If you’re not fasting this Ramadan, walk this way. We’ve got you covered.
In the UAE, it’s common for cafes and restaurants to close during the day throughout Ramadan, as a show of respect for Muslims who are fasting.
If you’re not observing the Holy Month, though, there are many eateries staying open between sunrise and sunset.
They can be hard to spot — most will use screens and closed blinds for a bit of discretion — but they are there.
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Our dear friends at What’s On Dubai have compiled a master list over here, and we’ve gone through and selected our favourites.
Here are our favourite brunch and lunch spots in Dubai open through Ramadan.
Arrows and Sparrows
This little cutie is tucked away in The Greens, and it offers excellent coffee, tempting breakfasts, and some of the best dog spotting in Dubai. Come for the iced latte with almond milk, stay for the superfood salad. They’re open as usual throughout Ramadan, from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Emaar Business Park, Building 4, The Greens, Dubai, daily 8am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 558 8141. arrowsparrows.com.
Folly by Nick & Scott
We recommend this modern European restaurant so frequently you’re probably sick of hearing about it, but in our defence, it’s really good. British chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price are true creatives, and Folly’s Madinat Jumeirah setting couldn’t be more lush. Take someone you want to impress.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, weekdays noon to 2.30pm, 7pm to 11pm, weekends 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 430 8535. folly.ae
Il Faro Trattoria & Lounge
Whether you live on the Palm Jumeirah or not, this Italian spot has a relaxed vibe and beautiful views — plus, the food is great. Il Faro is in two parts, so you’ll be able to dine in the main restaurant from noon and out in the pizza lounge from 5pm. If you love pizza and seafood, this is your new favourite.
Azure Residences, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily from noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 5683137. facebook.com/ilfarodxb
Toro + Ko
This Barcelona-style tapas spot will be open all week, and serving drinks on Fridays. We’d recommend going for the churros alone…
The Square, City Walk, Sat to Wed 10am to 1am, Thurs 1pm to 2am, Fri noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 590 5433. torodubai.com.
BB Social Dining
If you spend much time in DIFC, this might already be your go-to, and if not, it’s absolutely worth trying. BB’s menu is split into bowls, bites, bao BBQ, and deserts, and they’ll be serving them up throughout Ramadan. You’ve got to try the cauliflower popcorn.
Gate Village 8, DIFC, Dubai, Saturday to Wednesday noon to midnight, Thursday and Friday noon to 1am. Tel: (04) 407 4444. thisisbb.com.
XVA Cafe
If you find yourself in Al Fahidi and in need of a mint lemonade this Ramadan, we recommend XVA. Their courtyard is a little oasis of calm, and they’re open throughout.
XVA Hotel & Gallery, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, daily 7am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 353 5383. xvahotel.com.
La Petite Maison
Another top-notch DIFC option. Fans of Nicoise cuisine and fresh, non-GMO ingredients will find a lot to love here — expect seafood and fresh pasta.
DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. Metro: Financial Centre. lpmlondon.co.uk/dubai.
Vietnamese Foodies
Tucked away on the lakefront promenade in JLT, this recent opening offers fresh, authentic Vietnamese meals that are super affordable. Plenty of vegan and gluten free options, too, if that’s your thing.
Cluster D, Lake Terrace Tower, JLT, Dubai, daily 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 565 6088. facebook.com/vietnamfoodies.
Tom & Serg
This Al Quoz cafe is a classic for a reason. Try a kale yeah smoothie, if you can stand the pun, and the heirloom carrot salad.
Al Joud Centre, Al Quoz Industrial, Sun to Thurs 8am to 4pm, Fri & Sat 8am to 6pm. Tel: (056) 474 6812. tomandserg.com.
Images: Supplied
