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“Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the fire.” Prophet Muhammad

Another sunset, another delicious Iftar feast was served. Last night the other half and I were treated to a lavish Iftar buffet at the world’s farthest manmade leaning building, the iconic and world record breaking Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel

Iftar was served at the hotel’s signature restaurant 18°, an elegant space located eighty metres high on the 18th floor just off the lobby. Quality over quantity was the theme of this buffet that was smaller than most but everything we sampled was of a high standard. Executive Sous Chef Michele Muller and her team have created a menu using fresh local sourced ingredients to produce flavoursome dishes for those fasting and non-fasters to enjoy once the sun sets. Ramadan favourites of dates, mezzeh, lamb ouzi and traditional drinks were complemented with antipasti of meats and cheese, roast beef with vegetables, a whole lemon fish and a fresh salad bar. Arabic inspired and international desserts included a selection of mini baklava, kunafa with chef’s special syrup and the popular Middle Eastern equivalent to bread and butter pudding Umm Ali, the coffee pot was a notable sweet treat.

This was our first visit to 18° (named after the building’s inclination of 18 degrees) and I was impressed by its sophisticated and contemporary interior. Comfortable booth seating is available alongside the regular tables, the outdoor terrace is currently closed during the summer months for obvious reasons. Three interlinking show kitchens allow guests to enjoy the theatrics of the busy chefs at work. Like the rest of this upscale hotel the restaurant enjoys an elevated position above the capital offering guests the opportunity to dine with an uninterrupted panoramic view of the skyline from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Another positive is the friendly and efficient service which is always a bonus.

If you are looking for an intimate Ramadan celebration served in an upscale restaurant the authentic iftar buffet at 18° is an excellent choice. My top tip would be to grab a table by the window to enjoy the vista which is particularly impressive at sunset.18° Restaurant

Location: Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi Hotel

Telephone: 02 596 1234

Email: restaurants.capitalgate@hyatt.com

Website: abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com

Daily from 7 pm -11 pm for AED 169* per person (Price includes water, soft drinks, Ramadan juices, tea and  coffee).

I was invited to this Iftar. All views are my own. Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2016. All rights reserved. Additional photos used courtesy of abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com

Read more about the Hyatt Capital Gate in previous posts Review: Rayana Spa, Hyatt Capital Gate and Review: Afternoon Tea Hyatt Capital Gate. Read more about the hotel’s Guinness World Records-certification here

*Price is subject to 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee and 4% municipality fee.