The Holy Month is almost upon us, so these are the tables you need to get booking…
Ramadan is a time of tranquility and reflection – a chance to slow down from our busy lives and reconnect with friends and loved ones.
What better way to do so than by booking a delicious iftar feast you can all enjoy together?
We’ve hunted down the best places in the UAE to break the fast during the Holy Month.
Read more:
20 Cultural Dos And Don’ts For Expats During Ramadan
The Best of The Ramadan Collections You Can Shop Now
DUBAI
Andiamo, Grand Hyatt Dubai
The Grand Hyatt’s Italian eatery is offering its first ever ladies-only suhoor this year, meaning it’s only gals allowed – and that goes for the waitstaff, chefs, and entertainment too (talk about girl power). There’ll be card games, TVs, and fashion stalls, as well as an a la carte menu and private terrace seating for big groups. So sit back, play a round of rummy, and watch the chefs cook up a storm in the open-plan kitchen.
Price: Dhs195 per person, guests over 18 only.
Iftar meal timings: Daily, 9pm to 3am.
To make a booking: (04) 317 2221 or see dubai.grand.hyatt.com.
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
If you’ve always dreamed of being onstage, here’s your chance (well, kind of). For a limited time, Dubai Opera will be transforming its magnificent auditorium into a banquet hall fit for a five-star Iftar. As it’s a rather musical setting, there’ll also be classical and Arabic melodies accompanying the meal, thanks to a trio on harp, flute and percussion.
Price: Dhs250 per person, or Dhs220 for group booking of 11 guests or more. Children under 6 eat for free, Dhs125 for children aged between 6 and 11.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9.30pm, June 14 to 25.
To make a booking: dubaiopera.com, (04) 4408888 or email: Ramadan@dubaiopera.com
Al Fanous Lounge at Dubai Ballroom, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
This restaurant’s highly Instagrammable decor already gives it a big tick from us, and that’s before we’ve even gotten to the food – a lavish spread of more than 200 dishes, both international and Arabic. There’s also delicious-sounding specialty stations, including a smoked salmon stand, freshly baked kunafah and an interactive Turkish ice-cream area. What more could you want?
Price: Dhs199 per person.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 8.30pm.
Suhour: A la carte from 9pm to 3am. Restricted to those aged 21 and over.
To make a booking: (04) 4143000 or email: jwmarquis.dubai@marriott.com
Azur, Raffles Dubai
Treat your tastebuds to a sumptuous array of authentic iftar dishes, including hot and cold mezzeh, fresh salads, lamb ouzi and Arabic mix grills. FYI: The hummus infused with basil is to die for. Ensure you leave room for the decadent spread of desserts – Umm Ali, kunafah and sticky date pudding. You’ve been warned…
Price: Dhs185 per person inclusive of Ramadan juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Dhs90 for children aged six to 12.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
Suhour: After dining, head to Crossroads Cocktail Bar & Terrace where the shisha sommelier is on hand to recommend a fruity blend to your liking.
To make a booking: (04) 3248888 or e-mail dining.dubai@raffles.com
Crescendo, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Savour an iftar feast of mouth-watering Arabic and international dishes while enjoying either the chic indoor dining area or the spacious outdoor terrace. We recommend going for the latter, with its mesmerising views over the cobalt waters of the infinity pool and out to the shoreline.
Price: Dhs185 per person inclusive of Ramadan juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Dhs90 for children aged six to 12.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 10.30pm.
Suhour: In-room dining only with a la carte menu.
To make a booking: (04) 5678304 or email restaurants.dubai@anantara.com
Nafoorah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Beneath high ceilings and glowing lanterns, experience a magical blend of Lebanese warmth and sophisticated splendor. This one is perfect for intimate gatherings, where you can enjoy chilled out chats over authentic hot and cold mezzeh, aromatic mains and a wide selection of traditional desserts.
Price: Dhs195 per person (set menu). Children aged 4 to 12 get a 50 per cent discount.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm iftar and 9pm to 11.30pm dinner.
Suhour: From 7pm to 3am at Sultan’s Lounge. Dhs180 per person.
To make a booking: (04) 453 0444 or email: JZSRestaurants@jumeirah.com
3in1, Vida Downtown
Embark on a culinary journey with delectable Arabic-inspired dishes, as well as a pizza oven where you can customize your own pizzas. To prevent food-wastage, the hotel is offering a delicious selection of made-to-order mains, which will be served directly to the table on large sharing boards.
Price: Dhs170 per person including soft drinks and juices. Children aged six to 12 get a 50 per cent discount.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
Suhour: From 9pm to 3am you can relax at the 3in1 outdoor terrace, soaking in the majestic Downtown Dubai views. A la carte menu.
Extra: For the duration of Ramadan, the hotel is hosting a fashion pop-up, showcasing different designers from the region.
To make a booking: (04) 4286888 or email dine.viddh@vida-hotels.com
Günaydin Dubai, Souk Al Bahar
Break fast with Turkish culinary delights complemented by breathtaking views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. Select delicacies from a well-crafted set menu that offers a wide variety of Turkey’s finest dishes, such as Örgü Penyniri (braided cheese), lamb kebabs with pistachio and shredded wheat in syrup served with clotted cream and nuts.
Price: Dhs220 per person.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
Suhour: From 10pm to 3am. An exclusive set menu featuring traditional Turkish flavours. Dhs260 per person.
To make a booking: (04) 5540700.
Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Whether it’s the 10 live cooking stations, or fun-filled entertainment programme, there are plenty of reasons why Al Hadheerah is the place to be this Ramadan. Prepare yourself for a delectable gastronomic journey with flavourful Middle Eastern cuisines – its unique desert location gives it an even more authentic feel.
Price: Dhs250 per person from Sunday to Wednesday and Dhs270 per person from Thursday to Saturday. Children aged five to 12 get a 50 per cent discount.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 10.30pm.
Suhour: 8pm to 1am. Enjoy shisha under the stars while feasting on the a la carte menu. Shisha is only available for guests aged 21 and over.
Extra: Enjoy a live entertainment programme including an oud player and traditional Tanoura dancer, together with a camel and horse heritage caravan live show with the dunes backdrops. Magical.
To make a booking: (04) 8096194 or email BAS.Restaurants@meydanhotels.com
Andalucia, St Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club
Beat the heat and escape to the ultra-cool and tranquil Andalucia restaurant. Delight in a traditional buffet spread that includes Arabic and Mediterranean delicacies, all the while being serenaded by the sounds of live oud music.
Price: Dhs175 per person. Children aged six to 12 dine at half price.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
Suhour: A la carte, from 9pm to 1am daily and until 2am on weekends.
To make a booking: email srdubaipolo.dining@stregis.com
Mamemo Majlis, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
This traditionally-crafted food souk showcases cuisine from North Africa, Middle East and Asia, with live cooking stations offering ouzi, fatteh and grilled meats. To keep things fresh, there is also a daily-changing station, offering favourites from Italy, Asia, Turkey and Latin America.
Iftar buffet price: Dhs220 per person. Dhs110 for children aged five to 12.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 8.30pm.
Suhour: Sunday to Wednesday from 10pm to 2am and Thursday through to Saturday from 10pm to 3am. A la carte menu with a minimum spend of Dhs150 per person. Private Majlis seating areas for a minimum spend of Dhs1,600. Aromatic shishas are priced at Dhs85 each. Restricted to those aged 18 and over.
Extra: Arabic musicians will help set the mood, playing classic tunes all night. Dedicated prayer rooms are also available.
To make a booking: (04) 3186646 or email RamadanMajlis@ritzcarlton.com
Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City
Talented resident chefs will be on hand to cook up a storm at live cooking stations, as your palate is treated to a wide range of appetizers, traditional hot and cold mezzeh platters as well as fresh salads and seafood. Moroccan lanterns, antique Arabic coffee pots and Ramadan wall stickers decorate the restaurant to create an authentic bazaar feel. Cozy majlises also offer diners comfort and privacy.
Price: Dhs185 per person. Dhs95 for children aged five to 12.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 11pm.
Suhour: Packages will be available at the Al Joud Ballroom from 9.30pm.
To make a booking: (04) 4355577 or email: AHC.Dining@Starwoodhotels.com
Anise, InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City
This should be an iftar to remember long after the night is over. With eight live cooking stations modelled on the eight points of the star anise, as well as an extensive international buffet, Anise offers the perfect blend of traditional Arabic and international cuisines.
Price: Dhs215 per person. Dhs106 for children aged six to 12.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 11pm.
Suhour: Move to Vista Bar & Terrace from 8pm to 2am. A la carte. Dishes start at Dhs30 each.
To make a booking: (04) 7011127 or email: restaurantreservation.dfc@ihg.com
Amiri Ramadan Tent on The Lawn, Address Montgomerie
Nestled within lush green landscapes, Address Montgomerie offers the perfect setting for a laid-back iftar away from the bustle of the city. Enjoy a special set menu, complemented by views of the tranquil lakes, starry skies and of course, the championship course.
Price: Dhs200 per person. Dhs100 for children aged six to 11.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
Suhour: From 9.30pm to 1.30am, enjoy a special buffet priced at Dhs170 per person and Dhs85 for children aged six to 11.
To make a booking: (04) 3905600, email Dine.tamdh@theaddress.com
OTHER EMIRATES
Fayruz Ramadan Tent, Fairmont Ajman
Located in the stunningly landscaped Pearl Garden and overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the Fayruz Ramadan tent is the first of its kind in Ajman. A truly authentic Arabian feast awaits you with mezzeh, barbecued meats and ouzi dishes from the Levant and Middle Eastern region. There will also be live cooking stations, as well as large helpings of Umm Ali and chocolate date pudding.
Price: Dhs160 per person.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
Suhour: Will be served a la carte with live oud and qanun music and signature shisha flavours from 10pm to 4am.
To make a booking: Fairmont.com
Al Hosn Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa
Decorated in style to mark the Holy Month, this lavish iftar offering includes several live cooking stations and a grand dessert buffet.
Price: Dhs129 per person.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
Suhoor: A la carte menu at Al Mahatta Lounge priced at Dhs85 per person from midnight to 4am.
To make a booking: (06) 5990088 or email: restaurants.sharjah@sheraton.com
Olea, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Prepare yourself for a relaxed Ramadan dining experience, in an idyllic setting. Diners can immerse themselves in this buffet-style iftar, serving classic continental dishes infused with traditional Arabic flavors, and perfectly paired with fresh juices.
Price: Dhs220 per person and Dhs110 for children between ages six to 12.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
To make a booking: (02) 4988443 or email: restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com
Ramadan Pavilion, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
This custom-built pavilion sits in a new location this year, providing even more stunning views of the beach than ever before. Comfortable seating spread throughout creates cosy enclaves, but you’ll also find a large open dining area for iftar buffets, a separate lounge area and private majlis in addition to live cooking stations, and possibly Abu Dhabi’s grandest array of traditional signature dishes and desserts.
Price: Dhs265 per person.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9.30pm.
Suhour: A la carte menu from 10pm to 2am.
To make a booking: (02) 6907999 or email: restaurants@emiratespalace.ae
Marjan, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
With a rich heritage, magnificent mix of dramatic mountains, crystal clear oceans and unspoiled coastline, this is the perfect place to relax with family and friends. Enjoy a menu which offers an eclectic fusion of traditional and modern, alongside classics like mezzeh, shish tawook, lamb ouzi – and of course, no iftar can be complete without the milky and delicious Umm Ali.
Price: Set menu at Dhs170 per person for food only.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 9pm.
Suhoor: Open only for inhouse guests.
To make a booking: rasalkhaimah.info@waldorfastoria.com
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah
Take in the night views of the glistening waters while feasting on barbecued meats, traditional hot and cold mezzeh and mouthwatering Arabian sweets and puddings, whether you choose to dine at the Views Restaurant or inside the Ramadan tent.
Price: Dhs123 per person from Thursday to Saturday, and Dhs99 per person from Sunday to Wednesday.
Iftar meal timings: Sunset to 10.30pm.
Suhour: From 11pm to 4am feast on the special a la carte menu. Packages begin at Dhs85 per person.
To make a booking: (09) 2449000.
*Unless otherwise stated, the Iftar meal prices include food and soft beverages
Images: Supplied
