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“Ramadan is the month of piety, charity and blessings. During Ramadan, capable Muslims are required to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. Such fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam.” UAE Government

Ramadan starts this coming weekend so it’s time to plan where to sample delicious Iftars in the capital or where to get takeaway options to enjoy at home. Although the start date is yet to be confirmed (predicted to be Saturday 2nd April), the holy month will begin once the moon sighting committee sees first sight of the new crescent moon.

This year restaurant capacity is back to post-pandemic capacity and Ramadan tents are popping up all over the capital after two years of being absent. A variety of Iftar’s are available all round Abu Dhabi for every budget and cuisine. Here’s ten restaurants to try this year….

Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel – Visit Ingredients restaurant at Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel for their renowned iftar experience. Enjoy hearty Arabic dishes from the extravagant buffet that features fresh house-made mezza hot and cold, spiced ouzi rice and a variety of Arabic, Emirati and international desserts. There will also be an rray of different dates and Ramadan treats for the kids.  

Iftar at Ingredients is available throughout Ramadan from sunset to 9pm. AED 245 per person (larger parties can avail of a special group offer). To book telephone 056 503 5121 or email emdining@anantara.com

Beirut Sur Mer – Take a trip to the Levant with the Iftar set menu at Beirut Sur Mer located at Mamsha Al Saadiyat. Relax and dine with ocean views and a menu that offers Ramadan juices, dates, salads, hot & cold mezzeh, grills, special of the day, desserts as well as tea and coffee.

Iftar will be served daily from sunset until 8:30pm. AED 215 per person (kids aged 6-12 AED 130, under 6’s are free). Set menu served for 4. For bookings telephone 02 546 4004.

Bushra at The Trilogy by Buddha Bar – Layali Bushra (Bushra Nights) is the Iftar offering at Bushra restaurant located at Yas Bay. Enjoy the indulgent set menu that includes Middle Eastern dishes, Ramadan drinks, tea and coffee.

Available daily from sunset. Monday to Thursday AED 215 and Friday to Sunday AED 235. To book telephone 050 601 1195 or click HERE

Cafe Milano – Take a trip to Italy during the holy month for a relaxed Ramadan experience. The iftar set menu includes  Italian mezze, quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, semolina-fried calamari and mix of fresh grilled meats and fish. Finish the iftar experience with a selection of mouthwatering Italian desserts.

Iftar at Cafe Milano is available daily from sunset until 9pm. AED 310 per person including soft beverages. Telephone 02 333 2222 to book. Click HERE to see all the Ramadan dining options at the hotel.

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi – Fancy an Asian inspired Iftar? Hakkasan Abu Dhabi at Emirates Palace welcomes diners to break their fast with a specially curated multi-course menu. The indulgent feast includes small eats such as crispy spicy beef, mains with seasonal vegetables and edamame egg-fried rice followed by umali with date ice cream.

Available daily from sunset to 8pm. AED 288 per person. Telephone 02 690 7739 to book or click HERE

InterContinental Abu Dhabi – Levantine flavours will be served at Byblos Sur Mer located at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi. The standalone Lebanese restaurant will be offering a menu overflowing with authentic Arabic dishes throughout the holy month. 

The hotel is also offering a lavish takeaway box of hot and cold appetisers and Ramadan favourites for AED 110 per person. To see all the Ramadan dining options at the hotel click HERE

Iftar at Byblos Sur Mer is available daily from sunset until 8:30pm. AED 195 per person. Telephone 800 423 463 to book or visit www.icad.ae

Kingston 21 Jamaican Restaurant & Cafe – Celebrate Ramadan at home with a Carribean twist from Kingston 21 Jamaican Restaurant & Cafe. The Iftar catering menu includes a grazing platter to break your fast followed by a choice of soups, hot and cold mezze with dishes such as Carribean spiced hummus and jerk mixed grilled vegetables. There’s a choice of mains with rice options, beverages and desserts.

The Iftar menu serves 6-8 people and costs AED 699. Orders can be placed up to 24 hours in advance via What’s App 02 546 8500. 

The Abu Dhabi EDITION – Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens in collaboration with chef Mohamad Orfali have created a special Iftar menu at The Abu Dhabi EDITION. Iftar will be served throughout the holy month in MARKET, the modern ground floor restaurant offering diners a menu awash with contemporary dishes inspired by traditional and authentic flavours..

Iftar at MARKET is available daily from sunset to 9:30pm. AED 198 per person. Telephone 02 208 0000 to book or click HERE

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche – Enjoy a family-friendly ‘Essence of Togetherness’ Iftar buffet in Grills at Chill’O at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. Mediterranean flavours are on the menu with seafood grills, salads, shawarma along with the more traditional dishes.  

Sofitel are also offering a specially crafted Iftar feast in a box that includes mixed grills, chicken biryani and baklawa for a Ramadan experience in the comfort of your own home. AED 245 for 2/AED 445 for 4/AED 790 for 8 people. For pick up arrangements telephone 02 8137777 or click HERE

Iftar served daily at Grills at Chill’O from sunset until 9pm. AED 225 per person (50% off for kids aged 7-12 years). Reserve your spot by telephone 02 813 7777 or click HERE

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island – Enjoy the Iftar spread in Garage at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Alongside the classic Ramadan fare there’s extras such as crumbled cheese & zaatar manoushe, garlic labneh & prawn tart and a New York style kunafa cheesecake.

The hotel will also be offering its Iftar2Go menu for those who want to dine in style at home (AED125 per person). Available from Saturday 2nd April with delivery between 5pm –8pm.

Iftar at Garage will be served daily from sunset to 9pm. AED 198 per person. To book telephone 02 656 0000 or click HERE

Read more about the holy month of Ramadan HERE

All views are my own. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2022. All rights reserved. Information and additional photos sourced from the respective venues.