Best Ramadan Iftar 2019 restaurant deals and offers

• Restaurants across the city will offer Iftar deals throughout the holy month (May 6 – June 5 expected)
• We’ve rounded up the best deals + our favorites by location
• The best Iftars of 2019 list features more restaurants than ever before
• Restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from Middle Eastern to Indian, American and French

The Iftar season has officially begun, with restaurants across Dubai now offering Iftar deals come sundown.

But with a city awash with restaurants (more than 1,500 at last count), figuring out which is best come Iftar time can be a tad confusing. But don’t fret, Esquire Middle East has your back this Ramadan.

We’ve put together a list of our all-time favourite Iftar Restaurants, along with Iftar deals and offers. We’ve chosen to segment that down by location, which should make it easy to plan your post-sunset activities each evening.

---

BEST IFTAR DEALS IN DIFC FOR 2019
DOWNTOWN DUBAI BEST IFTAR DEALS
BEST BUR DUBAI IFTAR DEALS AND OFFERS
HERE’S A FULL LIST OF RAMADAN DO’S AND DON’T IN THE UAE
HOW VIMTO BECAME A RAMADAN TRADITION
BEST DUBAI MARINA RAMADAN IFTAR DEALS

---

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims do not consume any food or drinks between fajr (dawn) and maghrib (sunset) prayers. Non-Muslims are asked to behave respectfully during this time, remembering to dress conservatively and never eat or drink in public during daylight hours.

However, after sunset everyone is invited to sit down at an iftar – even non-Muslims – in one of the city’s restaurants or specially-designed Iftar tents.

Have any recommendations for us? Do hit the link below and tell us what your favourite 2019 iftar is.

***

Iftars on Sheikh Zayed Road

Play Restaurant and Lounge

Play Restaurant and Lounge will be offering a range of iftar classics all served with its trademark contemporary twist. The restaurant itself boasts jaw-dropping views, slick interiors and an upbeat social vibe. But be warned, it gets busy quick – so it’s best to book ahead to secure your place come sundown. With jaw-dropping views, slick interiors, mood lighting, upbeat social vibe and a reservation book full of the city’s glamorous set, it is unquestionably sexy. Spread out across the top of the H Hotel on Dubai’s Shiekh Zayed Road, the slick restaurant-bar-lounge set up is one built to impress partners both professional and personal

***

Iftars in DIFC

Burger & Lobster

Enjoy an American style Iftar with Burger& Lobster’s Iftar set menu. This year the menu will offer a soup of the day, a cheese burger along with a good portion of lobster, and fries, salad and a shrimp roll, along with dessert. Perfect for those who love seafood and a casual setting.

***

Iftars at City Walk Dubai

LIMA Dubai

Each evening over Ramadan, Lima will be giving guests a three-course set menu along with a selection of the Peruvian restaurants signature dishes. As an added bonus, this Ramadan Lima is concentrating on hearty, healthy and unique flavoured dishes. Created by Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez, whose first restaurant in London has been awarded a prestigious Michelin Star, Lima’s menu takes Peruvian cuisine to another level but – unlike some contemporary chefs attempting to put their own spin on traditional dishes – in keeping with tradition

Walnut Grove Dubai

For Ramadan 2019, this popular family-focused rustic restaurant comes to Dubai direct from South Africa. For iftar, it’s offering a three-course set menu including appetizers, mains and desserts inspired by the red, white and green of the UAE flag. Any and all guests who come in for the Iftar will also receive a special gift box.

Chival

Chival at Dubai City Walk is known for its contemporary international menu that includes many healthy options (just because it’s iftar time, doesn’t mean you should totally gorge yourself silly). It’s offering a traditional-meets-contemporary Middle Eastern buffet, and afterwards guests can enjoy some shisha in the specially-built Suhoor area.

Sapori di Bice

Sapori di Bici has you covered this Ramadan courtesy of an Iftar set menu starting off with a shared platter of appetizers (which included eggplant parmesan, calamari, roast vegetables, pizza, and more). Main dishes involve fresh gnocchi, mushroom risotto, and a variety of deserts. Sapori di Bice is located in Dubai’s CityWalk and Sharjah’s Zero6 Mall.

Farzi Café

Farzi Café’s token brand of modern Indian cuisine is up for grabs this Ramadan, with an Iftar set menu including two starters, three main courses, a dessert and a drink. As tradition dictates, dates are served come sundown, followed by the restaurant’s quirky, chic and modern Indian cuisine.

Baku Café

Enjoy a delicious Azerbaijani Iftar courtesy of Baku Café’s Ramadan set menu. The food includes salads, traditional lentil soup along with other more traditional dishes such as Dovga (a staple in Azerbaijani cuisine made from yoghurt and a variety of herbs). Baku is located on the Al Safa and Al Wasl intersection of City Walk.

Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet

A culinary journey through Galleries Lafayette’s Middle Eastern set shared menu. Galleries Lafayette will have an Iftar four course menu with different types of cuisines that change every day of the Holy Month. Some of the cuisines featured include food from the Levant, Turkey, Iran, Morocco, and more.  The set menu will feature a soup, two salads, two hot appetisers, four main dishes, desserts and a variety of drinks.

Dana Ramadan Tent

One of the city’s most spectacular Iftar tents, Dana Ramadan Tent has not one, but two buffet areas, a VIP area for privacy, a theatre featuring a live game show, oil paintings and its very own ventilation system. Food is traditional Middle Eastern (but features loads of international staples) and each evening the tent plays host to ‘Al Mandoos presented by Abdallah Ismail’ a game show that also airs live on Sama Dubai TV Channel.

***

Iftars on Palm Jumeirah

BLVD On One

A lively brasserie-style restaurant that offers a mixture of traditional Ramadan favourites alongside more common international fair. Located at the FIVE Hotel in Palm Jumeirah, you’ll get stunning sunset views served alongside your iftar.

Al Nafoorah

Al Nafoorah’s Arabic-inspired interior really sets the scene for a Ramadan Iftar. You get a range of Lebanese flavours from an Iftar set menu, along with views of The Palm. Nafoorah’s Ramadan set menu offers a variety of Ramadan drinks, as well as Lebanese Mezzes, main courses and desserts. The restaurant is located at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Restaurant on Palm Jumeirah.

Porterhouse Steaks & Grills

Dedicated to meat-lovers, Porterhouse Steaks & Grills at the Sofitel Hotel, The Palm, will be putting on an Iftar spread featuring International and Arabic flavours (and a hefty dose of meat). Each day will feature a new buffet menu – while the regular menu of a la carte dishes will also be served throughout the month.

Manava

More than a traditional Ramadan Iftar, Manava gives guests a range of traditional homemade Middle Eastern food along with Levantine delicacies. Specialities include roasted lamb ouzi with oriental rice, and Egyptian Koshari. There’s a load of kids deals (including 50-percent off kids ages 6-12). Manava is located at The Sofitel Palm Jumeirah.

Amala

This Ramadan, this North Indian restaurant offers a set menu with different traditional dishes from different parts of India. Break your fast with a selection of table accompaniments such as dates, figs, apricots, and a selection of lassie. Continue indulging in the rich flavours of Indian cuisine with an assortment of soups, hot starters including Barkat Ki Chaat, dal Tadka, and more – along with a variety of traditional and Indian dishes.

Kaleidoscope

Widely regarded as one of the biggest and most extravagant buffets in the city, Kaleidoscope still puts on one of the biggest Iftar buffets in Dubai. As its name suggests, it serves a vast mixture of different cuisines. This Ramadan, along with the many international dishes there will be a large amount of traditional local flavours. Kaleidoscope is located at the Atlantis Hotel, Dubai Palm Jumeirah.

***

Iftars in Business Bay

Bhar

Certainly one of the city’s most picturesque iftars, BHAR sits along the Business Bay Canal inside the Renaissance Downtown Hotel. Throughout the holy month the restaurant will be offering a contemporary Middle Eastern buffet of head Chef Mohanad’s favourite Ramadan dishes. Traditional Ramadan drinks – including ones making use of Ramadan’s favourite drink, Vimto – will also be served throughout the month.

Kitchen6

With its massive open kitchen, it won’t take you long to figure out how the JW Marriot’s international restaurant got its name. Kitchen6 is known for its grand buffets, with a mixture of cuisines and cooking stations spread across the JW Marriot’s second tower. Over Ramadan, it will be offering traditional dishes, as well as more Arabic faire for those looking to enjoy a more authentic Iftar meal.

Bombay Brasserie

One of the city’s best Indian restaurants is choosing to celebrate Ramadan with a three-course set menu, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The menu – which is a great Iftar deal – lets you choose from three different appetizers, three various curries, two dessert options and a variety of drinks. Bombay Brasserie is located in the Taj Hotel, in Business Bay.

Le Patio

This Ramadan, Le Patio will be offering a varied international buffet. Indulge in several salads and starters such as German potato salad, burrata salad, and cold mezzes.  Check several live cooking stations, as well as their shawarma and kunafa station where you can choose different toppings for your dessert.

Hotel Cartagena

Hotel Cartagena is a vibrant Latin-American restaurant located at the very top of the JW Marriot Marquis Hotel in Business Bay. It will be spicing up your regular Iftar menu, along with tropically-inspired sharing plates, including crispy coconut calamari, Padron peppers, lamb with yucca fries and a lot more.

Namu

Iftar done the Korean way. Namu is offering a five course Korean/Japanese Iftar, including dishes like traditional bimbimbap, a selection of gyozas, soups and congee. Namu is located at the V hotel, and gives guests great views over Dubai’s water canal.

***

Iftars in Downtown Dubai

Dubai Opera

The Dubai Opera has turned one of tis grand ballrooms into a five star banquet area this Ramadan. It will serve a range of international and traditional dishes, alongside a variety of Arab desserts and specially-prepared Ramadan drinks. And what would a trip to the opera be without music? Each night there will be performances from a live classical opera band. You can access the Dubai Opera Iftar via the main entrance to Dubai Opera.

Cabana

One of the city’s best-known rooftop bars will be transformed this Ramadan; instead of sipping drinks under the moonlight guests will be able to enjoy a range of Mediterranean food served alongside a selection of grilled skewers (which is one of Cabana’s specialities). The restaurant offers a range of deals, including 50 percent off children from 6-11-years-old. Cabana is located at The Address Dubai Mall.

Iran Zamin

Boasting a very traditional Iranian Buffet, Iran Zamin will prove popular with Iftar-goers at Downtown’s Boulevard Central Building. The new location is putting on a dedicated Iftar menu featuring many of Iran’s most popular dishes, alongside Iranian Kebaabs and rice, Shawarmas and ‘dizi’ (the incredibly popular Iranian stew).

Thiptara

A traditional Iftar done the Thai Way. Thiptara is already one of Esquire’s favourite Thai restaurants – what with its elegant Thai-inspired dishes and one of the best locations in the city – and this year Iftar-goers are in for a bit of a treat. It will be offering a set menu including a variety of Thai favourites and some of Thiptara’s signature Dishes. Kids from 6-11 get 50 percent off, while anyone under that age eats for free. Thiptara is located along the Dubai Fountain waterfront area (giving you stunning views of the Dubai Fountain) in The Palace Downtown Dubai Hotel.

Ewaan

Ewaan boasts one of the tastiest and most authentic Iftar experiences in the city. Expect plentiful traditional Arabic dishes served alongside live Oud music. The food at Ewaan was specially curated just for Ramadan 2019, and features a mixture of international and Middle Eastern food, alongside a healthy-sized dessert area. Ewaan is located at The Palace Downtown Dubai Hotel.

At.mosphere

Iftar with a view. At.Mosphere (aka, the world’s tallest restaurant) will be offering an European-style set menu this Iftar season. Designed as a sharing menu, you get to choose between a selection of the restaurants signature dishes and specialities, all with amazing views over the Dubai skyline.

Diamond Ballroom

The Address Dubai Mall has turned its large Diamond Ballroom into a spectacular International and Middle Eastern Iftar buffet with all the trimmings. The Diamond Ballroom will boast the addition of a new Ramadan Tent to accommodate its many guests this festive season.

The Restaurant Address Downtown

Iftar at The Restaurant Address Downtown is meant to feel like you’re enjoying your meal in the comfort of your very own home. Indeed, the entire space – which also gives guests great views of the Dubai Fountains and the Burj Khalifa – has been modelled to reflect the comforts of home. Over Ramadan, the restaurant will be serving a delicious Middle Eastern buffet from sunset to 9 pm. Afterwards, it will serve its regular menu.

***

Iftars in Deira

The Canteen

The Canteen offers a cosy Iftar, far more intimate than some of the bigger tent-based buffets Ramadan is known for. The restaurant serves ‘bowl meals’ (think stews, soups and pastas) and for Ramadan, it’s focussing on traditional Middle Eastern dishes like slow-cooked lamb Ouzi and traditional Ramadan juices, coffees and teas.

Medley Restaurant

A family-style Moroccan Iftar at the Pullman Hotel in Dubai’s City Centre Mall. Enjoy a selection of starters served tableside, followed by a buffet involving several Moroccan classics such as lamb tagine, bissara and couscous.

Glasshouse Brasserie

Glasshouse boasts an international buffett, along with unlimited food and drinks. There’s a huge variety of cuisines, including a healthy amount of vegetarian food. As its name might suggest, Glasshouse gives guests fantastic views (via its large, glass windows) over the Dubai Creek. Glasshouse Brasserie is located at the Hilton Dubai Creek.

Bamboo Lagoon

Love Asian food? Participate in Iftar? Then Bamboo Lagoon might be just up your street. It gives you a tonne of Asian favourites (including the likes of crispy duck, Sichuan stir-fry and kung pow chicken) in buffett-style (meaning you can always go back for seconds). Bamboo Lagoon is located at the JW Marriott Hotel in Deira.

Grand Iftar Radisson Blu

The Radisson Blue Hotel down in Deira is putting on the Grand Iftar this year, basically a giant buffet set on the second floor of the hotel, encompassing many of the hotel’s restaurants. Each restaurant lets guests walk in and out picking up signature dishes from each, including cuinses such as Emirati, Italian, Chinese and European seafood.

Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant

An Iftar with another spectacular view, this time 360-degrees over Dubai’s Creek. The revolving restaurant is giving guests a special Arabian Iftar buffet this Ramadan, with a wide variety of hot and cold dishes served a la buffet.

***

Iftars in Jumeirah

Al Iwan at the Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is not your regular hotel, and by extention the Iftar at Al Iwan, is not your regular Iftar either. Guests can enjoy traditional Arabic food at the iconic Burj Al Arab with its Iftar buffet featuring signature Ramadan traditional favourites such as lamb skewers, chicken kebabs, cold and hot mezzes, soups, and other local favourites from around the Middle East.

Kitchen Connection

The recently revampted restaurant at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel is putting on a revamped buffet mentu this Ramadan. An iftar best-described as gargantuan, guests can choose from a huge array of international dishes and styles, including many live-cooking stations serving everything from ramen to freshly-made kebaabs and koftas. 

Coya

Coya is already one of Esquire’s Best Restaurants, so it’s no surprise that it would also boast one of our favourite Iftars. Come sundown it serves a delicious set menu including soup starters, light bites, and then the main event. The menu includes the likes of seabass croquettes, Peruvian bean soup, fish tacos, roasted beef and more. Coya is located at the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach Dubai. 

***

Iftars in Bur Dubai

Tomo

Tomo’s Iftar set menu is designed to resemble a traditional Japanese celebratory feast. The pick-and-mix set menu starts off with mandarin salmon salad followed by miso soup and a selection of sushi rolls. Then you can choose between grilled miso cod and charcoaled Australian wagyu. Simple and delicious.

Grand Hyatt Laylati Tent

The Grand Hyatt has put on quite the spread this Ramadan, with a custom-made Iftar tent dubbed Laylati. You get a range of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, along with some tasty international food from the likes of India, Italy and Asia. New dishes come on the menu every day, and Ramadan-inspired drinks are also on the menu.

Arabian Tea House

One of the most authentic Middle Eastern eateries in the city, the Arabian Tea House is serving up some delicious Emirati Iftar classics, along with a range of grilled meats with Arab spices. You also get a range of Ramadan beverages, including several Vimto-based drinks, all served as part of a set menu.

Tangerine

This Asian-inspired restaurant serves a variety of dishes from all around the Far East. It specializes in Thai however, which I why many of the dishes on the Iftar menu hail from that country. Expect a variety of zesty Thai salads served alongside vibrant red, green and yellow curries. Dim sum is also available on the iftar menu. Tangerine is located in the Burjuman Centre.

Odeon

Odeon is better-known for its French pastries, but this year the restaurant has embraced Ramadan by putting on its very own Iftar main menu. The Moroccan-inspired Iftar menu features popular dishes such as Harira soup, royal couscous, lamb tagine, a variety of pastries and Moroccan mint tea.

Mitra

Mitra is serving up its Indian cuisine this Ramadan, with its own version of a traditional Iftar buffet. Start the evening with a selection of mini samosa bites, served alongside some modern-inspired chutneys. There Iftar is equally-suited to both vegetarians and meat-eaters, with a huge variety of biryanis, curries, grilled meats and seafood plus a whole lot more.

***

Iftars in DIFC

La Petit Maison

La Petit Mainson is doing a French style iftar, with a set menu featuring four starters, a variety of main courses to choose from along with a variety of desserts all served to your table. As tradition dictates, Iftar begins with an assortments of dates. If you don’t fancy the set menu, the restaurant will also be operating as standard, with a la carte available all evening.

Gaucho

Where meat-lovers and Iftars collide. Gaucho has a special iftar menu which includes a three-course meal custom created for Ramadan. It features some of the restaurants signature dishes, and more importantly – a hefty helping of meat. Gaucho Dubai is located in Dubai’s International Financial Center.

Fogo de chão

Fogo de chão is putting on quite the Iftar set menu, which includes 10 different cuts if meat, chicken, lamb and beef, along with soup, unlimited salad, a selection of hot side dishes, desserts and plenty of traditional drinks. Be sure to make a reservation before you head down for the Iftar, it has proven quite popular this Ramadan.

Roberto’s

One of Esquire’s favourite Italian restaurants is celebrating this Ramadan with a four-course Iftar set menu, featuring some of the restaurant’s greatest hits. You can choose between dishes such as slow-cooked octopus, the world-famous burrata, spring salads, soups and many of its pasta dishes. Drinks are not included, but are available a la carte.

Boca

Boca has a few options this Iftar, namely either a two or three-course set menu. Both options include plenty of Spanish tapas – including the brand’s novel take on patatas bravas – along with select paella, croquettes, risotto and much more. Iftar begins with complementary bread, dates and Boca’s homemade potato hummus.

***

Iftars in Dubai Marina

Tagine

Tagine is already one of the country’s best for championing Moroccan cuisine, and its 2019 Iftar is no different. You can tuck into a buffet come sundown or order from the a la carte menu after that – and both options include the restaurant’s namesake, filled with Lamb and authentic spices. Tagine is located at The One & Only Royal Mirage.

Ruya

Previous best-restaurant winner for 2018 Ruya is serving up a delicious Iftar set menu designed to be shared. All dishes are put in the middle of the table, and include soup, salads, stuffed bread, main dishes – including fish and meat options – as well as signature drinks. It’s a great way to sample some of the best Turkish food in the country without breaking the bank. Ruya is located in Grosvenor House, Dubai.

Constellation Ballroom

A Ramadan Tent minus the tent. The Address Dubai marina is putting on a spectacular Iftar celebration this year, consisting of a grand international buffet and welcome drinks (including traditional favourites jalab, laban and Karkade). The ballroom has been custom-decorated, and includes mashrabiyas and colourful lanters along with classical Arabian music in the background.

Counter Culture

Iftar at Counter Culture is a world affair, including European, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine all represented. Start each Iftar with a variety of fresh juices, and then move on to the many live cooking stations offering everything from succulent kebabs to freshly-made pizzas.

Sloane’s

Sloane’s Iftar is an international affair, with a special Ramadan buffet menu featuring dishes from around the world. Sloane’s is located at Grosvenor House Dubai Marina.

Marina Social

Marina Social is putting a very British spin on the traditional Iftar. Each evening kicks off with roasted almonds, apricots and dates, before moving on to Marina Social’s fixed menu featuring different British dishes along with Middle Eastern-inspired appetizers. There are both two-course and three-course menus available.

***

Ramadan lasts 29 or 30-days (depending on the moon) with restaurants offering iftar deals every evening of the Holy Month. The list above represents some of the best iftar offers we’ve found, as well as the Iftar meals being offered by some of Esquire’s Best Restaurants in the Middle East.

But no one’s perfect. If you have a favourite Iftar you’d like us to know about, get in touch via social media or email. Then we can send our crack team of Iftar food reviewers out to see (and potentially add) to this list.

From all of us here at Esquire, Ramadan Kareem.