Ifthar is the evening meal which Muslims take to end the daily fasting. This starts after Maghrib (4th prayer) which is normally at the sunset. Mostly, Ifthar is being done with group of people to eat together and end their fast. For some companies here in UAE, It also becomes a part of their gathering at least once during the holy month of Ramadan to share Ifthar with the employees. Choosing the suitable venue for this gathering is a sort of a job considering the budget and the availability as per the group’s preferred date.

Some restaurants offer an early bird rate for those who can confirm their booking earliest within the promotion period depending on the hotel. It is a discounted price compared to the regular rate. To give you an idea, here are some of the restaurants in Dubai that offer ifthar meals whether you are dining with your family, friends or colleagues.

Al Majlis – Madinat Jumeirah

A mind blowing ambiance. Food is awesome with many selections. Aside from the traditional Ramadan menu, there are seafood, pasta, dim sum and sushi selections. Price for a group booking is AED 210 per person for this year of 2016. They also offer the ballroom venue for AED 205 per person and Hanaaya Restaurant in Mina A’Salam for AED 195*. The same price being offered in Arboretum and Khaymat Al Bahar.

Ewaan – The Palace Downtown Dubai

I would say that this is the best restaurant so far that we went in to break the fast. Everyone has commended the ambiance, the location, the hospitality of the crew and of course – the food. I will not forget their salad prawns with mango, fresh grilled seafood like lobsters, mussels and calamari.  From cold and hot mezzeh, salads, hot dishes down to the desserts..all lovely.  Eight out of ten people who came with me said that they will recommend it and would want to go back with their families. It’s worth the cost AED 220* for a lavish Ifthar!

Al Bahou -Movenpick IBN Battuta Gate

Located on the ground floor, this Moroccan style, high- ceiling restaurant offers a variety of food from the section of items to break the fast such as dates, dried fruits, nuts, laban and juices.The foods are placed on separate sections for appetizers with soup and salads, the center section is for the main course and on the inner side of the restaurant is the Asian menu section. Along the side, you will find their section of Ramadan juices, and the lamb ouzi, shawarma and manakish part. The dessert station is located in the front area which is very tempting and is so delicious. (I’ve tried their ifthar year 2015 for AED 170 pp).

Oceana Restaurant – Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort

I was amazed by the menu. I have tried their breakfast, lunch and dinner — all of them are good, but this Ifthar menu..it’s delectable. For the price of AED 185 pp , food is really good especially my ultimate favorite lamb ouzi. Apart from all Ifthars I’ve tried, their lamb is the best! It is really tasty, perfectly cooked that you can only smell and taste the ingredients and the lamb seems like melting in your mouth. The rice is also seasoned well and not so oily.  Plenty of selection from the appetizers, salad, main course as well as deserts. The restaurant’s feel and look is not that appealing. When I went back here and took advantage of their promotion (Two for one), I noticed the menu changes and it was not as good as the first one but the lamb is still the same — still delicious as it was!

Imperium – Jumeirah Zabel Saray

From the location where it sits, the ambiance and the delectable menu – it’s just amazing. For the price of AED 190* you will find a wide selection of appetizers, main course, Ramadan juices and main course. Honestly, each food I’ve tried are really worth coming back for. The food is placed on one section in the inner part of the restaurant but not too far from where everyone sits. The facade of the hotel is like an entrance to a  palace with the water fountains and the tea lights along its path.

Should you have tried something this Ramadan that you wish to share, please leave a comment here.

Ramadan Mubarak!

*Price may have been changed, please check with the restaurant directly.