda Park and the stunning West Bay skyline. We can promise our guests an amazing experience.”
Khalifa Ahmad Al Obaidly, Director of Fire Station - Artist in Residence, shared, “The reopening of Café #999 with its new menu and ambiance is an exciting moment for us. We take pride of the fact that with Café #999, we are able to offer our artists a delectable fusion of gastronomy and art. At Café #999, artists find affinity. They are welcome to collaborate and bring their art to life on the walls of Café #999. This innovative concept of the restaurant is integrated into the Fire Station, bringing the community together for an inspiring experience here at Doha’s art hub.”
Alain Ducasse said: “Through our collaboration with QM, Groupe Ducasse Paris strives to offer Qatar new dining concepts and experiences that are of premium quality. We hold ourselves to high culinary and presentation standards while remaining casual and welcoming to Café #999’s loyal visitors and newcomers.”
Café #999 offers a menu that is thoroughly Italian, in technique and flavours, serving a selection of artisanal starters, main dishes, and desserts highlighting great Italian classics such as caponata, risotto, pizza, tiramisu, and more.
The restaurant is a celebration of culture and art, bringing an immersive artful experience to the Fire Station, merging food and art, from retro-pop tableware to creative food styling, and a dining experience that is a feast for the eyes, too.
The renovated restaurant space was designed by French designer Helen Bonte who drew inspiration from retro pop art, a true testament to Fire Station’s artistic identity merged with Italy’s cultural icons. Cafe #999 promotes Qatar’s local art scene by collaborating with artists to paint the walls of the restaurant. This includes the brick oven decorated with Qatari artist Mubarak al-Malik’s signature graffiti style and wall paintings by budding artist Reem Saad Abdelrahman Elnour and multi-talented graffiti artists, Mehdi Manaa.
At Café #999, guests of Doha’s art hub find the ideal place to connect and interact. Whether inside, amid the new artful interiors, or al fresco with friends and furry companions, Café #999 welcomes everyone.
Cafe #999 is open Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm and on Friday from 1 pm to 9 pm. Pets are welcome in the outdoor seating area. For reservations, please call 4452 5650 or email cafe999restaurant@qm.org.qa.