With Ramadan just around the corner, the dining scene is shifting accordingly to welcome those practising. And in a place like the UAE, where every flavour and palate are accommodate for, you can expect the same for its Iftars. From dining in the desert to dining sky high, here are the spots you should bookmark to break your fast.
Abu Dhabi
Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa | La Piscine
For those looking to have their Iftar with clear blue waters, Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa has gone ahead and done just that. Featuring Arabic favourites such as hot and cold mezze, salads, and mixed grills, guests can celebrate the spirit of the season with beachfront views.
Dubai
A La Turca | Rixos The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah
Going back to the Ottoman-era through food, A La Turca serves a buffet-style Iftar inspired by the journeys of ancient traders and pilgrims. Expect local staples and Turkish-inspired creations complemented with exquisite teas and aromatic Arabian coffee.
Al Hallab
Bringing time-honoured traditions to the table is Al Hallab, where guests can break their fast Lebanese-style. With comforting soups, mezze, succulent grills, and fresh bread, it intertwines flavours with celebration and thoughtfulness that define the holy month.
Al Maha, Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Considering that Ramadan is a time for stillness and reflection, an Iftar by the calming desert dunes seems ideal. Al Maha, Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa makes this idea into a reality, inviting guests to dine by the resort’s tranquil Ghaf Oasis. Taking place every Saturday throughout Ramadan, as well as on selected weekday evenings on Wednesday, February 25 and Thursday, March 5, the experience begins from sunset till 9PM in a Bedouin-inspired setting. With live stations, slow-cooked meats, and a traditional Arabic coffee table, this Iftar asks you to slow down and connect with your roots, far away from the fast-paced movement of city life.
China Tang | The Lana Promenade, Business Bay
Iftar with skyline views? China Tang says why not as guests are welcomed at the Lana Promenade with glowing lanterns and elegant tables set up with Cantonese flavours. Hot and sour soups, dim sums, and signature staples like Kung Pao Prawns, Chicken in Black Bean Sauce, and Egg Fried Rice are to be expected, blending Islamic customs with Cantonese flair.
East 14 | Dubai Marina
Inviting guests to break their fast over panoramic views, East 14 brings buffet-style Middle Eastern, Levantine, and Asian cuisines to its Iftar menu. Featuring live cooking stations, dishes to experiment with your palate on, and a decadent dessert tray, it makes the moment a time to gather and celebrate.
Girl & the Goose | Business Bay
For those looking for a slow Iftar, where the ambience is warm, intimate, and inviting, and plates are lingered over, then Girl & the Goose has you covered with their three-course Iftar menu. It begins with a fasting break of horchata milk, dates, and a mini soup to ease into the evening, followed by a selection of starters and mains before ending on an indulgent dessert. Each dish is hearty and flavourful, made to be relished while the gathering of good company grounds the night.
INA | Jumeirah 1
Considering the cool weather, why not break the fast in the open air? INA serves its Iftar experience within the restaurant’s courtyard under its open-air roof. The seating leaves room for reflection and community-first dining as the restaurant’s char-flavoured plates are shared. Speaking of, expect the traditional Ramadan dishes: flatbreads, salads, grills, and signature Ramadan desserts all made extra flavourful over an open fire.
Jamavar Dubai | Address Residences Opera District
Jamavar understands the spirit of Iftar all too well, as the same principles are rooted within Indian culture. So expect their Iftar menu to blend both Ramadan and Indian traditions. Beginning the meal with a three-tier golden charlie filled with dry fruits, dates, fruit chaat, steamed and fried bites, it brings South Asian traditions to break the fast. Mouth-watering kebabs, slow-cooked classics, and fragrant rice dishes all follow soon after, making the meal indulgent as well as enriching.
MiMi Mei Fair | Address Residences Dubai Opera
Blending Chinese cuisine and culture with the spirit of Ramadan, MiMi Mei Fair’s Iftar is all about refined plates paired with Burj Khalifa views. Candied walnuts and Lychee Lemonade open the menu, while a curated Dim Sum Sampler gets the meal going. The rest of the evening is set with MiMi Mei Fair’s signatures, while a comforting Banana Toffee closes the experience.
Netsu | Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Classic Japanese flavours and Kabuki-inspired interiors are what you can expect at Netsu. With an Iftar menu designed for sharing, reflection, and connection, expect plates of fresh edamame, sashimi, and handrolls, followed by Japanese street food and Netsu’s signature Warayaki grill. The meal concludes with a cherry blossom and white chocolate cheesecake, adding a light yet flavourful end to the night.
Soul Kitchen | Business Bay
Soul Kitchen keeps things varied and interesting this Ramadan as four guest chefs bring their own spin to the restaurant’s Iftar menu. Taking place every Saturday during the Holy Month, you can take your pick from Chef Ahmad Halawa’s Jordanian-Palestinian flair, Chef Andreé Nuñez’s bold Peruvian flavours, Chef Sara Aqel’s contemporary Mediterranean plates, or the Los Hermanos brothers, who are set to bring vibrant Mexican flavours to the Iftar table. Beyond the meal, Soul Kitchen will also host a Ramadan Market featuring seven homegrown brands. Taking place from 6 PM to midnight, the market allows guests to explore and support local talent.
