The blessed month of Ramadan is here once again with all its piousness and zeal. And while Muslims around the globe dedicate this month to praying and performing other good deeds, there’s one part about it that also excites everyone: Iftar!
Sure, iftar all over the world has its own charm, but nothing can beat Iftar in Abu Dhabi. The combination of Abu Dhabi’s grandiose and lavish iftar buffets is an experience to remember for a lifetime!
What is Iftar?
After fasting all day from sunrise till sunset, Muslims break their fast with dates and water, known as iftar. But, many people include other dishes in their iftar menu for a more fulfilling meal. Other items can include fruits, nuts, sweet drinks, soups, salads, and a variety of meats, – in fact, anything that you and your family enjoy eating.
Preparing for iftar every day is hard work, especially if your family likes to have a lot of different dishes. Sometimes you might want something a bit different or want to celebrate with the wider community. And this is where places offering iftar buffets come to the rescue!
Remember, you don’t need to be Muslim to join in the nightly celebration. So, if you’re in Abu Dhabi for Ramadan in 2023, you are in for a treat! Here are our top 10 places for a special dine-out iftar in Abu Dhabi.
Ramadan in the UAE is due to start around the 22nd of March (subject to the moon sighting) and will last for 29/30 days, likely ending on the 20th of April 2023 (subject to the moon sighting). Iftar will be available at the places mentioned below daily throughout the Holy Month.
When is Iftar time in Abu Dhabi?
Iftar timing in Abu Dhabi during 2023 will fall between 6:33 PM and 6:46 PM, gradually getting later over the month of April. You can see the exact timings for today here:
Oh, and if you prefer to break your fast in simple style and save your full meal until later, you’ll find Abu Dhabi has some amazing Suhoor spreads too, ideal for getting your fill before sunrise.
Things To Remember Attending Iftar
- Even if the Iftar buffet opens a little before sunset, waiting to serve yourself until after sunset (often marked with a televised viewing of the cannon firing at the Grand Mosque) would be respectful.
- Do let Muslim guests who have been fasting serve themselves first.
- Do dress respectfully with your knees, shoulders and cleavage covered. Many places do have a dress code, so be sure to check in advance.
- Most hotels and high-end restaurants require booking at least 48 hours in advance.
10 Best Iftars In Abu Dhabi For 2023
There are dozens of top-quality spreads put on at hotels across the city of Abu Dhabi. If you are new to the Iftar scene in Abu Dhabi, here’s a selection to try at different exciting venues with varied cuisine:
1. Garage
Let’s start with a place that offers a bit of everything!
At Garage, you will find appetizers that include zaatar manoush and chicken shawarma tarts. The main course has a variety of kebabs, snapper, ouzi, biryani, hummus, and several salads. Now, if you’re looking for Chinese food, you will also find prawn spring rolls and wok-fried noodles at a live cooking station.
But that’s not all! Garage also offers spicy salmon uramaki and haramchi ceviche, after which you can wrap up your iftar with sweet Newyork style kunafa cheesecake.
The stunning Ramdan decor only adds to the ambience, along with the choice of indoor dining or outdoors overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit Grand Prix Track.
Location: W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Cost: 245 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
You can get more information about Garage and book via Marriott Bonvoy More Cravings app.
2. 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant
Now, if you’re looking for a place for all things Japanese, head over to the Sushi Bar and Restaurant.
Here you will find a lavish 12-dish iftar menu that includes wagyu gyozas, tiger prawn tempura and 99 foie gras and truffle nigiri.
We know some of these dishes are hard to pronounce, but they taste truly amazing!
Location: The Galleria – Al Maryah Island
Cost: 235 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
For further information and to book, visit 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant’s official website.
3. Hakkasan
How about Cantonese cuisine all the way from Southern China, in one of Abu Dhabi’s most opulent settings?
At Hakkasan, you will get a chance to taste some of the most delectable Chinese dishes, including classic dim sum, lettuce-wrapped roast duck, soft shell crab, crispy golden prawns, seasonal vegetables and char sui fried rice. Finish your meal with sticky date pudding with chocolate sauce. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it!
Location: Emirates Palace
Cost: 328 AED per person, minimum of 2 people per booking
Timing: From iftar till 8:00 PM
For bookings and reservations, visit Hakkasan’s website.
4. Choices and Rangoli
How can we forget Indian food when talking about international cuisine?
Choices and Rangoli at the Yas Island Rotana will be working together to offer a variety of Indian tandoor grills this Ramadan. There will also be a variety of curries and side dishes as well as shawarma, ouzi and chaat live stations, as well as lots of other tasty treats.
There will also be live entertainment to make the night truly special.
Location: Yas Island Rotana
Cost: 179 AED
Timing: From iftar till 10:00 PM
5. Majlis by the Sea
If you’re looking for an iftar buffet with a real Ramadan ambience, check out the Majlis by the sea at the Emirates Palace.
Not only does it have an exquisite iftar buffet cooked up by some of the best chefs in Abu Dhabi, but it also has a magnificent view of the Arabian Gulf, as well as live qanun music to keep you entertained while dining.
The buffet itself has a variety of local dishes as well as Italian and Japanese options. Choose from an impressive range of salads, soups, cheeses, meat, seafood, and several other hot and cold mezze. Plus, the Middle Eastern dessert variety is to die for!
Location: Emirates Palace
Cost: From 325 AED
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
More details regarding reservations can be found here
6. Cyan Brasserie
Enjoy stunning views from Andaz’s beautiful Cyan Brasserie. Located on the 18th floor of the Capital Gate (Leaning Tower) building, the Franco-Arabic style brasserie offers an uninterrupted vista towards the city and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the distance. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy the breaking of the fast.
Cyan has chosen to focus on local quality dishes over international variety, and the decision does not disappoint. First, there is a range of mezze dishes, salads and dips and small pies, as well as a variety of breads and pickles; then comes an array of delicious grilled meats and rice dishes, such as Ouzi.
However, many visitors get very excited about the assortment of delectable local desserts, including many that are hard to find elsewhere.
A la carte options are also available in addition to the iftar buffet.
Location: Andaz Capital Gate
Cost: 195 AED
Timing: From iftar until 10.00 pm
To find out more click here
7. Coya
Coya, a renowned Latin American restaurant, offers an immersive experience to the guests with its set Ramadan menu for iftar, with tribal beats, intricate wall art and impeccable service.
The menu offers sukkari dates and guacamole to break your fast, after which you can choose from tomato or creamy corn soup. The appetizers include aburi nigiri, veal bacon maki rolls and Chilean sea bass rice.
The main course includes a choice of spicy beef fillet, grilled corn-fed baby chicken and quinoa and pumpkin salad.
Dessert comes in the form of the very special ‘delicia de luna’ cream-based dessert with rose water, pistachio and apricot served with camel milk ice-cream.
Location: Al Maryah Island
Cost: 229 AED
Timing: From iftar till 7:30 PM
To check out other menu options, visit Coya’s official website.
8. Oasis Tent
With Ramadan falling earlier in the Gregorian year, many establishments offer al fresco dining experiences that make the most of the balmy March and April evenings. One of the best outdoor setups is at the Park Hyatt.
The oasis tent is a Bedouin-style affair with all of the traditional Ramadan that you could possibly desire – and a lot more besides! There will be dishes like lamb ouzi, veale harees, various Moroccan tagines, and the traditional selection of salads, dips and grilled meats.
You can also delve into a range of Arabian sweet delicacies, including oriental booza ice cream, umm Ali and a variety of delicious baklava.
Location: The Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island
Cost: 320 AED (World of Hyatt members can get 20% off from 23 March to 1 April 2023)
Timing: From iftar till 9:00 PM
To reserve a table or view other Ramadan deals, click here.
9. Aqua
Enjoy views across the water as you tuck into a delicious iftar spread at Aqua. There will be an international buffet including lots of local favourites and a changing menu to entice guests to return week after week!
Location: The Rosewood, Al Maryah Island
Cost: 275 AED for the first week of Ramadan, 295 AED thereafter.
Timing: sunset to 9.00 pm
For more information click here.
10. Al Mabeet Desert Camp
Before wrapping up, let’s take you to a place with true Arabic vibes!
The Al Mabeet Desert Camp, located in the heart of the desert dunes is the perfect place for a luxury iftar. The place is located almost 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi, but it gives you an authentic Arabian night feels!
It hosts an iftar buffet with a variety of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian cuisine. It has soups, salads, baked manakeh, shawarma, and several grilled meat and fish options. Then there’s the shrimp in harra sauce and chicken molokhia.
When it comes to desserts, once again, there’s an array of different sweet treats including kunafa, Umm Ali, koulaj, ashta, red velvet cake, brownies, and several French pastries.
So, if you’re up for a beautiful Bedouin experience, Al Mabeet is the place to go!
Location: Al Wathba Desert Resort
Cost: 195 AED
Timing: From iftar till 8:30 PM
For information about other things to do at Al Mabeet Desert Camp, check out the website.
A Picnic Treat This Ramadan
Ramadan Nights at the Park is a unique new Iftar offering to try this year. Enjoy a picnic or Iftar Box with free entry to the park. Weekends include family fun, face painting, art workshops, oud players, and tanoura dancers. Cinema in the park will also continue during Ramadan weekends between 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Children’s Garden.
For something extra special, this is one of the prime locations in the city to witness the cannon firing at sunset.
Location: Umm Al Emarat Park
Cost: 89 AED
Timing: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Park stays open until 2:00 AM)
For further information, click here
A Truly Special Iftar
For something really different and special this Ramadan, why not book a table for iftar at the National Aquarium? The Aquarium has teamed up with the Shanghai-La to offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience on the 10th and 11th of April, so book early to avoid disappointment!
The underwater experience includes eating the finest Arabic food whilst watching sharks and rays swimming above your head in the underwater tunnel. The price is 600 AED per person, but for such a memorable experience, we think it’s worth it!
You’ll find many places with amazing iftar deals, but if you’re looking for a great iftar experience in Abu Dhabi, our detailed guide will surely come in handy.
Most restaurants will serve either a buffet or a set menu for iftar during Ramadan. Whatever cuisine you fancy and whatever your budget, there really is something for everyone.
Take a look at our article on the best buffet in Abu Dhabi for more inspiration.
Before you go… Important things to consider planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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Feature image supplied by Olea, The St Regis Saadiyat Island
