The holy month of Ramadan has officially begun, and with it, some of Dubai’s best restaurants are offering fabulous iftars and suhoors. From alfresco garden feasts to Japanese-Peruvian delights, here are the best iftars and suhoors in Dubai this Ramadan.
The best iftars in Dubai
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 mushroom soup with parmesan foam, before moving on to starters like sauteed gambas, chicken and foie gras briwat and confit white reddish. Mains such as chermoula-crusted sea bass, spiced tomato sauce, lamb shoulder and red braised vegetables are on the menu, finished by delightful desserts like compressed watermelon with mint, raspberry and rose panna cotta.
AED 275 per person; sunset to 9 pm; Jumeirah Emirates Towers; lacantine.ae/ramadan
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Inject some luxury into your Ramadan 2023 at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira – as the beautiful resort has unveiled its first-ever 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 Emirati artist Yasmin Al Mulla focusing on the Ramadan traditions of the UAE.
AED335 per person (free for children under three, half price for children under 11); from sunset to 9 pm; modub-restaurants@mohg.com
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, marinated lamb cutlets, grilled seabream and homemade rigatoni pasta with fresh tomato and chilli.
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 dishes like red lentil soup (AED60), endive salad (AED65) and king crab stew (AED360), along with a family-sized Gaia Mix Grill (AED1,050). Desserts pay homage to tradition with an ekmek kataifi (AED75) and pistachio halva with chocolate (AED55).
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 its first 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 rich and smokey baba ghanoush, crispy cheese sambousek and delicate grape leaf dolma). Following mezze, guests move onto mains like tender Chicken Fakhara, traditional Lamb Ouzi, succulent Tiger Prawns and Shish Kofte, all served with Maqluba & Vermicelli Rice and satisfying Potato Harra, before enjoying Levantine desserts like crunchy and sticky kunafeh and syrup-soaked baklava.
AED320 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.
AED275 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 specially designed for large groups this Ramadan. Encouraging the warm, social and loving spirit of the month, the menu – devised by Chef Howard Ko – is designed for groups of 30 people or more and features 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 braised beef cheek, vegetable fried rice and baked Alaska on the menu.
AED150 per person groups of 30 or more; sunset to 9 pm; Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai; celavi.com
Palazzo Versace Dubai
The opulent Palazzo Versace Dubai is throwing a fabulous series of iftar soirees this Ramadan – with menus running across the hotel’s array of award-winning restaurants – but the most magical takes place in the hotel’s serene Hikayat Garden. The beloved iftar event returns for Ramadan 2023 by inviting guests to break their fast under the stars against the picturesque backdrop of Dubai Creek. Dishes are served family style and the package includes Ramadan juices and still water.
AED 250 per person; sunset to 8:30 pm; Al Jaddaf; palazzoversace.ae
Clap
DIFC’s Clap is known for its creative Japanese cuisine, and its iftar menu fuses its signature Japanese menu with a touch of Arabic flair. The four-course iftar menu starts with Clap classics like a sushi platter, miso soup and fresh salads, before moving onto mains like sea bass panko, black cod miso and marinate lamb rack.
AED320 per person for a minimum of two people; sunset onwards; Gate Village No 11, DIFC; claprestaurant.com
The Artisan
Classic Italian may not be the most traditional iftar, but it’s certainly a perfect way to refill after a long day. The Artisan – DIFC’s most discreet and authentic Italian restaurant – is serving a light and breezy menu this Ramadan, the perfect precursor to a more indulgent suhoor. The iftar starts with a platter of dates and cheeses before moving onto a plate of fresh carpaccio di barbabietol and the restaurant’s signature pannacotta ai datteri to finish. The regular menu of rustic and comforting Italian classics is also available.
AED165 per person; sunset to 8 pm; Waldorf Astoria, DIFC; theartisan.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 menu culminates in a deliciously light cinnamon crème brulée dessert.
AED265 per person; 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm; Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Hotel, mandarinoriental.com
Torno Subito
Massimo Bottura’s playful Italian eatery Torno Subito has a fantastic iftar offer this Ramadan, allowing diners to enjoy a selection of the One Michelin-starred restaurant’s signature dishes for a very approachable amount. The iftar menu comprises Italian sharing-style classics like calamari fritti, vitello tonnato, focaccia, burrata, and mains like risotto alfredo, paccheri arrabbiata, orate, vitello, and finally, their famous tiramisubito. Those dining at sunset will enjoy spectacular views over the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina from the restaurant’s sweeping beachfront terrace, making the evening even more special.
AED 300 per person; 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm; W Dubai – The Palm; tornosubitodubai.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.
AED325 per person; from sunset to 8:30 pm; Dubai Creek Resort; hyatt.com
Onze
Enjoy an iftar with a difference this Ramadan at Onze, a slick Japanese-Peruvian restaurant on the shores of Dubai Creek. Running every day throughout the holy month, guests can break their fast with traditional Ramadan treats like dates and laban, alongside Onze’s moreish white miso soup, before enjoying savoury appetisers like spicy tuna maki, wagyu taquito, and a choice of mains from organic baby chicken to juicy steak and fried rice with mushroom and eggs. Those still looking to satiate their appetite can choose from one of four different desserts specially created for Ramadan – tres leches rose kintsugi, churros, mochis or delectable chocolate molten cake.
AED 200 iftar, plus AED 35 for desserts; 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM; Dubai Creek Resort; dubaicreekresort.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 Emirati artist Yasmin Al Mulla focusing on the Ramadan traditions of the UAE.
Minimum spend AED250 per person (excluding shisha); 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
