Ramadan in Dubai: 50 iftars to try

Asil, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, JBR, Dubai, 6pm onwards. Tel: (0)4 520 0055. asilrestaurant.com

Bab Al Shams

Dine under the stars in the desert at Bab Al Sham’s Bedouin-style feast. Al Hadheerah, the resort’s Arabian Nights-themed dining venue, will transport you to iftar’s humble beginnings with singature dishes such as Emirati lamb saloona, veal harees, grilled shrimp and okra lamb. The price is Dhs280 and includes ramadan beverages, soft beverages and Arabian coffee

Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams, sunset onwards, Dhs280. Tel: (0)4 809 6150. babalshams.com

Ballarò Restaurant

It’s a family-friendly iftar on Ballarò’s outdoor terrace, with a selection of Arabic favourites and international cuisine.

Conrad Dubai, sunset to 9.30pm, Dhs175 per person. Tel: (0)4 4447444. conraddubaihotel.com/ramadan-2021

BB Social Dining

BB Social Dining is celebrating the tradition of giving this Ramadan and is gifting guests a delicious signature from their award-winning menu daily. Each day offers up a different dish ranging from baos to bites, bowls and more. The offer is available on the basis of one selected item per person.

BB Social Dining, Gate Village 8, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 407 4444. thisisbb.com

Bella

Italian restaurant Bella is serving up traditional dishes with an Arabic twist on its iftar menu. Dishes include borlotti beans soup, puffed white rice, dates & spices pilaf rice, capsicum, pistachio, raisins, saffron and confit lamb leg and camel milk ice cream, cherries, almond crumble. Available for Dhs250 per person.

Bella, Grand Millennium Hotel, Business Bay, sunset til 1am, Dhs250. Tel: (0)4 873 3377. belladxb.com

Black Coffee by Café Younes

This Iftar set menu features the cafe’s most-ordered dishes from the current menu such as jallab yoghurt, truffle mushroom, halloumi fattoush salad, tender roast chicken breast, fresh salmon and more. It’s priced at Dhs110 however, the usual full range of á la carte dishes will also be available throughout the evening. And of course, there’s plenty of brews you need to sample. Reservations are a must.

Black Coffee by Cafe Younes, Duja Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (0)56 899 8080 facebook.com/blackcoffeeae

Boca X Frying Pan Adventures

The team behind Frying Pan Adventures is working with Boca’s Chef Matthijs Stinnissen to curate a menu that pays tribute to dishes from the most popular restaurants in Old Dubai. Some of the dishes anticipated include a version of a Palestinian tour hit, chilli and sumac stuffed falafel, a take on a popular Levantine mezze ‘homemade labneh empanadas’, and Boca’s version of ‘Iranian kebabs marinated in black lime’. The eight-dish sharing iftar menu for two will include water, fresh juice, coffee, and tea.

DIFC, sunset to 9pm, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 3231833. facebook.com/bocadubai

Bombay Brasserie

Adored classics from both Emirati and Indian delicacies combine at this special iftar helmed by Executive Chef Vikas Milhoutra of Taj Dubai. Menu items include tender chicken kebabs infused with mild Indian spices, Emirati lentil soup and Indian biryani. Iftar is also available for delivery for Dhs125 via Deliveroo.

Taj Dubai, from 6pm to 9pm, Dhs195. Tel: (0)4 4383134. @tajdubai

Brasserie Boulud

The beautiful French restaurant at the new Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is serving a special iftar meal with a European twist. Highlights include wild mushroom falafel, grilled prawns, and local burrata with crisp artichokes.

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs195. Tel: (0) 4 2814020. brasserieboulud.ae

Cara

Located at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, pick from either Iftar or Suhoor at Cara. Iftar is Dhs219 available until 8.30pm and for Suhoor an a la carte menu is available (minimum Dhs150). Expect the finest of Middle Eastern delicacies served at your table. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Cara, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 372 2323. ritzcarlton.com

CÉ LA VI

Enjoy a three-course menu in the lounge of this stylish restaurant, or alfresco by the pool with shisha included. Highlights include winter squash soup and baby gem lettuce salad, roasted black cod and grilled baby chicken satay.

Address Sky View, sunset to 8pm, Dhs250 (lounge), Dhs350 (alfresco and shisha). Tel: (0)4 5826 111. @celavidubai

Chival

Traditional and contemporary Arabic dishes take centre stage at Chival. Highlights include wood-fired manakish and cheese fatayer, as well as ouzi rice, baked sea bream and an Iranian mixed grill, and halwa cheesecake for dessert. Dine-in or takeaway is available.

La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk Dubai, sunset to 9pm, Dhs239 per person, Dhs119 for children below 12. Under-sixes free. Tel: (0)4 403 3111. livelaville.com/Ramadan

Crescendo

In keeping with the excellent gourmet reputation of the hotel, Anantara The Palm Dubai’s chefs offer carefully curated menus during the Holy month. At Crescendo, the hotel’s celebrated all-day dining venue, choose to iftar alfresco on the beautiful outdoor terrace for stunning views as you dine, or opt to sit inside the contemporary dining room. Begin with sun-blushed Roma tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, a marinated Thai chicken salad or a platter of Arabic mezze. After soup, choose from an aromatic mixed grill with meat or steamed fish with mango and coriander salsa. There are plenty of seasonal desserts to end your meal, and speciality beverages to accompany your experience.

Suhoor: The resort’s suhoor package is available from 9pm to 3am for Dhs160 per person and includes juice, a hot drink, breads and pastries, eggs prepared to your liking, a halloumi cheese platter, foul madames, labneh and dried fruit.

Anantara The Palm Dubai, sunset to 9pm, Dhs215, Dhs100 for children 6 to 11 years. Under 6 dine free. Tel: (0)4 5678304. restaurants.dubai@anantara.com @anantaradubai 

Counter Culture Cafe

For Dhs175, you can break your fast with a delectable Iftar spread that includes traditional hot and cold mezze, juicy grills and an assortment of delicious desserts along with refreshing Arabic beverages.

Counter Culture Cafe, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 319 4786. marriott.com

Enigma

Authentic Persian restaurant Enigma is serving up an iftar set menu. For Dhs230 per person, enjoy dishes such as Sabzi Khordan, homemade Persian cheese, roasted Persian bread and more.

Enigma, Palazzo Versace Hotel, Jaddaf Waterfront, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs230. Tel: (0)4 556 8805. palazzoversace.ae

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah

Iftar at Bice features live cooking stations offering authentic Italian dishes and traditional Arabic specialities. The restaurant also has a private dining area to host private iftars for friends and family, and there’s shisha available outside.

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, sunset to 10.30pm, Dhs225 for adults, half price for children. Tel: (0) 4 3182319. restaurant.jbr@hilton.com. hilton.com 

Hutong

The new Northern Chinese restaurant in DIFC is serving a special Ramadan menu, which includes crab and golden pumpkin soup, yu xiang crispy eggplant, wild mushroom and truffle bao, and wok-tossed beef tenderloin.

Gate Building 6, DIFC, sunset to 8pm, Dhs198 per person (minimum two people). Tel: (0) 4 2200868. hutong-dubai.com

JA Hatta Fort Hotel

Featuring all the traditional iftar elements from kamardeen, laban and jallab juice to cold and hot mezze, classic lentil soup is followed by samak harrah, lamb salona, shish taouk, lamb ouzi and more. Expect a peaceful iftar in Gazebo Restaurant as you enjoy panoramic views of the Hajar mountain range.

JA Hatta Fort Hotel Dubai, from sunset, Dhs95. Tel: (0)4 8099333. jaresorts.com

JA The Resort

The ‘Zarb’ experience at Captain’s Restaurant in JA The Resort is a unique dining experience that offers guests the chance to experience an authentic and traditional Bedouin barbecue on the beach. Ideal for groups, settle in to enjoy a feast of juices and dates, hot and cold mezze, followed by marinated lamb cooked in front of you using the ancient technique of cooking under the sand and served with vegetables and rice. Finish the meal with Arabic sweets and coffee as you relax in the traditional low seating on the beach.

Captains Bar, JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach Dubai, from sunset, Dhs250. Tel: (0)4 814 5604. restaurant.reservation@jaresorts.com, jaresorts.com 

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

There are two iftar options this Ramadan: dine in at Kitchen6 where they’ll be six interactive cooking stations serving international cuisine for Dhs215 per person. Alternatively, order from La Farine and receive a takeaway iftar box for seven people (Dhs795) filled with hot and cold mezze, kebabs and more.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, from sunset, Dhs215 (dine-in), Dhs795 (takeaway). Tel: (0)4 4143000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

LPM Restaurant and Bar

LPM is offering a sharing menu throughout the holy month, priced at Dhs240 per person including a Ramadan drink, soup, dates, two starters, one main course and a dessert. It’s a French-Mediterranean menu, with sea bream fillet in papillote with confit lemon, cherry tomatoes, capers, sweet pepper & olives, roast baby chicken marinated in lemon. The menu is also available for delivery, priced at Dhs480 for two people to share.

LPM Restaurant and Bar, DIFC, from sunset, Dhs240 per person (min 2 pax). Tel: (0)4 439 0505. lpmrestaurants.com/dubai

Marea

Marea has created a special menu which fuses Italian cuisine with Middle Eastern elements. Start with an Italian tomato soup and mezze plate, followed by Italian burrata as well as handmade rigatoni pasta and wagyu beef bolognese.

Marea, DIFC, 6.45pm to 7.30pm, Dhs249 per person. Tel: (0)4 583 6366. marearestaurant.com

Masti

The sharing style menu, created by Executive Chef Prashant Chipkar, will feature a range of Indian-inspired dishes such as pumpkin khakra, smokey chipotle paneer tikka, beef empanadas and harissa chicken. Save room for the Instagramable and delicious dessert. 

La Mer, sunset to 8pm, Dhs150. Tel: 0(4) 3444384. mastidubai.com

Netsu

Netsu serves up a Japanese-themed Ramadan menu, cooked using the Warayaki grill. The three-course menu offers diners a taste of Chef Ross Shonhan’s Japanese creations paired with unique mocktails.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, sunset to 8pm, Dhs265. Tel: (04) 7772232. @netsudubai 

Ninive

This Bedouin-inspired majlis is the perfect place to enjoy excellent Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine in a luxurious yet comfortable locale. Tuck into a wide range of starters, mains and desserts for Dhs250 from 7pm to 9pm. Suhoor starts at 9.30pm. Staying home? Order your iftar via Deliveroo from 5pm to 8pm.

Ninive, Jumeirah Estates Towers, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 326 6105. ninive.ae

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel

A special iftar buffet featuring a blend of Arabic and international dishes with a carefully selected menu that changes daily.

19th floor, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, sunset to 10pm, Dhs119. Tel: (0)4 3771184. parkregiskriskin.ae

Ripe Market

From April 16 to May 8, Ripe returns with evening timings. From 4pm to 12am expect family entertainment, stalls from local makers and merchants, and a selection of the city’s favourite food stalls and trucks – making it a truly unique way to iftar.

Dubai Police Academy, Fri and Sat 4pm to 12am. ripeme.com

Rove Hotels

Throughout the Holy month, Rove encourages random acts of kindness by offering every guest who purchases a Dhs99 iftar at The Daily restaurant at Rove a free voucher for a second iftar to pass on to a family-member, friend, or anyone who needs it. Once passed on, the iftar vouchers can be redeemed at any of The Daily restaurants in Rove Hotels across Dubai. Rove Hotels locations include Dubai Marina, City Centre, Healthcare City, At the Park, Trade Centre and La Mer Beach.

Various locations across Dubai, from sunset, Dhs99. Tel: (0)4 561 9999. rovehotels.com

Scalini

Guests can expect a traditionally Italian iftar menu at Scalini, with prawns flambeed with chili, garlic and served with steamed rice, veal escalope with a signature lemon sauce, lasagne, chicken Milanese and penne arrabiata all on the bill.

Scalini, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs345 per person. Tel: (0)4 349 0068. scalini-dubai.com

Shanghai Me

Shanghai Me’s iftar menu will change on a weekly basis, but you can expect a range of premium dishes such as roast chicken, black cod, prawn toast, vegetable spring rolls, cucumber and avocado salad, dim sum and more, for Dhs245 per person.

Shanghai Me, DIFC, from sunset, Dhs245 per person. Tel: (0)4 564 0505. shanghaime-restaurant.com

Sheraton Mall of the Emirates

Iftar takes place at Besh Turkish Kitchen where an extensive selection of international and Turkish cuisine awaits. It is priced at Dhs175. Suhoor is at Vantage terrace where you’ll have views of the Dubai skyline to keep you company and an a la carte menu (including desserts) to tuck into. You can relax and enjoy a shisha plus one coffee for just Dhs60.

Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Iftar (from sunset) and suhoor (from 9pm) available throughout Ramadan. Book now on: (04) 377 2000, marriott.com

Sirocco – Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City

For Dhs125, indulge in a selection of International dishes and authentic Arabian flavours featuring Levantine favourites at Sirocco. Children under 12 dine for free.

Sirocco Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City, Festival City, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 701 1111. @holidayinndubaifestivalcity

Social Company

Located at Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Social Company is inviting diners to celebrate Ramadan with a traditional three-course Iftar. The menu features classic Arabic dishes and prices start from just Dhs89 per person.

Social Company, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Dubai, Tel: (0) 4 519 1111. @zabeelhousethegreens

Sonara Camp

The most unique way to spend iftar this year has to be at Sonara Camp. Complete with stargazing, a falcon show, a fire show, a live Oud player, camel riding and beautiful Tanoura dancing, this iftar experience in the heart of the desert is one you won’t forget. After the sun sets, guests will be invited to break their fast with dates, water, juices, laban, fruits and lentil soup, followed by a lavish dinner featuring Mediterranean and Arabic inspired fusion dishes.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dhs860 for adults, Dhs380 for children. Tel: (050)336 7909. nara.ae

Stella Di Mare Marina Hotel

Iftar takes place at La Fontana all-day dining restaurant where a special buffet is served featuring a range of Arabic delicacies. Meanwhile, suhoor is served alfresco at La Veranda on the first floor of Stella Di Mare Marina Hotel with a special suhoor a la carte menu.

Stella Di Mare Marina Hotel, sunset to 9.30pm, Dhs135. Tel: (058) 1029382. fbco.dubai@stelladimare.com, stelladimare.com/dubai_marina_hotel

Sufra

Sufra is a spacious Mediterranean restaurant that will welcome guests for iftar at Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. There are three menus to choose from priced at Dhs149. Highlights on the menus include mixed grills and Arabic cheese platters.

Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, from sunset, Dhs149. Tel: (0)4 5531212. @hyattregencydubaicreek

Taiko Dubai

Throughout the Holy month, Taiko Dubai will pay homage to the richly authentic cuisine of the Far East, while blending together the rich flavours of Asia and the Middle East with a unique three-course iftar menu.

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs195. Tel: (0)4 2814010. taikodubai.ae

Tasca by José Avillez

The Portuguese restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai serves a multi-course iftar menu featuring a range of traditional sharing-style dishes.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, sunset to 8pm, Dhs265. Tel: (0)4 7772231. @mo_jumeira 

The Oberoi, Dubai

Lamb ouzi, Yemeni chicken mandi, koobideh kebab, namak mandi ka gosht and khoresh bademjan is on the iftar menu at Nine7One restaurant. Shisha is also available in the gorgeous outdoor open courtyard.

Nine7One, The Oberoi, Dubai, after sunset, Dhs195 including juices soft drinks, coffee and tea, half-price for children six to 12, under 5s free. Tel: (0)4 441 1407. @oberoidubai

The Spice Tree

Located at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square in Mankhool, this 5-star property has a great deal for Ramadan. Purchase two iftars and you will get a stay in the hotel for free. The iftar is priced at just Dhs199 per person and the feast includes Arabic mixed grill, kebabs, butter chicken, lamb tangine and more.

The Spice Tree, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square, World Trade Centre Road, Dubai, Dhs199 per person, Tel: (0)4 217 5100. hilton.com/en/hotels/dxbmkdi 

Waldorf Astoria DIFC

Bull & Bear has added an Arabic-inspired twist to its daily menu. Diners can look forward to an a la carte iftar including classics such as grilled flatbread with dips, lentil and pumpkin soup and Bull & Bear’s take on an iftar mixed grill. In addition to the classic dishes, guest can also choose from homemade ricotta with honey, sumac and hazelnut dukkha, mushroom arancini and shrimp harra.

Waldorf Astoria DIFC, from sunset, Dhs195. Tel: (0)45159888. bullandbear@waldorfastoria.com @bullandbear.difc 

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

A lavish spread of flavourful Middle Eastern fare and international delicacies as well as live cooking stations awaits at Mezzerie. Expect hot and cold mezzes, fresh juices, soups, exotically spiced mixed grills and Arabic sweets. It will cost Dhs205 per person.

Waldorf-Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, sunset to 10.30pm, Dhs205 per person. Tel: (04) 818 2222. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

Weslodge Saloon

Weslodge Saloon’s iftar menu includes dates, bread, hummus and lentil soup on arrival followed by a selection of classic Canadian comfort that the restaurant is more famous for. Highlights include golden calamari, juicy grilled chicken wings, and Southern fried chicken.

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, from sunset, Dhs450. Tel: (0)4 5601700. @weslodgedubai

W Dubai – The Palm

Iftar is served at LIV, the restaurant’s main all-day dining restaurant with a range of hot and cold mezze and mixed grill. Meanwhile, suhoor takes place at W Dubai – the Palm’s Hookah Lounge from 9pm to 2am where guests can dine on other Arabic delicacies, including shish tawouk, lamb kofta and more.

LIV, W Dubai – The Palm, sunset to 9pm, Dhs195, half price for children six to 12 years. Tel: (0)42455800. @wdubaipalm

Yalumba

Yalumba gives its guests a welcoming take on Arabian hospitality with curated offerings of more than one hundred menu items, ranging from traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes including soups, salads, hot and cold mezze platters and most notably, lamb machboos and chicken tagine – all for just Dhs169.

Le Meridien Dubai, sunset to 10.30pm, Dhs169, Dhs99 children 6 to 12 years. Tel: (0)4 7022455. @YalumbaDubai 

Images: Supplied