Ramadan: Lavish iftars

What’s on has details of the most stylish iftars in town. From gourmet a la carte menus to laivsh iftar banquets, What’s On has the scoop.

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– Iftars under Dhs150
– Unique UAE iftars

Overwhelmed by the choice of iftars but hungry for the most lavish event in town? Perhaps you’re looking to impress guests or simply celebrate with friends in style. Here’s a rundown of where to break your fast in Dubai in the most extravagant way possible with these special iftars

At.mosphere

If a nine-course meal in the highest restaurant in the world doesn’t tempt you, the menu certainly will. You’ll find classic dishes from lamb shoulder with raisins as well as Moroccan sweet and sour crispy pigeon and monkfish with couscous tagine.

Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs 750. Tel: (04) 8883828. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com

Burj Al Arab

For a true taste of Dubai this Ramadan, head to the Burj Al Arab where they’re holding three magnificent iftar celebrations. Al Iwan and Bab Al Yam restaurants will both host traditional buffets, while the Al Falak Ballroom will be turned into a palatial majlis for the occasion.

Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Road, Dubai, sunset to 9pm, Dhs 400. Tel: (04) 3017600. Taxi: Burj Al Arab. jumeirah.com

Na3Na3

Live cooking stations offer ouzi, Arabian grills, shawarmas, freshly baked bread, Arabic sweets with live music and a dedicated children’s corner.

The Address Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, sunset to 9pm, Dhs220. Tel: (04) 8883444. Metro: Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall. theaddress.com

Palace Downtown

Relax in an Arabesque tent and tuck into an elegant iftar buffet. Or indulge in a cosy lakeside tent in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa for a truly lavish evening with shisha.

The Palace Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, sunset to 9pm, Dhs220 (iftar buffer), Dhs600 (minimum spend for a cabana at the Lakeside Tents with set menus starting from Dhs250 per person). Tel: (04) 4287888. Taxi: The Palace Downtown. theaddress.com

Em Sherif

Em Sherif is a Middle Eastern restaurant that is grand, opulent, theatrical – and lots of fun making it a perfect location to break the fast this Ramadan. Indulge in a set iftar menu with signature Lebanese delicacies in an antique mansion setting.

The Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, sunset to 10pm. Suhoor from 11pm to 3am, Dhs320 per person. Tel: (04) 4243000. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. emsherif.com

Mamemo Majlis

This is the Four Seasons Resort Dubai’s debut majlis and promises to be a spectacular new addition to Dubai. Built up on two levels the special Ramadan tent can fit  over 300 guests with both dining and lounge seating available. The iftar banquet comes complete with Arabic delicacies as an Oud player entertains.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah, daily sunset to 3am, Dhs260. Tel: (04) 2707777. fourseasons.com/dubaijb

Qbara

It’s not exactly in a prime location, but that’s never stopped the stylish set travelling for Qbara’s inventive Middle Eastern dishes served in stunning surroundings and its Iftar offers the same wow factor that we’ve come to expect. Expect lavish dishes including Qbara Harira Soup, slow cooked lamb shoulder and Mahalabiya brulée with camel milk.

Wafi Fort Complex, next to Raffles Hotel, Dubai, daily sunset to 8.30pm, Dhs245. Tel: (04) 7092500. Taxi: Raffles Hotel. qbara.ae

Atlantis, The Palm

One of the more established, lavish Ramadan tents in Dubai, Asateer is a personal favourite for many diners around the city. The tent is enormous, accommodating up to 900 guests. The  buffet includes traditional favourites to international cuisine with live cooking stations and plenty of entertainment options from card games, chess and backgammon.

Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The Palm, daily sunset to 8.30pm (iftar), 9.30pm to 2.30am (with a minimum spend of Dhs150, excluding shisha. Tel: (04) 4260800. Taxi: Atlantis, The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com

Fazaris 

This charming all-day dining haunt serves Asian, Indian, Arabian, and Mediterranean for iftar this Ramadan. Break your fast with dates, followed by Arabic and Turkish coffee, and dine to the soothing tunes of a live Arabic duo band playing traditional tunes.

The Address Downtown Dubai, from sunset, Dhs210. Tel: (04) 4368799. Metro: Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall. the address.com

The Address Dubai Marina

The Constellation Ballroom is transformed into an Arabesque wonderland with a wide selection of seasonal favourites on offer. Post-iftar, head out to the air-conditioned terrace for an evening shisha.

The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai, sunset to 9pm, Dhs190. Tel: (04) 4367777. Metro: Dubai Marina. theaddress.com

Junoon

One of the most exciting new restaurants to come to Dubai this year is this stunning Indian restaurant. The original New York outpost has had a Michelin star for four years and that level of expertise has not only transferred to Dubai’s regular dining options, but it’s apparent in its special iftar menu too. The special set menu includes delicious treats including crispy eggplant chaat, goat kebab, black dhal and tender chicken tikka. Be sure to save space for the extraordinary mango sago, a tapioca pudding with pistachio meringue and pomegranate.

Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai daily from sunset, Dhs220. Tel: (04) 4052716. Metro: Financial Cetre. junoonrestaurants.com

Lalezar

Within the beautiful Ottoman-inspired Lalezar restaurant, you can feast on traditional Turkish delicacies and desserts. Dishes are served tableside as you lounge on couches and cushions. Food starts with traditional mezze appetisers, then branches into grilled meats, succulent fish, and rich lamb. For dessert, light fruits compliment deliciously sweet offerings. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Palm Jumeirah, from sunset, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 453044. jumeirah.com

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Treat yourself and loved ones to a memorable dining adventure at CUT by Wolfgang Puck with an almost endless variety of starters served directly on the table, your very own choice of main and a selection of local and international desserts to share. Mains include grilled lamb chops, roasted sea bass, slow cooked short ribs and grilled New York sirloin.

The Address Downtown Dubai, daily 5pm to 9pm, Dhs190. Tel: (04) 4368799. Metro: Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall. theaddress.com

Gaucho

If you like your iftars meaty, then hop to Gaucho for the most succulent and delicious Argentine beef. Offering a variety of different cuts, expertly grilled and served with delicious accompaniments, Gaucho Dubai assures your meal to be a mighty gastronomic delight.

Gaucho Dubai, Gate Village 05, DIFC. Tel: (04) 4227898. gauchorestaurants.ae