The holy month of Ramadan has officially begun, and with it, some of Dubai’s best restaurants are offering fabulous iftars and suhoors. From lavish buffets and grand set menus to alfresco garden feasts and an elegant Parisian affair, here are the best iftars and suhoor in Dubai this Ramadan.
The best iftars in Dubai for Ramadan 2024
The Guild
As Dubai’s most beautiful new restaurant, The Guild is also offering the most beautiful iftar setting in the city. Hidden amongst the foliage in ICD Brookfield Place, it’s the perfect place to escape to and enjoy the serenity of Ramadan, with its debut iftar menu that combines European cuisine with Arabic touches. Guests can dine in The Rockpool or The Salon – both stand-out spaces – and enjoy Medjool dates and lavoush for the table, followed by a choice of starter which includes porcini mushroom veloute, pearl barley soup with braised chicken and kale. The second course includes Atlantic cod fritters and roasted tomato flatbread before a choice of scene-stealing mains like fragrant seafood risotto, spiced lamb shoulder and gnocchi a la Provençale. The feast ends with saffron milk cake, date toffee tiramisu and the famed baklava, followed by a selection of The Guild’s very own homemade chocolates – presented with an Arabian twist for Ramadan 2024. A stunning private dining room is also on hand to host an intimate iftar with loved ones to remember, hosting up to 16 people.
AED265 per person; 6pm to 8pm; theguilddubai.com
The Lana Dubai
Dubai’s newest luxury address, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, has unveiled a spectacular Suhoor and Iftar experience for Ramadan. Step into their elegant ballroom and embark on a culinary journey spanning the Arabic world, Asia, India, and Italy. Live cooking stations tempt with hot and cold mezze, the freshest seafood, and expertly grilled specialities. Delight in traditional Arabic sweets, The Lana’s signature desserts, and a curated selection of juices and bespoke drinks. For an extra touch of culinary indulgence, savour select dishes from The Lana’s signature restaurants, Riviera by Jean Imbert and Jara by Martín Berasategui.
Suhoor: AED 295 per person, Iftar: AED395 per person; from sunset to 1:00 am; Marasi Drive, Business Bay; dorchestercollection.com, @thelanadubai
Nara Desert Escape
This Ramadan, Dubai’s popular desert destination Nara Desert Escape has transformed into a captivating Arabian spice market right on the sand. Lounge areas and tables decorated in a modern Middle Eastern style invite you to break your fast under a twinkling desert sky with a luxurious buffet featuring regional and Emirati specialities alongside live cooking stations. The rich scent of spices mingles with the enchanting melodies of a live Oud player, creating a truly immersive experience. Indulge in traditional shisha (available for purchase), Arabic tea and coffee, and explore the Ramadan market. Prayer tents offer solace, while Iftar brings camel rides, a falcon show, henna art, and more. Suhoor continues the magic with henna, a mesmerizing fire show, and the mesmerizing sounds of the Oud.
AED 590 per adult and AED 250 per child; from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm; Al Ain; nara.ae; @naraescape
La Cantine du Faubourg
Stylish Parisian eatery La Cantine du Faubourg transports guests to the avenues of the City of Light Ramadan with a four-course set menu of French and European classics (with a touch of Levantine for good measure). The sharing-style menu starts with a light pumpkin soup with rosemary croutons, before moving on to starters like roasted beetroot, edamame hummus and gambas and stuffed minced chicken. Mains such as parsley-crusted sea bass, braised lamb shoulder and spicy roasted cauliflower are on the menu, finished by delightful desserts like mandarin and almond parfait and a hibiscus and rose marinated fruit platter, plus Arabic sweets.
AED 280 per person; sunset to 9 pm; Jumeirah Emirates Towers; lacantine.ae/ramadan
Hawkerboi
Satiating the appetite of Asian cuisine lovers, Hawkerboi has announced its debut iftar menu – an ode to the street food vendors of Southeast and South Asia with some of its most-loved dishes. In a stylish dining room complete with mood lighting and neon signage, diners can enjoy a four-course iftar menu for AED150. The meal starts with duck wonton soup, followed by spicy potato with curry leaves. Next, it’s a choice between Gai Yang grilled chicken with buttery paratha and a grilled mix of vegetable and pumpkin masala or grilled fish with paratha, mixed veggies and tomato masala. A delicious pineapple pie with yoghurt sorbet and toffee sauce completes the iftar.
AED150; sundown to 9pm; eatx.com
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Inject some luxury into your Ramadan 2024 at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira – as the beautiful resort has unveiled its second edition of the Majlis by Mandarin Oriental. The unique space lies on the hotel’s stunning beachfront and serves both iftar and suhoor, offering cuisine from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants Netsu by Ross Shinhan and Tasca José Avillez. The tent itself combines warm interiors with intricate decorative detailing and features a captivating exhibition curated by award-winning Emirati poet, Dr. Afra Atiq.
AED335 per person (free for children under three, half price for children under 11); from sunset to 9 pm; modub-restaurants@mohg.com
Asateer Tent – Atlantis The Palm
Experience the spirit of Ramadan at Atlantis The Palm’s iconic Asateer Tent, a yearly pop-up in the grounds of the world-famous Dubai hotel. Typical of the Atlantis brand, know for its showstopping hotels and experiences, this opulent setting offers unforgettable Iftar moments with stunning views. As the sun sets, embark on a culinary voyage through the Asateer’s lavish buffet. Flavours from across the globe feature, with specialities from Arabesque, Turkish, Persian, and Khaleeji cuisines. Refreshing Ramadan juices complement the feast – delivering a true authentic, yet luxe, celebration of tradition.
AED 250 per person; from sunset to 8:00 pm; Atlantis The Palm, atlantis.com, @atlantisthepalm
LPM Restaurant & Bar
LPM is one of Dubai’s most loved and renowned dining establishments, serving French-Rivera-inspired cuisine and joie de vivres from its elegant DIFC dining room and terrace. LPM is known for putting on a fantastic iftar spread, and Ramadan 2023 is no different. The Mediterranean-inspired menu consists of four courses including soup, dates and a selection of four starters to share, alongside one main course and dessert per person, along with side dishes. The menu includes some of LPM’s signature dishes like creamy burrata with cherry tomatoes, warm prawns with olive oil and lemon juice, Chilean seabass and homemade rigatoni pasta with pesto and confit lamb shoulder.
AED250 per person; 6 pm to 8 pm; Gate Village No 8, DIFC; lpmrestaurants.com
Gaia
Gaia is one of the best restaurants in Dubai – a favourite with royals, visitors, residents and locals alike, who come for authentic Greek cuisine, beautiful interiors, an unrivalled vibe and Fundamental Hospitality’s (formerly Bulldozer Group) signature five-star service and theatrical dining touches. This Ramadan, the restaurant is offering a special iftar menu of Ramadan specials, with Arabic influences married with Mediterranean flavours. The Ramadan menu includes Ramadan specials such as wholesome Dakos salad with ripe tomatoes, a salty baked feta cheese dip, slow-cooked lamb and king crab tagliatelle. Homemade baklava and a fresh fruit dessert platter complete the beautiful iftar experience.
gaia-restaurants.com
Tasca
As one of Dubai’s most picturesque and beautiful locations, Tasca – on the rooftop of the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira – is the perfect place to see the sun set on another day of Ramadan. In homage to chef José Avillez, the rooftop restaurant is putting on a Portuguese-style iftar which comprises a four-course sharing-style menu. Delicious dishes include black-eyed pea salad with tuna, lupini beans hummus, zingy Portuguese piri-piri chicken and tender lamb. Ramadan juices and a dessert selection are also included.
AED265 per person (AED150 children under 12, free children under four); 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm; Mandarin Oriental Jumeira; mandarinoriental.com
Alaya
Fundamental Hospitality’s new Mediterranean-Levantine restaurant Alaya is celebrating Ramadan with a delicious iftar menu. Honouring the beautiful culinary traditions of the Middle East, the menu is designed to be shared with friends and loved ones and includes a selection of appetising mezze (with dishes like beef kibbeh, shish kofte, and delicate grape leaf dolma. Following mezze, guests move onto mains like tender Chicken Fakhara, traditional lamb shank, aromatic shish chicken and Maqluba rice, before enjoying Levantine desserts like crunchy and sticky kunafeh and syrup-soaked baklava.
AED300 per person; Gate Village No4, DIFC; alaya-dubai.com
Ninive
Enjoy an authentic iftar this Ramadan at Ninive, La Cantine’s sultry Arabian Nights-inspired sister restaurant in the shadows of Emirates Towers. Embracing the restaurant’s roots – which lie in Gulf, Levant and North African cuisine and traditions – the urban majlis is serving a three-course iftar under the stars where guests take their seats around coffee tables in the tent-like structure. Dishes include warming traditional lentil soup, twice-cooked smoky eggplant, slow-cooked lamb ouzi and Moroccan chicken, before desserts like Arabic sweets and creamy umm ali.
AED285 per person; sunset to 9pm; Jumeirah Emirates Towers; ninive.ae
CÉ LA VI Dubai
Dubai’s iconic rooftop hotspot CÉ LA VI is throwing an iftar to remember, featuring traditional dishes with a mix of modern Asian cuisine. After breaking their fast with dates, guests will be served sharing-style starters and a choice of mains – with started like mushroom soup, burrata and tomato salad and mains like miso-marinated cod kushiyaki, black truffle sushi risotto and giant grilled prawns. Dessert includes a choice of pistachio rose delight, or meringue rose paired with dates and cardamom ice cream.
AED290 per person; sunset to 8 pm; Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai; celavi.com
Netsu
Meat lovers rejoice, as the Mandarin Oriental’s renowned Japanese steakhouse Netsu’s indulgent Warayaki-style iftar is returning this Ramadan. Guests enjoy a three-course sharing-style menu of prime cuts of high-quality meat and fish – from wagyu beef to tuna tataki – alongside signature maki rolls and spicy hot tuna stone rice. The highlight is Wagyu beef tri-tip MB4-5 served with rich and fragrant truffle rice.
AED265 per person; 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm; Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Hotel, mandarinoriental.com
Park Hyatt Dubai
Park Hyatt Dubai resort is one of the most elegant spots to enjoy spots serving iftars and suhoors in Dubai – nested on the peaceful shores of Dubai Creek and set in acres of manicured gardens. The Myconian-meets-Moorish hotel is putting on a fabulous iftar buffet this Ramadan in its beautiful Palm Garden – offering a selection of traditional and international dishes and delights. Dishes include grilled meats and seafood, creamy risotto and cheese places, along with spicy serves like chicken tikka and malai kebab, plus a live shawarma station.
AED350 per person; from sunset to 8:30 pm; Dubai Creek Resort; hyatt.com
3Fils
3Fils, one of Dubai’s most acclaimed dining destinations as well as acclaimed as the No.1 restaurant in MENA in 2022 and a 2023 Top 5 MENA selection by The Worlds 50 Best, presents a distinctive Iftar experience with its contemporary Asian cuisine infused with a touch of Middle Eastern flair. Recipient of the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, their Ramadan 2024 menu promises a unique culinary journey. The menu features six courses with highlights including Sna’atar – a merge of Asian and Middle Eastern flavours with Za’atar, delicate Tofu Hummus with Wagyu, and locally-sourced seafood dishes such as Lamen – a hand-made noodle dish with fresh local clams, Fremantle Octopus, and sea fennel, and Yellow Tail savoured with Jalapeno miso sauce topped with coriander oil. Additionally, 3Fils invites you to savour the Kushiyaki Station, where chefs expertly grill skewered delicacies for a fresh, interactive experience.
AED325 per person; from sunset to 9:00 pm, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour; 3fils.com, @3.fils
Apricot Dubai
Apricot, a charming European eatery and cafe in Downtown Dubai, offers a delightful Iftar experience with stunning Burj Khalifa views from its spacious garden terrace. This Ramadan, Apricot presents a four-course menu featuring Anatolian favourites and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Break your fast with dates, soup, and a selection of hot and cold mezze. Enjoy signature mains such as Chicken Sis Grill with Bazlama bread and comforting classics such as Turkish Manti with yoghurt and chili butter or Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with Firik Bulgar and Apricot Jus, followed by delectable desserts.
AED 149 per person; Old Town, Al Manzil, Downtown Dubai; apricotdubai.com; @apricotdubai
Josette Dubai
A pastel-pink Parisian hangout in the heart of DIFC, Josette invites diners to break their fast with a French-inspired Iftar experience. The menu beautifully blends French culinary artistry with traditional Middle Eastern flavours. The iftar beings with dates and refreshing welcome drinks (think Qamar-al-deen and jallab), followed by a selection of shared starters such as zucchini fritters with yoghurt sauce and grilled eggplant salad with goat’s cheese and flavorful mains such as sea bream Provencal and roasted baby chicken. Indulge in delectable desserts, including Josette’s signature treats like date cake with date anglaise and pistachio cookies.
AED 285 per person, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, DIFC, josette.com, @josettedubai
RSVP
Charming, French neighbourhood eatery RSVP offers a unique Iftar experience where French fine dining meets the Mediterranean and Middle East. Their curated menu promises a gastronomic exploration within a beautifully designed space in Jumeirah, Boxpark. Break your fast with flavoursome starters like creamy potato and leek velouté, bruschetta with tomatoes and stracciatella, and Mediterranean meatballs. For the main course, enjoy options like marinated lamb shoulder or aromatic chicken skewers with pilaf rice. Conclude your Iftar with Kunefe and Pistachio ice cream, a sweet nod to tradition. RSVP invites you to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan with loved ones, transcending the mere act of dining into a celebration of culture, culinary artistry, and shared traditions.
AED 188 per person; from sunset to 2:00 am; Box Park, Al Wasl Road, @rsvprestaurant
Terrace Between The Towers
This Ramadan, experience the dynamic spirit of Dubai at the iconic Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Their exquisitely decorated outdoor majlis, adorned with locally sourced elements, set the stage for an unforgettable Iftar. Indulge in a buffet where dishes with Arabic flair mingle with a sophisticated international touch. For those seeking a more intimate experience, Jumeirah Emirates Towers offers the exclusivity of a private majlis.
AED 315 per person; from sunset to 8:30 pm; Jumeirah Emirates Towers; jumeirah.com
Al Majlis – Madinat Jumeirah
This Ramadan, experience the captivating ambience of Al Majlis at Madinat Jumeirah – Jumeirah’s five-star hotel and leisure complex right on the beach. This elegant indoor setting offers a sumptuous Iftar buffet, where authentic flavours and a curated selection of beverages await. Break your fast with traditional Arabic dishes amidst a refined and inviting atmosphere – a truly memorable Iftar experience. For those seeking an al fresco celebration, the Ramadan Nights Garden at Fort Island (available from the 10th day of Ramadan) promises a vibrant outdoor experience.
AED 330 per adult and AED 165 per child; from sunset to 8:30 pm; Madinat Jumeirah, jumeirah.com
The best Suhoors in Dubai
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
The Mandarin Oriental Jumeira’s beautiful Ramadan tent is also the setting for one of the best suhoors in Dubai. The unique majlis-inspired space is offering cuisine from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants Netsu by Ross Shinhan and Tasca José Avillez and features a captivating exhibition curated by award-winning Emirati poet, Dr. Afra Atiq, focusing on the Ramadan traditions of the UAE.
a la carte; 10 pm to 2 am; modub-restaurants@mohg.com
Park Hyatt Dubai
The Ramadan celebrations continue long into the night in Park Hyatt Dubai’s enchanting Palm Garden. Following iftar, guests can enjoy a suhoor under the stars and feast on tender lamb chops, grilled tiger prawns and a variety of other delectable a la carte meats. The feast also includes classic hot mezze, traditional Middle Eastern appetizers and Ramadan sweets.
A la carte; 9:30 pm to 1 am; Dubai Creek Resort; hyatt.com
