Abu Dhabi
Jing Asia, Crowne Plaza Yas Island
This expansive iftar has more than 80 hot and cold mezze options along with a vast array of platters, breads, dips, soups and more. There are dozens of main dishes to choose from and plenty of live stations with tandoori pulled lamb and mint with yogurt, Creole shrimp fajitas, fish sayadieh, and barbecue pulled chicken with grated cheese roll. There are more desserts than is possible to try in one night, but sample the honey yogurt panna cotta, chocolate crème brûlée, and traditional Ramadan favourites such as Umm Ali and cheese kunafeh.
• Dh175. Sunset to 11pm. Call 02 656 3000
Tesoro, Taj Dubai
While there’s usually a Peruvian flavour at all-day-dining restaurant Tesoro for 11 months a year, the mood is Middle Eastern for iftar, with dimmed lights and a contemporary Arabic soundtrack accompanying your fast-breaking. The buffet isn’t perhaps quite as large as some competitors’ overly lavish spreads. But there are a good few modern and western twists alongside traditional options (Umm Ali, kibbeh, zataar), including quinoa tabbouleh and a station serving homemade ice-cream. Meat lovers have plenty of choice, including a carving station and live shawarma station, but the sweet-tooth delights were our personal favourite, particularly the moreish pistachio cake.
• Dh195. Sunset to 9.30pm. Call 04 438 3100
sjohnson@thenational.ae; aworkman@thenational.ae
