Ramadan 2019 iftar guide: Abu Dhabi's best places to try

From budget to luxury, here's where to break your fast in the capital during the holy month

The Iftar at the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. CREDIT: Courtesy Ritz Carlton

The Iftar at the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is one of Abu Dhabi's most popular. CREDIT: Courtesy Ritz Carlton

Kunafa served at Flavours, Sheraton Abu Dhabi

Iftar at Sambusek restaurant, at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi

The iftar at Sambusek restaurant at Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Rosewood Abu Dhabi

A chef's selection of dim sum is being served at iftar at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Hakkasan Abu Dhabi

The Iftar selection at the Sheraton, Abu Dhabi.

<p>Iftar in the Sky at St Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche offers great views of Abu Dhabi. St Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche</p>

The huge tent at Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi for its annual Iftar offering. Ravindranath K / The National

Throughout Ramadan, cafes and restaurants across the UAE will be offering a range of iftar buffets and set menus for diners to break their fast and enjoy socialising with family and friends. We've taken a look at what is on offer across Abu Dhabi, from budget to luxury options, plus new iftars for 2019.

BUDGET

Azkadenya

Experience traditional dishes at Azkadenya in Marina Mall this Ramadan. The restaurant’s Azka iftar features a welcome drink, soup, salads, meat selection and other Middle Eastern dishes, plus a Ramadan-inspired dessert.

When: Sunset to 8.30pm

Cost: Dh129

Urban Retreat

Yas Mall’s makeshift food market hosts a number of different iftar offerings from its various vendors to suit every budget. From soups and salads, to a range of mains and desserts, the daily offerings will be accompanied by performances from local Arabic artists.

When: Open from 1pm to 1am on weekdays and 1pm to 2am on weekends

Cost: Dh50 to Dh120

The Coffee Club

Australian cafe chain The Coffee Club has a daily set menu during Ramadan, serving up a selection of soups and salads alongside grilled meats and pasta, washed down with a selection of soft beverages.

When: Sunset to 8.30pm daily

Cost: Dh85

Biryani Pot

This Galleria Mall eatery is offering an affordable and filling Iftar with an Indian twist. Tuck into a special menu featuring soups, Arabian chicken mandi and jarjeer salads.

When: sunset to midnight daily

Cost: Dh79

AFFORDABLE

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

More than 100 dishes from around the world are on offer at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas Market iftar, held daily in its Sim Sim casual dining restaurant. The iftar is inspired by a traditional souq, and promises to be an immersive dining experience.

When: Sunset until 10pm daily

Cost: Dh199 (discount for children)

Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi

Authentic Arabic dishes and international options sit side by side at the Kuzbara buffet, which is a long-standing iftar in the capital, popular for its variety and family friendly atmosphere.

When: Sunset to 9.30pm daily

Cost: Dh190

Sheraton Abu Dhabi

Flavors at Sheraton Abu Dhabi has a buffet-style iftar with classic Middle Eastern dishes served alongside Asian and Indian cuisine, and live carving stations.

When: Sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: Dh175

Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche

Another popular iftar in the capital, this huge buffet features an array of traditional favourites, alongside desserts, a date display and speciality Ramadan beverages.

When: Sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: Dh169

LUXURY

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

The Rosewood’s popular Sambusek Tent will see families and friends enjoy a hearty iftar buffet that includes all the traditional favourites from local, regional and international cuisines, paired with live entertainment featuring melodic sounds by qanun and oud duo Khalid & Razan.

When: Sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: First week of Ramadan Dh205, thereafter Dh240

Hakkasan

Hakkasan at Emirates Palace hosts a daily iftar with an Asian twist, with dishes including dim sum, Peking duck, wok-fried beef and Assam fish curry alongside soup, and a selection of Arabic sweets.

When: 7pm to 8pm daily

Cost: Dh228

Iftar In The Sky

Taking place in the world’s tallest suspended suite at St Regis Abu Dhabi Nation Towers, this iftar is one of Abu Dhabi’s finest. Live music will help to set the mood while you enjoy an abundance of Arabic delicacies, topped off with a sweet treat from a dedicated dessert room.

When: Sunset to 9.30pm Thursday to Saturday

Cost: Dh320

Emirates Palace 

Abu Dhabi's most glamorous hotel will have a custom-built Ramadan pavilion throughout the holy month, serving a daily iftar buffet filled with signature dishes and traditional delicacies, alongside live cooking and carving stations.

When: Sunset

Cost: Dh295

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular iftars, the Giornotte buffet at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi features an array of live cooking stations and Arabian family recipes, set to the backdrop of a traditional qanun player.

When: Sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: Dh235

Butcher and Still 

For those looking to replenish with a protein fix, head to Butcher and Still at the Four Seasons to fill up on meat. The restaurant's Iftar features a three-course set menu of prime cuts, imported fresh from the USA.

When: sunset to 9pm daily

Cost: Dh295

NEW

Market at Edition

Abu Dhabi’s new Edition hotel will be offering its first iftar this year, serving up traditional Middle Eastern cuisine alongside carving and sushi stations, and traditional sweets and pastries.

When: Sunset to 9.30pm

Cost: Dh180

Rixos Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi’s first all-inclusive luxury resort marks its first Ramadan buffet fusing Arabic and Turkish cuisines, paired with a number of live cooking stations.

When: Sunset to 8.30pm daily

Cost: Dh260

The Cultural Foundation

A series of Iftar events led by cultural expert Ali Al Saloom offer UAE residents’ knowledge of Emirati traditions, clarifying cultural dos and don’ts to help them overcome any social challenges they might be facing in their time living in the UAE. The sessions will also demonstrate ways to embrace the values of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

When: May 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

Cost: Dh100

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Read more:

Iftar review: Sukkari and spice and all things nice at the Coya iftar in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Ramadan 2019: Vegan and vegetarian iftars to try in the UAE

Ramadan 2019: Suhoor tents to try in the UAE

Ramadan 2019: international iftars and suhoors to try in the UAE

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