24 Iftars You Need To Try BEFORE Ramadan Ends Next Week
Just a week (or less) to go and Ramadan will be over. Hotels will wrap up their tents and restaurants will go back to their usual hours of operation. But before all that happens, here are some incredibly amazing Iftars you should try out (in case you haven’t already).
1. A.O.C French Brasserie at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach (04 448 4733)
The sounds of the Santoor will provide background tunes while diners treat themselves to Arabic cuisine at AED 140 per person. In addition to Ramadan beverages, dates and nuts for guests to begin with, the buffet will also include hot and cold mezzeh and delicacies such as ouzi, grills and shawarma. Iftar will be complimentary for two children per paying couple.
2. Mayrig on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard (056 364 9794)
Expect hand-crafted delicacies at this authentic Armenian restaurant’s Iftar. Priced at AED 150 per person, the dishes fuse spicy ingredients and fresh produce to create delicious flavours. With recipes passed down through generations you’re in for classics such as manti (dumplings) and hummus basturma.
3. Coya at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach (04 316 9600)
Latin American hotspot Coya’s Iftar offering is a set menu at AED 240 per person, which includes soups and dishes perfect for sharing such as guacamole, corn tortillas and Peruvian olives. There’s a dash of regional flavours too with Persian feta cheese, flatbread and Medjool dates.
4. The Lawns at The Address Montgomerie Dubai (04 436 7777)
If you’re after a view, this is the place for you. Think a sumptuous Iftar buffet in a glass tent that overlooks the property’s stunning championship golf course. Adults Iftar priced at AED 170 and children between 4 to 11 years at AED 90, while those below three dine for free.
5. BookMunch Café at Bay Square (04 514 9459)
Located at the newly opened Bay Square, this café’s Iftar is inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine and some of its fab chefs (names in question are: Dima Sharif, Dalia Dogmoch and Suzanne Husseini). The spread at AED 129 per person includes hummus pots with crudites, lamb kofta tacos, shanklish cups and desserts such as pistachio halwa pudding and date caramel cake.
6. Nobu at Atlantis, The Palm (04 426 1000)
Chef Nobu’s signature dishes, creamy rock shrimp and steamed sea bass with eggplant puree will be part of the Iftar set menu at this iconic restaurant. It will also include his spin on Iftar staples such as dry fruits and veggies. Give this Japanese Iftar a try at AED 210 per person.
7. Rang Mahal at JW Marriott Marquis (04 414 2000)
The Michelin-starred chef’s restaurant will put up 11 Indian dishes, all with a modern twist. The one thing you’re promised here is a feast for the senses with fresh ingredients, aromatic spices and well-presented food on your plate. The Iftar is priced at AED 325 for adults. Children between 7 and 12 years of age are charged at 50%.
8. Azkadenya at Mercato Shopping Mall (04 344 5157)
Traditional dishes are served with a twist at this quirky Arabic restaurant. At AED 129 per person, the Iftar buffet features mini manakish, sausages topped with pomegranate molasses, ouzi and desserts such as umm Ali and ma’amoul (stuffed shortbread) crumble.
9. Feast at Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai (04 503 4300)
As the name suggests, expect nothing less than a feast for AED 199 per person. Multiple stations – Arabic, vegetables, noodles, pasta, Indian, wok – will offer numerous dishes to diners. We’re talking lamb biryani, fusilli carbonara, flat noodles, potato Dauphinoise and more. Plus, there are more than 15 desserts available to sort the sugar cravings.
10. Sloane’s at Grosvenor House Dubai (04 317 6000)
The vibrant all-day dining restaurant at this swanky hotel offers mezze, antipasti, cheese, live stations (imagine dishes straight out of the tandoor and off the grill) as well as a variety of Arabic desserts at a price of AED 260 per person. Children between 6-12 years of age eat at AED 130.
11. Fume in Downtown Dubai (04 456 8784)
They’re breaking rules and actually taking reservations this Ramadan. So book your Iftar at AED 139 per person (and 50% discount for children under 12) for a spread that includes Fumezze (labneh, hummus, smoked muhammara and olives), fried calamari, sautéed chicken liver, zaatar potatoes with artichokes and Fume Mashawi (kofta, chops, beef medallion, slow-braised shoulder).
12. Firebird Diner at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC (04 506 0000)
An American Iftar experience (AED 200 per person) is possible this year all thanks to this iconic eatery of the 1950s. The sharing platters will include starters such as popcorn shrimps and Buffalo chicken wings, while the mains will include golden chicken with the signature truffle mac and cheese, braised BBQ short ribs and oak grilled salmon. The last round includes strawberry Sundae and rich chocolate cake.
13. Olea at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates (04 409 5111)
The restaurant’s terrace will play host to a luxurious air-conditioned marquee. Iftar (AED 175 per person) will be a cosy affair with home-cooked Levantine meals on offer. Live food stations will offer diners plenty of choice.
14. Tesoro at Taj Dubai (04 438 3111)
The international restaurant will put up an authentic Iftar buffet at AED 195 per person. What you will find here: live stations making manakish, shawarmas and lamb ouzi. Desserts include date smoothies, Arabic ice-cream, rosewater mocktails and chocolate fondue.
15. Per Te at Bay Avenue (04 440 3051)
The family-friendly Italian restaurant offers an Iftar set menu at AED 150 per person. It starts with a fruit platter and a glass of rose milk followed by starters such as creamy burrata, focaccia served with dips, fried prawns and calamari. Diners can choose from mains such as truffle mushroom risotto and lamb chops. The finale includes tiramisu and chocolate fondant.
16. Ewaan at The Palace Downtown Dubai (04 888 3444)
This charming venue’s Ramadan tent will offer residents an authentic Iftar experience. A generous buffet will be paired with the sounds of the Oud and sights of beautiful Arabesque decor. The Iftar is priced at AED 240 per person.
17. Ballarò at The Conrad Dubai (04 444 7111)
Iftar (priced at AED 150 per person) will be celebrated with home-cooked Arabic dishes. In addition to live stations, it will also feature a buffet of mezzes, classics such as sambousek and dajaj bil batata and a dessert selection which includes date tarts.
18. DIFC Ramadan Majlis at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC (04 372 2323)
At 195 per person, the Iftar includes classic Arabian dishes served with a modern twist. Imagine cold mezzes constructed using different textures and liquid nitrogen. You’ll also get falafel waffle with Arabic flavoured ice-cream and roasted nuts. There’s also a hummus fountain where you can dip accompaniments such as pitta bread and stuffed olives.
19. Al Majlis at Madinat Jumeirah (04 432 3232)
Experience Arabian hospitality at its best when you set foot at this spot located at Madinat Arena. The Iftar at AED 210 per person offers an array of Middle Eastern specialities. There will be no shortage on space with the venue accommodating up to 1,000 guests.
20. Asateer at Atlantis The Palm (04 426 0376)
This spectacular beachfront tent will offer guests traditional dishes such as Emirati lamb thareed, ouzi and kunafa for AED 205. The sounds of the Oud will entertain diners as they break their fast at this iconic spot with a capacity of 1,000 guests.
21. Hakkasan at Jumeirah Emirates Towers (04 384 8484)
From 7pm onward, this swanky restaurant will serve guests a three-course Ramadan meal for AED 298 per person. It features their Hakka steamed dim sum platter, spicy prawns and rib-eye beef with foie gras among other appetising dishes.
22. Mint Leaf of London at Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC (04 706 0900)
Making its way from London to Dubai, this Indian restaurant offers a contemporary take on authentic Indian dishes and its Iftar menu is no exception. Priced at AED 135 per person, the set includes a mix of hot and cold appetisers, curries, dal (lentils) and tikkas. The mains are not restricted to specific portions, but are an eat-all-you-can affair.
23. Iftar at The Address Dubai Marina (04 888 3444)
The hotel’s Constellation Ballroom serves an authentic Iftar for AED 210 per person. Along with a generous buffet, the meal also includes live stations dishing out International and Arabic favourites. An oud player provides background tunes, while diners enjoy Arabian hospitality.
24. Sufra at Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights (04 317 2221)
If you’re looking for a simple, family-friendly Iftar then you’ll find it here. Priced at AED 140 per person, the Iftar includes hot and cold mezze, Indian and Arabic mains and a delicious ouzi. There’s a live pasta station too. Make sure you leave room for dessert because there’s lots to choose from. They have baklava, kanafeh and even cakes and pastries.
