Azur
Make sure to try the iftar at Raffles Dubai’s all-day restaurant, Azur, before it’s too late. The bright, airy spot looks out over the gorgeous Raffles Botanical Garden, and is serving up a delicious spread of Middle Eastern dishes from live cooking stations. Start off with the treasure chest of dates on your table, and then head to the delicious mezze buffet for Arabic classics like hummus, moutabal and an amazing fish tagine. Then make your way over to the main course station for an amazing choice of dishes: our faves included the biryanis, the manakeesh and the rosemary chicken. Oh, and check out the uniform of the waiting staff, it’s equine chic, and they look like they’ve come straight out of a Ralph Lauren advert.
Cost Dh185
Raffles Dubai | Iftar until 9pm | 04 324 8888
Jones The Grocer
The popular chain of deli-style cafés are putting together iftar menus this Ramadan with a series of dishes inspired by the staple fruit of the Holy Month – the date. Every week there will be a different main dish on their à la carte menu, which incorporates dates, and during week three of Ramadan you’ll be able to enjoy Date, pumpkin and wagyu beef tagine, which is served with Greek yogurt and Moroccan couscous, while during the fourth week there will be a delicious Foie gras and date pâté on offer, served with quince paste, toasted pistachio nuts and a walnut bread. During Ramadan the cafés will be closed to dine-in customers before sunset, but if you’re not fasting, check in with your local Jones, as they have special food and drink to go during the day.
Locations across the UAE | Iftar until midnight | jonesthegrocer.com
The Market Place
Enjoy a delicious buffet of iftar dishes at JW Marriott Dubai’s The Market, and the best bit is that the menu will change everyday, ensuring guests enjoy a variety of authentic Arabic specialities throughout Ramadan. Tuck into a Lebanese mixed grill, which is cooked fresh at live cooking stations, or try the freshly cooked saj or one of the many Indian dishes available. Also, throughout Ramadan the restaurant will remain open for discreet dining throughout the day, so that you can dine there for breakfast, lunch and dinner from as early 6.30am.
Cost Dh150
JW Marriott Dubai | Iftar until 11.30pm | 04 262 4444
The Grand Al Ameera Ballroom Iftar
Set in the stunning Al Ameera Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt, this lavish iftar – serving up Arabic cuisine classics – is the perfect place to break your fast. The hotel has brought in Jordan’s Chef Habiba to make the traditional kunafa, a delicate cheese pastry, and Syrian Chef Abou Ala’a is creating a wide selection of classic traditional drinks for the occassion.
Cost Dh175
Grand Hyatt Dubai | Iftar until 9pm | 04 317 2222
Anise
Anise is known for providing some of the best service in the city, so head to the international restaurant for a fine spread of traditional Arabic cuisine. The Business Bay-side restaurant’s dramatic purple and gold décor gives this iftar a glamorous and lavish fine-dining touch.
Cost Dh170
InterContinental Dubai Festival City | Iftar until 9.30pm | 04 701 1127
Traiteur
This is the first year that Traiteur, one of Dubai’s most elegant restaurants, has served
an iftar, so we’re expecting the much-loved French restaurant to be a popular choice. For the last three weeks of Ramadan they will be serving a selection of delicious Middle Eastern specialities, as well as Western and Indian dishes. After you finish your delicious iftar meal, we’d recommend heading to The Terrace, even if you’re too full to enjoy their à la carte suhour menu, you can enjoy a relaxing shisha with friends overlooking the marina.
Cost Dh180
Park Hyatt Dubai | Iftar until 10pm | 04 602 1860
