NWplatinum

For everybody wondering if they get access or not with an R fare, I would just go to the lounge either AS or AM, and say I’d like to buy entrance. Try AM, and if they deny you, try AS. I’ve found in the past (especially if you have status) they’ll be accommodating. The worst that happens is they say no.

When I was in the AM back in 2019 I don’t remember a buffet, and the menu items were pretty bad. Currently, it seems like the made to order food and buffet upstairs are a lot better now. Can you order a steak for example in the AM lounge? Or is gourmet made to order meals really only in the AS lounge?

Neilgcal

That’s great that they are still giving this complimentary at the moment. Just a question of how much longer this temporary perk will last. Hopefully long enough for all my upcoming flights as the AM lounge is so much better than the standard Business Lounge

IAN-UK

You're are setting yourself up for disappointment if you believe food in either of the lounges to be gourmet or exquisite (an earlier term you used). Safwa serves bistro-type fare which averages out at perfectly nice, but it's in no way exceptional - except that there's no charge for it. There are/were pretty looking confections in the cafe section of Safwa, but i'm not seduced by pretty looking things with high calorific loads...

The infrastructure/architecture/design of Safwa is impressive, as is the collection of artefacts borrowed from the museum. That and a rather quiet, serene ambience are the plus points. But serenity might go out of the window if pay-for-entry guests are determined to drink their money's worth in Blue Label scotch

NWplatinum

I know we've talked about this before. I know this isn't a michelin restaurant or anything, and i'm not expecting it to be. I am just comparing what QR lounges are offering to let's say what EK offers in DXB. But I'm just wondering what the fair offered as far as food is concerned is? Can I order a steak off the AM menu? What are the items that are actually on the menu? That is what I'm trying to find out- what's on the menus. Is it just sum crummy sandwiches or is it steaks and real meals?

Neilgcal

The menu is posted upthread

https://www.qatarairways.com/content...dinning-en.pdf

KingCanute

Actually the sandwiches in the deli area are good. Crusty but not crummy 😁

anabolism

You're suggesting that people purchase access to the AM lounge without knowing if QR is granting access to those on R fares? Note that QR may distinguish between those with OneWorld Sapphire or Emerald status and those without. Obviously, AS wouldn't be granted on an R fare regardless of status, but paid access is typically available, if not full.

There has always been a buffet in AM, but perhaps you didn't go to the main restaurant upstairs? In addition to the upstairs main restaurant, there is a sandwicherie/cafe downstairs, near the quiet rooms. They have made-to-order sandwiches and a buffet with snacks, drinks, and desserts. Throughout the lounge there are buffets with beverages, snacks, and desserts.

In my experience, AM typically has beef and lamb dishes on the buffet and/or available to order. The downstairs sandwicherie typically has a very tasty lamb sandwich.

LoungeLizardHugo

There is a steak available to order off the menu in AM, I've had it a few times and it is not bad. Sure as hell not gourmet, but not bad. A filet.

anabolism

Thanks for the correction.

GratefulSmile

The steak is precooked to well done - which is fine as that's how I enjoy it. And served with some potatoes and roasted vegetables. It's perfectly edible and enjoyable with a nose glass of the Rose.

CPH-Flyer

This is the steak from a recent visit.

Omnivore

Seriously considering popping in on one of our flights for our honeymoon in November. We're flying Y though so have to pay in, do people think it's worth the money?

CPH-Flyer

Depends on the length of your transit, and a bit the time you arrive at. If you arrive at absolute peak hours, and only have 1-2 hours I'd say no. I'd say minimum two hours, and that is if starting at a time it is not absolutely packed. You'd want to have time to look a bit around, have a decent bite in the upper restaurant, and a drink or two.

NWplatinum

Last I was there was March 2019 and I don’t think the restaurant was finished yet.

CPH-Flyer

The restaurant was there in 2019, and a good bit before that.

Before Al Safwa opened, and they still served Krug at the bar in the restaurant it was more based on made to order and less on buffet options. Then more buffet but still some made to order once the F passengers were shunted off to Al Safwa. During the pandemic while Al Safwa has been closed more menu options again. The sushi bar also seems to be a pandemic period addition. Though basically no F passengers around to enjoy the added options since the A380s are hibernating and intra Gulf has been very limited at least while the blockade was still on.