Hilton, Abu Dhabi
Let your kids run around in the spacious air-conditioned Ramadan tent as you snack on exquisite Arabian delicacies such as kofta, shorba and shawarma. You may want to share the chicken moghrabieh or the fish moussaka, but when it comes to the cheese kunafa, Umm Ali and mahalabiya, you will surely wish it all to yourself.
Details Dh240 per person; Dh95 for children aged 6-12 and those under six eat free. Call 02 692 4247
Hakkasan
Perfect for Abu Dhabi and Dubai residents alike, this restaurant offers a four-course menu comprising Peking duck, steamed dim sum, tiger prawns and more. The Arabian sweets and the sorbets are easy on the eyes and even easier on the lips.
Details Sunset to 8pm; Dh228 per person. Call 02 690 7739 (Abu Dhabi) and 04 384 8484 (Dubai)
Flooka
Dig in to some delicious and healthy Mediterranean dishes at Flooka this Ramadan. Located in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this restaurant’s delightful seafood cuisine paired with its scenic views is sure to please you after a long fast.
Details Sunset to 8.30pm; Dh165 per person. Call 02 441 8244 (Abu Dhabi) and 04 346 1111 (Dubai)
Bombay Brasserie, Taj Dubai
Take a short trip to the Indian cities of Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Mumbai through the aroma and flavours of the classic dishes served at Bombay Brasserie. The gur ka sharbat, Sarojni Nagar ke pakode and the desi ghee sakarkand chaat promise a nostalgic dining experience to every non-resident Indian ending their fast. Don’t miss its bheja masala (brain curry) and the kache gosht (mutton) biryani.
Details Sunset to 9pm; Dh195 per person. Call 04 438 3222
Brasserie 2.0, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
End your fast with its unique iftar delights ranging from the traditional Arabian hot and cold meze platters, fresh salads and soups to hearty mains and decadent desserts. For the main course, take advantage of the shawarma station, the al fresco charcoal grill, tandoor oven and plancha grill. Round off your meal with its impressive selection of Umm Ali, kunafe, cakes and pastries.
Details Sunset to 8.30pm; Dh220 per person; children aged 5-12 enjoy 50 per cent off; those under 5 eat for free. Call 04 316 5550
3 in1, Vida Downtown Dubai
Enjoy traditional Middle Eastern favourites with your friends and family either indoors or al fresco while admiring the views of Downtown Dubai. The iftar menu offers scrumptious dishes such as lamb ouzi, kofta khashkhash, chicken shish taouk, chicken molokhia, lamb kofta, dajaj mashwi, fish harra, and lamb Dawood basha, followed by a wide array of desserts to pick from.
Details Sunset to 10pm; Dh180 per person; children aged 6-12 enjoy 50 per cent off; kids under 5 eat for free. Call 04 888 3444
Yalumba, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel
Yalumba brings to the table a variety of dishes including mixed grills, ouzi, pide, manakish, shawarma and cold meze platters. Its live cooking stations offer a perfect excuse to continue filling your plates with second helpings of hot and delicious food.
Details Sunset to 9pm; Dh169 per person; Dh79 for kids. Call 04 702 2328
Gaucho, DIFC
If you’re looking to spice up your iftar with some Latin American cuisine, head over to Gaucho at DIFC and treat your taste buds to Ecuadorian ceviche and beef and humita empanadas, followed by the main course, an Argentinian asado. For dessert, go for its coconut tres leches.
Details Dh199 per person (min. 2 people). Call 04 422 7898
Weslodge Saloon, JW Marriott Marqius
Enjoy the vintage ambiance, view from the 68th floor and a full-fledged saloon experience while feasting on customary harira or lentil soup, followed by popular southern fried chicken. For the main course, dig in to its light yet filling sea bass served with jalapeno relish and lemon drizzled with olive oil.
Details 7pm to 8pm; Dh235 per person. Call 04 560 1700
Ramusake, Doubletree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach
Delve into Japanese cuisine this Ramadan by trying 14 different dishes spread over four courses at Ramusake’s at The Walk, Dubai. Taste its signature dishes such as tuna sashimi pizza, nasu dengaku and steamed sea bass — which are included in its iftar set menu. Its à la carte menu is also available for diners
during Ramadan.
Details 6.30pm to 8pm; Dh199 per person. Call 04 559 5300
Bayside Restaurant & Terrace
With six different menu sets assigned to specific dates for the full month of Ramadan, Bayside at Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay stands out in extravagance and variety. Different assortments of Ramadan juices, soups, dried fruits, cold and hot meze, salads and appetisers accompany the main course.
Details Sunset to 10.30pm; Dh195 per person. Call 04 369 0000
Ninive, Dubai
Opt for starters, main course and desserts à la carte at Ninive while enjoying the performance of kanun and oud players. After filling yourself up with flavoursome food, you can also indulge in a game of backgammon.
Details 7pm to 9pm; Dh250 per person. Call 04 326 6105
Olea Kempinski, Mall of the Emirates
Start with its refreshing Ramadan juices such as amareddin, jallab and much more, a great way to end your fast. When it comes to its main dishes, you will be tempted to lick your fingers clean after tasting its beef oyster, chicken maqlooba, lamb okra and veal osso bucco.
Details Dh210 per person; Call 04 409 5111
Peyote, DIFC
In keeping with the spirit of Ramadan, do you wish to help those who are less fortunate? This Mexican restaurant features a specially curated drink named the Moonlight Mocktail where for every refreshment purchased, Dh10 will be donated to the Al Jalila Foundation. You can also explore the classic flavours of Mexican gastronomy through its Latin American iftar comprising churros, frijoles and tortillas and coriander and jalapeño hummus. Main dishes include camote baby chicken and mixiote lamb stew.
Details Dh198 per person for full menu. Call 04 521 6300
Cova, Dubai
Running short of time to head back home for iftar after an elaborate pre-Eid shopping session in The Dubai Mall? Fear not, Cova Dubai welcomes you and your entire family to an à la carte five-course set-menu right at The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue extension. Iconic pralines, king crab cakes with spicy tomato brunoise, spaghetti with fresh date tomato sauce and basil, pistachio-crusted salmon and crusted chicken supreme are sure to make a hearty and impressionable iftar. The cherry on the top (literally) is the impeccable dessert selection from Pasticceria Cova where fine Milan pastries are served.
Details Dh225 per person. Call 04 367 5558
Canvas, Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort
Embark on a nomadic journey to Morocco with celebrity chef Hanane Ouaddahou’s iftar spread. Dive first into exquisite North African flavours through starters such as taktouka and zaalouk, followed by the resort’s signature lamb and prune tagine for the mains. Savour its exotic Moroccan tea as well.
Details Dh165 per person. Call 09 209 1054
Rüya, Dubai
Get your hands on the Turkish treats you’ve been planning to try with the Anatolian dishes served at Rüya for iftar. With starters such as muhammara, citir kalamar and mouth-watering main courses including kashkak and yogurtlu kebab, what more could you ask for? Wash down Turkish sweets with a cup of refreshing tea.
Details Sunset to 11pm; Dh229 per person. Call 04 399 9123
Zest Restaurant, One&Only The Palm
The iftar buffet at this restaurant features a variety of Middle Eastern as well as international dishes that are sure to add a little zest to your iftar. For desserts, munch on delicate traditional sweets.
Details Dh250 per person. Call 04 440 1030
Al Nafoorah, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Relish the flavoursome and aromatic Lebanese specialities served in the iftar set menu at Al Nafoorah. The Arabian hot and cold meze, followed by the traditional main dishes and its selection of assorted sweets is sure to make your mouth water.
Details Sunset to 9pm; Dh195 per person; children aged 4-12 enjoy 50 per cent off, kids under 4 eat for free. Call 04 453 0444