Doha • Madonna eats there. So do Bill Clinton and Gwyneth Paltrow. And soon, you will be able to join the A list. Nobu, dubbed the "world's most fashionable restaurant chain", owned by Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, is to open in Doha.

The Peninsula has learned the landmark Four Seasons Hotel at West Bay is the most likely destination for the world renowned sushi eatery. Planning is said to be in the early stages, but the growing hospitality industry in Doha is abuzz about the plans.

Nobu is set to join the growing ranks of top class celebrity restaurants coming to Doha, including acid-tongued chef Gordon Ramsay, who is rumoured to be considering either the United Development Company's The Pearl or the Hurricane Building in West Bay for his venture.

Legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Spice Market will be the signature restaurant at the W Hotel when it opens later this year.

Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle's eponymous Indian restaurant has already opened at Villaggio. Other brands set to hit the Doha scene include La Maison du Caviar, which will also open at the W Hotel, and the JW's Steakhouse at the Doha Marriott.

The Doha branch of the Hard Rock Café is expected to open in 2009 with a West Bay location. Nobu, named after executive chef and owner Japanese-born Nobu Matsuhisa, already has 21 restaurants in 16 cities around the world.

Nobu is known for his fusion cuisine, which blends traditional Japanese dishes with South American (Peruvian and Argentine) ingredients.

Earlier this month, Nobu opened its doors at the much vaunted Atlantis resort on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

Qatar's growing economy has meant blue ribbon brands like Nobu, Gordon Ramsay and others are now making a beeline for the country. With an established luxury brand market here and a growing conferences and convention market, many celebrity chefs and their business backers are looking to cash in.