When you are a brand as celebrated and recognised as Armani is, anything that you associate your name with becomes a synonym for luxury, quality and great taste.

Add to it the fact that Mediterraneo boasts one of the most prestigious addresses in town — first floor Burj Khalifa — it is a given that expectations from the iftar buffet served at this restaurant will be sky high.

In that context, there are a lot of things that work in its favour.

The setting is classic Armani — neat, clean and unpretentious. Ceiling to floor windows ensure you drink in the best view of the dancing fountain, while dipping into delicious sauces with a chunk of freshly-baked pita bread — all beautifully pre-set on your table.

Scanning through the main food station, you will be tempted to tuck into that slice of Margharita pizza. Please do. It tastes everything it looks like — cheesy, saucy and baked to perfection.

I would also recommend the seafood skewer with its two pieces of succulent, grilled fish and shrimp. Besides these, there was the usual fare of ouzi, kebabs and traditional drinks, which can be easily given a miss. Only to leave room for the death-by-desserts that’s to follow.

A must-try is the hazelnut delight and chocolate fondant.

A word of caution though — you will be too dizzy after your culinary indulgence to pay the cheque or drive back home. No worries — just blame it on Armani.

* Dh250. Iftar is served until 9pm. Call 04-8883444.