Stand-out iftars and suhoors worth going to this Ramadan, offering an immersive and memorable experience
Isabella Craddock
The holy month of Ramadan has begun, and with it, some of Dubai’s best restaurants are offering fabulous iftars and suhoors. But hundreds on offer, a select few are really stand-out, 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 and suhoors in Dubai for Ramadan 2025
Oriental Garden Majlis
One&Only Royal Mirage, Mina Seyahi
For an iftar or suhoor that doubles an as elegant, immersive and authentic Arabian expeirence, book a table at One&Only Royal Mirage’s Oriental Garden Majlis. Hidden in its stunning Arabian Couryards, the dining experience takes place under the starry night’s skies – with an indulgent Levantine and Arabic buffet. Guests can feast on traditional Ramadan delights like slow-roasted lamb ouzi, fresh shawarma, and sweet delights like baklava and luqaimat, alongside relaxing traditional music and shisha available to order.
AED350 per person (AED175 per child); Iftar buffet, sunset to 9pm, suhoor a la carte, 9:30pm to 2am; oneandonlyresorts.com
The Guild
ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC
As one of Dubai’s most beautiful restaurants, The Guild is also offering one of the most beautiful iftar settings 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 break their fast with Medjool dates, creamy feta, hummus, dried figs and other sharing dips with bread for the table, followed by a choice of lentil or yoghurt soup with chicken and mind. Sharing starters include bafra pide, a Turkish flatbread with bavette, Guild fattoush and seafood risotto. For the main course, it’s a choice of slow-cooked lamb shoulder, braised beef cheek, rotisserie chicken – finoshing with desserts like sticky toffee pudding or saffron cake. Ramadan beverages are also included, such as
Laban Ayran and Tamarind Sherbet. 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
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai
As one of Dubai’s most beautiful beach resorts – set on the outer fronds of Palm Jumeirah with 360-degree views of the entire city – Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is the perfect place to enjoy an iftar to remember. With Ramadan falling in March, and evenings still warm and breezy, guests can dine on the beautiful oceanfront terrace of Mezzerie, or inside its elegant and dining room. The iftar itsels showcases delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, ideal for those wanting an authentic experience in a beautiful beachy setting – with Arabic sweets and Arabic accents imbued with Waldorf Astoria’s old-world charm. This is one of the best iftars in Dubai.
AED280 per person, sunset to 10.30pm, @waldorfdubai
Ramadan at Veranda
The Lana, Business Bay
As one of Dubai’s newest luxury addresses, The Lana, Dorchester Collection, has unveiled a spectacular Suhoor and Iftar experience for its second Ramadan – collaborating with renowned Milanese jewellery brand Pomellato to serve up iftar and suhoor meals as bold, colourful and contemporary as its distinctive gemstones. Ramadan at the Veranda gives a memorable take on Ramdan’s cherished traditions, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the bobbing yacht in the canal. The setting is spectacular, complete with Burj Khalifa views, while the iftar buffet includes international flavours. An a la carte suhoor is also available, offering Verdana’s signature light bites, seafood, grills and botanical drinks.
Iftar, AED395 per person, Marasi Drive, Business Bay; dorchestercollection.com, @thelanadubai
Osteria Funkcoolio
Port De La Mer, Jumeirah 1
One of Dubai’s more hidden culinary gems, Osteria Funkcoolio sits in the trendy Port De La Mer and promises a iftar with an edge this Ramadan. The playful 30-seat indoor-outdoor eatery is the brainchild of Dubai star chef Akmal Anuar, and offers an innovative and flavourful fusion of Italian-Japanese cuisine. Its iftar is just an intriguing, offering something unique in the city. After choosing a seat in the intimate, New York-inspired restaurant, or out on the waterside terrace, diners will enjoy welcome drinks and rich spring potato soup with pinza bread. It’s then for a refreshing salad with seasonal truffles and hazlenuts, followed by a main of succulent lamb ribs infused with Majboos spices. A delicate rose panna cotta with lychee and raspberry finishes the meal.
AED250 for two people; 6pm to 8pm; funkcoolio.com
Nara Desert Escape
Dubai Desert
This Ramadan, Dubai’s popular desert destination Nara Desert Escape has transformed into a captivating Arabian 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 mesmerising fire show, and the sounds of the Oud. Those who want to make a true occasion of it can also book one of Nara’s charming ‘Nests’ – enjoying a night of glamping under the dessert skies for AED2,070.
AED490 per adult and AED210 per child; from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm; Al Ain; nara.ae; @naraescape
MiMi Mei Fair Dubai
Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
Hailing from London’s chic Curzon Street, MiMi Mei Fair Dubai is celebrating its first Ramadan in style with an iftar Inspired by the secret residence of Empress MiMi. The iftar includes a lovely selection of Chinese dishes, served in MiMi Mei Fair Dubai beautiful indoor dining room inspired by 1920s Shanghai and the grandeur of Beijing’s Forbidden Palace. The Iftar menu begins with a refreshing lychee lemonade, complemented by candied walnuts and rose nougat. Guests can then choose from a selection of dim sum starters, with vegetarian platters available, before moving onto delicious main courses like black bean chicken and Mala spicy tofu with an array of sides. The evening finishes with a moreish banana toffee dessert – caramelised bananas, sesame, and vanilla ice cream (the perfect sharer with loved ones).
AED218 per person; @mimimeifair.ae
La Cantine du Faubourg
Jumeirah Emirates Towers
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.
AED280 per person; sunset to 9 pm; Jumeirah Emirates Towers; lacantine.ae
The Majlis by Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah Beach Roadd, Jumeirah 1
Inject some luxury into your Ramadan 2025 at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira – as the beautiful resort has unveiled its third 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 honours the cultural legacy of the UAE with a special collaboration with Khaseibah Ali Al-Dahmani, an extraordinary Emirati grandmother and art enthusiast who has dedicated her life to preserving the nation’s rich traditions and heritage. The Majlis showcases a gallery of immersive portraits by Alia Bent Sultan, known for capturing the essence of her community through her lens – making this not only a wonderful Dubai iftar, but a cultural experience.
AED395 per person (free for children under three, half price for children under 11); from sunset to 9 pm; [email protected]
Lana Lusa
Four Seasons Private Residences, Dubai Canal
Lana Lusa has been a neighbourhood favourite in Dubai for years, and it has an army of loyal customers (including this writer) at its Wasl 51 venue. The chic Portuguese concept has reopened at the slick Four Seasons Residences on Dubai Water Canal, with a beautiful waterfront terrace making it a serene place for an warm evening iftar. A curated Ramadan menu is on offer, with authentic Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes to share with loved ones. Expect nourishing Middle East classics like beetroot hummus and lentil soup, with additions like chickpea and sweet potato salad and grilled seabream, alongside dates and mocktails. The interiors and slick bar are even more stunning than the original venue, complete with colourful artwork, Portuguese tiles and more.
AED250, sunset to 9.30pm, @lanalusadxb
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
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
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
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 159 per person; Old Town, Al Manzil, Downtown Dubai; apricotdubai.com; @apricotdubai
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
