Fasters and non-fasters alike look forward to the iftars and suhoors on offer in the capital during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The Abu Dhabi Week team tried and tested some of the best…
Belevari Marine LLC
Jump aboard the capital’s largest catamaran for the ‘Ramadan on the Sea’, dining cruise along the Corniche. The Arabic cuisine was particularly impressive and the views of the glittering Corniche even better. The cruise set sail from the Emirates Palace Marina and truly was one of the most unique Ramadan experiences we had. Cost from AED 450. Contact: 02 643 1494
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
The iftar buffet at Selections features a combination of international and Arabic food. The choice of mezzeh is a big selling point – don’t leave without sampling the hummus and moutabel. Costs AED 175++.For more information call: 800 423 463
La Passion Café & Restaurant
La Passion Café & Restaurant located in Sun & Sky tower, Reem Island does a fantastic Moroccan and Arabic iftar. The menu changes daily, when we visited there was a choice of lamb couscous, chicken tagine, chicken pastille and fish pastilla. For us, the slightly spicy and extremely flavoursome chicken tagine was the star of the show. Adults AED 99 and children AED 50. For more information call: 02 671 4626
APi CAE
If you are watching your weight or are in the mood for a healthy meal, then try APi CAE. From the cold section we recommend the vine leaves, mixed seafood salad, and classic potato with spring onion and low-fat mayonnaise. From the Hot Bites section don’t miss the baked saffron and parsley meatballs. Price starting from AED 65. For more information contact: 02 666 8909
Holiday Inn
The Holiday Inn’s iftar at Silk Route was memorable for the variety of food on offer – a whole host of Arabic dishes that we were familiar with, in addition to Chef Samer’s own creations. We started our meal with a generous portion of fattoush and tabouleh, followed by a delicious chicken couscous dish and grilled meats. Afterwards we enjoyed a shisha in the Ramadan tent. Cost AED 130++. For more information contact: 02 657 4856
Abu Dhabi Country Club
The best aspect of Abu Dhabi Country Club’s iftar is the variety. For main courses alone we spotted Syrian, Egyptian, Emirati, Moroccan and international choices. Our top picks were the shrimp macbous, labneh with mint and lemon chicken wings. Cost AED 149+ for adults and AED 85+ for children. Corporate iftars are also available for booking. For information: www.adcountryclub.com or call: 02 657 7777
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
The best part of the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi’s iftar buffet is the incredible sweet section. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we caught sight of the mouthwatering display of desserts – cheesecake, Arabic sweets, bread and butter pudding… you name it and it was there. Cost AED 195++, children under four go free, AED 50 ++ for children between four and ten and AED 145++ for children aged between 11 and 16. For more information contact: 02 818 8282
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Park Rotana’s iftar is held at Ginger All Day Dining. Our top picks from this buffet are the biryani and lentil soup with lemon and croutons. Other must-trys are the chocolate cake and kunafa. The buffet inclusive of Ramadan juices costs AED 186 per person. For more information call: 02 657 3333
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Etihad Towers have three iftars to choose from, held at Layali Al Baraka, Rosewood and Mezzon Ballroom. We went to Layali Al Baraka for a night to remember. From the live saj station to the grilled seafood dock, prepare to be amazed by the quality of food and incredible interior. Cost AED 185++. Contact: 02 811 5666
Catriona Doherty