Tried and Tested: FACT’s favourite iftars this Ramadan

From majestic majlis to bombastic buffets.

With an endless list of restaurants and majlis to frequent this Ramadan, team FACT has come to the rescue. The FACT team have scoured the country for the best iftars, so you don’t have to. Read on for our personal picks of eight of the best spots for iftar this Ramadan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Atlantis, The Palm

Visiting Atlantis, The Palm’s Asateer Tent has become a Ramadan tradition for me. The iftar is an epic experience and should be added to every Dubai bucket list. The sprawling site includes 1,400 seats, yet everything runs as smoothly as jallab juice. This year, we were seated outside for the first time, and the dazzling décor boasted bright arches and hanging lanterns. At the live cooking station, every cuisine is covered with biriyanis, pastas and noodles. Each night, there is a different theme: Monday is Arabesque, Tuesday is Turkish, Wednesday is Persian, Thursday is Khaleeji, and Friday to Sunday is traditional. Go on, start a new tradition. Available daily from sunset. AED 270 per person on weekdays, and AED 290 per person on weekends. – Kohinoor Sahota, Deputy Editor.

CÉ LA VI Dubai 

This Ramadan, CÉ LA VI Dubai is serving a spectacular iftar menu from Chef Howard Ko. The sky-high offering includes a date and roasted mushroom soup, followed by burrata tomato salad and miso-marinated cod kushiyaki. Main course options feature CÉ LA VI signature, such as black truffle sushi rice and grilled prawns. Conclude your iftar meal with the pistachio rose delight or the meringue rose delight with cardamom ice cream before retreating to the sky deck for shisha. Available daily from sunset. AED 290 per person – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Each year, the Majlis by the Sea iftar at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental steals the spotlight with its grandeur. While opulence is synonymous with this palatial property, it’s the basics here that truly elevate the experience. Hosting thousands for iftar, this venue is consistently in high demand. Feast on traditional favourites like falafel, fatayer, and kibbeh that never fail to satisfy. Beyond the elaborate buffet spread, stalls from renowned F&B outlets such as Hakkasan, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Talea by Antonio Guida offer an array of culinary delights. And don’t miss out on the decadent dessert bar — where the fudge brownies are absolutely irresistible. Available daily from sunset. AED 345 per person.– Shaheera Anwer, Staff Writer.

Expo City Dubai

One of Expo City Dubai’s most beloved attractions is, undoubtedly, the Surreal Water feature so it was only fitting that this spot be transformed into a beautiful setting for Ramadan in Dubai. With the pleasant Ramadan weather this year, the iftar combines the charm of alfresco dining with the sunset and the ambience of the water feature. Not only does the venue prove to be a visual hit, but the culinary offerings are equally impressive. No iftar would be complete without the customary falafel and samosas, and this spread also offers a diverse selection ranging from Middle Eastern delights to Indian favourites, drool-worthy pastas and a live shawarma station. Available daily from sunset. AED 150 per person. – Shaheera Anwer, Staff Writer.

Hoe Lee Kow

Reif Othman’s destination for Korean culinary innovation in Dubai Hills is serving an iftar menu that marries Middle Eastern and Korean flavours during Ramadan. Start with a sharing selection that includes HLK Cabbage Salad, Korean Chicken Soup (Dak Gomtang), Korean Garlic Bread, Korean Rice Lettuce Wraps (Bulgogi Ssambab), Shrimp Egg Rolls, and Veggie Mandu. For the main course, chef Reif has conjured up Deep Fried Seabass alongside Tender Braised Lamb Ribs paired with kimchi fried rice, which my daughter proclaimed were “the best ribs I’ve ever had!” End your meal with an unconventional take on the ever-popular Umm Ali. Available daily, from sunset to 8pm. AED 228 per person – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief.

Josette

Josette Dubai has the ability to make anything feel like a celebration. So, it comes as no surprise that it has launched an iftar. The menu combines Arabic tradition with French finesse, and includes special as well as signature dishes. The starters range from Hummus with Pine Nuts to Eggplant Mille Feuille, and mains range from Slow Cooked Lamb Leg with Arabic spiced cream sauce to Sea Bream Provençale. Swoon at the Date Cake shaped like a crescent moon. Sing along to the performers belting out jazz songs including La Vie En Rose and Feeling Good. And soak up the dazzling design, which feels like it’s straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. Available daily from sunset to 9pm – Kohinoor Sahota, Deputy Editor.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Paying tribute to the UAE’s rich heritage, Majlis by Mandarin Oriental features exquisite decor and an outdoor terrace adorned with lanterns and plenty of foliage for a memorable meal under the stars. For iftar and suhoor, the menu combines the very best of Middle Eastern cuisine with signature creations from Netsu by Ross Shonhan and Tasca by José Avillez. You can expect traditional favourites such as ouzi, mezze and mixed grills from the extensive buffet spread. Still, being Mandarin Oriental, dishes such as truffle hummus come with an upmarket twist. Available daily, from sunset to 9pm. AED 395 per person – David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief.

One&Only Royal Mirage

When you visit One&Only Royal Mirage’s iftar, it feels like you are stepping straight into the book, One Thousand and One Nights. The magical experience takes place in the Arabic-inspired Garden Oasis at Arabian Courtyard. Dig into an authentic Arabic mezze selection and don’t miss the incredible Moroccan Lamb Tagine. The highlight was the whirling dervish performers. When the dances, dishes and décor combined, it was a stunning sight. Go, get transported into an Arabic fairy tale this Ramadan in Dubai. Available daily from sunset to 9pm. AED 240 per person. – Edward Smith, Publisher.

GO: Visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com for more information.