Running from 12th April until 11th May (depending on the moon sighting), during Ramadan, iftar is served at sunset and breaks the long day of fasting. Throughout the holy month, hotels and restaurants across Dubai invite families and friends to enjoy an iftar feast as the sun sets. and while there’s a lot of local cuisine on offer, there’s also a lot of international fare. Even if you’re not fasting, anyone is welcome to come along and experience iftar and enjoy the community feel.
Boca X Frying Pan Adventures
The team behind Frying Pan Adventures is working with Boca’s Chef Matthijs Stinnissen to curate a menu that pays tribute to dishes from the most popular restaurants in Old Dubai. Some of the dishes include a version of a Palestinian hit, chilli and sumac stuffed falafel, a take on a popular Levantine mezze ‘homemade labneh empanadas’, and Boca’s version of ‘Iranian kebabs marinated in black lime’. The eight-dish sharing iftar menu for two will include water, fresh juice, coffee, and tea.
Gate Village, DIFC, sunset to 9pm, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 3231833
Tasca by José Avillez
The Portuguese restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai will be offering a multi-course iftar menu featuring a range of traditional sharing-style dishes – with al fresco dining and gorgeous sea views, this is a great spot to end the day.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, sunset to 8pm, Dhs265. Tel: (0)4 7772231
Weslodge Saloon
Weslodge Saloon’s iftar menu includes dates, bread, hummus and lentil soup on arrival followed by a selection of classic Canadian comfort that the restaurant is more famous for including golden calamari, juicy grilled chicken wings, and Southern fried chicken.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, from sunset, Dhs450. Tel: (0)4 5601700
Scalini
Scalini’s Iftar will focus on signature dishes curated for guests to break their fast with nourishing, comforting Italian cuisine.The family-style sharing menu will change weekly, offering a wide selection of the authentic dishes that begins with a soup, followed by starters such as burrata with Datterini tomatoes and ricotta bresaola. Main courses will include chicken Milanese, penne arrabiata and a classic spaghetti bolgonese, ending with a sweet date cake.
Four Seasons Jumeriah Dubai, Dhs345, scalini-dubai.com
Netsu, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Serving up Dubai’s only Warayaki-style Iftar, Japanese inspired Netsu will serve a themed Ramadan menu, cooked on Dubai’s only Warayaki grill. The three-course menu offers diners a taste of Chef Ross Shonhan’s Japanese creations paired with a selection of Ramadan-inspired soft drinks.
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Dhs265, mandarinoriental.com
