As Ramadan approaches, the UAE is gearing up for a season of spiritual reflection, community gatherings, and, of course, indulgent iftar experiences. Expected to commence on March 1, pending official confirmation from the moon-sighting committee, restaurants across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah are preparing elaborate iftar and suhoor spreads.
For those looking to break their fast without stretching their budget, here are some fantastic dining options where you can enjoy a satisfying iftar for Dh300 or less.
Abu Dhabi
Southern Sun Hotel Abu Dhabi – Dh149 Indulge in a lavish buffet at the Balcon Lounge and Terrace in the Tourist Club Area, complete with live qanun performances. Traditional Middle Eastern mezze, a signature lamb ouzi, and refreshing Ramadan juices await guests.
- Timings: Sunset to 8:30 PM
- Location: Tourist Club Area
- Contact: 056 515 3388
Crowne Plaza Yas Island Abu Dhabi – Dh180 Al Noor restaurant presents an expansive buffet with live cooking stations and classic Ramadan dishes, accompanied by soulful qanun melodies.
- Timings: Sunset to 10:30 PM
- Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: 050 662 4957
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi – Dh249 Dine under the stars at Al Shorfa Lounge with an international buffet, live cooking stations, and shisha options. A la carte suhoor is available post-iftar.
- Timings: Sunset to 11 PM
- Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: 050 662 4957
Sharjah
Zerzura – Dh300 Enjoy a desert-inspired iftar at Mleiha National Park, complete with live oud music and a feast of Arabic delicacies. The experience includes camel rides or a nature walk, with optional add-ons like fossil discovery tours.
- Timings: From 5:30 PM
- Contact: 052 910 8567
Dubai
Mausam – Dh149 Located in Dubai Mall, this Indian restaurant serves a thali featuring South Asian classics alongside dates, fresh fruit, and masala chai.
- Timings: Sunset to 9:30 PM
- Location: Dubai Mall
- Contact: 04 438 4001
Jamavar Dubai – Dh225 A refined Indian dining experience in Address Residences Opera District, featuring an iftar menu with tandoori prawns, lamb seekh kebabs, and traditional desserts.
- Timings: Sunset to 8 PM
- Location: Downtown Dubai
- Contact: 04 553 7852
Beefbar – Dh280 This Jumeirah Al Naseem eatery presents an international four-course iftar with dishes like gyoza, steak frites, and chicken robata, complemented by an in-house Ramadan mocktail.
- Timings: Sunset to 8 PM
- Location: Umm Suqeim 3
- Contact: 04 423 2238
Alaya – Dh300 A DIFC hotspot by renowned chef Izu Ani, offering a Middle Eastern-inspired iftar with dishes like lamb shank, maqluba rice, and traditional sweets.
- Timings: From sunset
- Location: DIFC
- Contact: 04 570 6289
Jones the Grocer – Dh250 for two Enjoy a sharing platter for two with seafood or meat options at Palm West Beach.
- Timings: Sunset to 11:30 PM
- Contact: 052 527 1750
Planet Terra – Dh150 A vegan-friendly iftar featuring a three-course meal with dishes like tempeh souvlaki and kimchi pad thai. Ten percent of proceeds go to Heal Palestine.
- Timings: Noon to 10:30 PM
- Location: The Greens
- Contact: 04 578 200
Maison de la Plage – Dh300 A Mediterranean-inspired menu at West Palm Beach, featuring lentil soup, hummus trio, and various mains in a cozy, lantern-lit setting.
- Timings: 6 PM to 8 PM
- Location: The Club – West Palm Beach
- Contact: 04 452 3344
La Serre – Dh149 Enjoy a Parisian take on iftar at City Walk C2, with a three-course menu featuring beetroot hummus, fattoush, truffle rigatoni, and honey sponge cake.
- Timings: Sunset to 9 PM
- Location: City Walk C2
- Contact: 052 377 3100
Dukkan El Baba – Dh95 (weekdays), Dh160 (weekends) A Syrian-Lebanese iftar buffet in Barsha Heights, showcasing chef Tarik’s lamb leg and an Arabic coffee station.
- Timings: Sunset to 1 AM
- Location: Barsha Heights
- Contact: 058 549 2188
Querida – Dh75 A cozy Al Barsha eatery serving a homestyle Mexican iftar with tacos, quesadillas, and churros.
- Timings: Sunset to 9 PM
- Location: Al Barsha
- Contact: 04 333 9996
Mowsem – Dh210 A grand buffet at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah featuring seafood, live cooking stations, and qanun music. Discounts available for group bookings.
- Timings: Sunset to 10:30 PM
- Contact: 04 230 0759
LDC Kitchen + Coffee – Dh89 An all-you-can-eat iftar with unlimited starters and mains, plus a soft drink and ice cream scoop.
- Timings: Sunset to 9 PM
- Multiple locations across Dubai
From traditional Arabic feasts to innovative global menus, these iftar options ensure you can celebrate the holy month with flavorful experiences that won’t strain your wallet. Ramadan Kareem!