With its lavish buffet of traditional regional delicacies and sprawling indoor-outdoor dining area, Azur at Raffles Dubai is the ideal place for a family iftar. Read on to find out how our experience went.
The ambience
A cross between a large country home, a vaguely equestrian club and the chic restaurant it is, Azur also has fan-cooled outdoor seating for the brave.
What we loved
Regular visitors to Raffles Dubai will be long familiar with the premium products and delicious dishes associated with their buffet offerings, but the staggering range at the iftar is something else. We reached 35 items in the mezze sections alone, before we decided to stop counting and start tasting.
In the well planned and carefully thought out spread, some dishes make a strong mark, and we were easily swayed by the zaits, kibbe nayyeh, cabbage leaves stuffed with lamb, and the Sheik El Mahshi and Chicken Moulokiah done to perfection.
Kunafa, katayef and shabeyat fans will not be disappointed with their delectable versions, and don’t leave without trying the trio of camel milk ice-creams.
What we didn’t love
Although most dishes are classic Levantine, and presented in traditional style (no unrecognisable modern interpretations served here), there is the odd nod to international cuisines.
We found a curiosity-inducing Thai Beef Salad, a very comforting Mac and Cheese, and tarts and lamingtons at the dessert counter alongside a Black Forest Swiss Roll. We are not complaining, but we certainly like their mainstream menu a lot more.
The verdict
To treat your family and friends to one of Dubai’s most pleasurably satisfying iftars, this is it. If you live on the other side of town, we assure you it is truly worth the time and trouble involved in ‘the bridge crossing’ exercise.
The details
Price: Dh 185 per person. Azur, Raffles Dubai, call (04) 324 8888 or email dining.dubai@raffles.com to reserve
