Best Iftar in Dubai – Unmissable for Ramadan 2023
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by luxeholidayhomes - May 14, 2023
- Dubai News
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Ramadan is not just a month, it’s a whole vibe! While countries throughout the world have different traditions regarding Ramadan, breaking the fast with iftar is something that Muslims do around the globe.
Fasting all day is hard work and families look forward to their fast breaking meal as the sun sets. Throughout the day, dishes are cooked in preparation for this very important evening meal, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break from cooking, to get dressed up and celebrate with family and friends outside of the home; sometimes it’s nice to try something a bit different and sample unfamiliar dishes from around the world, or just satisfy your cravings with your international favourites and that’s where Iftar places come to the rescue!
There are a huge variety of places offering iftar in Dubai. From small cafes offering set menus to elaborate buffets in beautifully decorated majlis, there’s something to suit every taste and budget in Dubai this Ramadan.
Ramadan in 2023 will take place from 22 March to 21 April (subject to moon sighting
15 Best Iftars in Dubai for 2023
If you’re a resident of Dubai or are lucky enough to be visiting it during Ramadan, here are the 15 best iftar buffets in the city for a unique Ramadan experience:
1. Bab Al Shams
One of the best luxury iftar buffet options in Dubai is Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
It is one of the most popular and highly frequented places for iftar in Dubai. And why shouldn’t it be? With almost 10 live cooking stations offering a variety of seafood, meats, vegetarian and Arabic dishes, it is something one should never miss!
Apart from the food, the arrangement, the live music, and the overall atmosphere of Bab Al Shams, sitting on the edge of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve makes it one of the best places in Dubai for an iftar to remember.
Location: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Cost: 299 AED
Timing: From iftar till 10:00 pm
2. Anise
Everyone likes a luxury iftar buffet that has an elaborate variety of dishes from all cuisines. At Anise, you’ll find all that and more!
With the finest Arabic specialties from North Africa and the Levant, and 8 live international cooking stations, Anise is truly a lavish place for iftar in Dubai.
Location: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Cost: 275 AED
Timing: From iftar till 8:30 PM
Instagram: @anisedubai
3. Habtoor Grand Resort
If your idea of the perfect iftar is a sumptuous buffet in plush surroundings, the Habtoor Grand Resort may be for you.
Enjoy a lavish spread of hot and cold mezze, followed by Ramadan favourites like lamb ouzi as well as international dishes from the many live cooking stations. There will also be a large range of delicious sweat treat and desserts… And all of this sat under the stars and twinkly fairly lights of the resort garden.
Location: Grand Habtoor Resort
Cost: 190 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
4. Al Hallab
How about a Lebanese affair in the heart of Dubai? Then why not try Al Hallab, with 4 locations across the city, making it a convenient choice wherever you’re staying.
Here you can enjoy different dates to break your fast, before tucking into the soup of the day, a variety of mezze dishes, succulent barbecued meats, an array of tempting desserts and coffee and tea. Seafood options are also available.
A takeaway option is also available.
Location: Dubai Mall, Garhoud, Mall of the Emirates, & Bab Al Bahr
Cost: 145 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
5. Bombay Bungalow
For a delicious iftar of Indian dishes, a visit to the Bombay Bungalow is a must!
Prepare for your taste buds to be tantalised by the restaurant’s fabulous four-course menu which includes dates to break your fast and an assortment of juicy kebabs and aromatic curries. Alongside the meaty dishes there are a variety of salads and dips including Bombay Bungalow’s signature Kadai Hummus, as well as a variety of tasty Indian bread.
Location: The Beach Mall, JBR
Cost: 110 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
6. Asateer Tent
Let’s talk about one of the best and most lavish iftar buffets in Dubai: Asateer Tent!
This iftar place goes all out when it comes to food. With an impressive variety of Moroccan, Lebanese, Persian, and Emirati cuisine, you’ll have a luxe dining experience at the Asateer. From piping hot meats, shawarma station, grilled platters, chocolate fountain, Umm Ali, and Kunafa, you will find all sorts of finger-licking items on the menu.
The ambience and layout of Asateer are simply magnificent. It has more than 100 dining tables, and several seating arrangements for the guests based on their requirements.
If you’re a first-timer to Dubai, this is truly one of the most exciting and extensive iftar buffet experiences.
Location: Atlantis, The Palm
Cost: 260 AED Weekdays / 280 AED Weekends
Timing: From sunset to 8:00pm
7. SMCCU
The SMCCU (Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding) Ramadan Iftar Program showcases the true essence of Ramadan and UAE culture. This is a great iftar for visitors to the UAE who may be unfamiliar with Islamic culture.
The iftar itself, includes dates and arabic coffee to break your fast, followed by some tasty Emirati dishes. The meal is topped off with tempting sweet treats and tea. Alongside the delicious food there are opportunities to take part in traditional games and activities such as calligraphy, as well as hearing about various aspects of local history and culture from the Emirati hosts. There’s also a dedicated kids area which is sure to keep the little ones happy whilst you enjoy your meal.
Iftar at SMCCU is a brilliantly immersive experience for both those fasting and those experiencing Ramadan for the first time. Advance booking is necessary.
Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Cost: 195 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
8. Asil
For a sophisticated Middle Eastern place to experience one of the best iftars in Dubai, head over to Asil
With a range of Turkish, Moroccan and Lebanese dishes on offer, Asil brings all of the best flavours from around the Arab world to your table. There will be soups, salads and numerous mezze dishes on offer as well as filling mains such as manti and imam Bayildi, not to mention the succulent mixed grill platter! Indulge yourself with a selection of kunefe, umm ali and other tantalising treats before ending your meal with some calming Moroccan mint tea.
There will be live music and a henna artist in attendance making this a night you wont forget.
A wholesome meal, a great ambience, and live music? What more could one ask for?
Location: Rixos Premium JBR
Cost: 260 AED
Timing: From iftar till 8:30 PM
Instagram: @aslidubai
9. 99 Sushi Bar
Fancy a change from the usual iftar spread? Then why not try the 12 course set menu at 99 Sushi Bar.
Dishes include Kobe edamame seared in wagyu fat, capmiso soup with truffled tofu foam and 99 foie and truffle nigiri. There are also a variety of tasty rubato grills on offer as well as some of the most delicious tempura prawns that you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Location: Address Downtown
Cost: 235 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:30 pm
10. Timo
If you’re looking for an iftar place in Dubai that has a fusion of Arabic and Asian cuisine, Timo is the place for you!
The menu is varied and includes many traditional Levantine dishes, like tabbouleh, hummus and dolma as well as south Asian dishes like paneer makhani. There are even a few European curve balls with beef stroganoff and lobster Thermidor also available.
Location: Al Jadaf Rotana
Cost: 190 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
11. Nosh
At Nosh, you’ll find a mix of Arabic and international dishes including, lamb ouzi, jellab, shish tawouk and various tandoor plates as well as a delicious array of appetisers and side dishes. The spread looks incredible and the price includes unlimited Ramadan juices served directly to the table.
For dessert lovers, there is baklava and luqaimat to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Location: Movenpick, Jumeirah Lake Towers
Cost: 250 AED
Timing: From iftar till 10:30 PM
12. 11 Woodfire
11 Woodfire hasn’t been around for very long, but owing to its scrumptious menu and excellent service, it has really made a name for itself.
It offers a set menu for iftar, which includes the special Emirati Kholas dates, cold tamarind juice, and green salad with pomegranate. Main courses include beef cheek sambousek and slow cooked short ribs. As for dessert, you get a rich and indulgent layered date cake full of local flavour!
Location: Beach Road, Jumeirah 1 (adjacent to Mercato Mall)
Cost: 300 AED for 2 people
Timing: From iftar onwards
Instagram: @11woodfire
13. Sagar Ratna
If you want to try the traditional Indian thali, you can have the most divine experience at Sagar Ratna.
It offers a range of exotic and savory dishes served in a thali, including paneer tikka masala, the all-time favorite daal makhani, and paneer angar served with fresh naan roti or Indian bread. You can down it all with makhaniya lassi, and rose sherbet, while having a delicious mixed fruit platter.
Location: Oud Metha & JLT
Cost: From30 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
Instagram: @sagarratnadubai
14. The Canteen
We’ll wrap up our article with a restaurant that offers a little of everything!
The Canteen offers an exquisite iftar experience with a mix of Middle Eastern, Indian, and international cuisine. The main selections include the famous lamb ouzi for all the meat lovers out there, grilled seabass, chicken kabsa, chicken tikka, grilled beef with mushroom, and daal tadka.
Location: Aloft, Dubai Creek, Deira
Cost: 175 AED
Timing: From iftar till 8 pm
We’ve only scratched the surface of the hundreds of places offering iftar in Dubai. With prices ranging from 30 AED to a whopping 300 AED, you can experience everything from luxury iftar buffets to traditional thalis.
With a whole month of Ramadan nights, there’s plenty of time to try something different. So, why not go for something Indian one day, head out for sushi the next and wrap up your Ramadan with the finest Middle Eastern dishes from the best iftar places in Dubai!
Up Next? Check out our selection of the best Suhoor venues in Dubai for 2023
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
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