Break Your Fast at The St Regis Abu Dhabi

Highlights: feteer station, tagine, Syrian ice-cream, roast beef, all the desserts, ambiance, great value

I enjoyed this iftar so much. It can be tricky to strike a balance between a standard hotel buffet and a truly meaningful Ramadan offering but The Terrace really does exactly that - it's beautiful.

You'll try everything from lamb ouzi and roast beef with Yorkshires to chicken livers, mutton kadai and lamb roulade. There are some very plump and juicy shawarmas, an exciting Moroccan section with tajines of chicken and shrimp and some great grills.

I loved watching the chef make vegetable feteer and enjoying it crispy, hot from the oven, and the sambusek are noteworthy. There's a large cheese section, a whole fish, steamed barramundi, seafood and high-end salads.

Presentation is absolutely excellent - no silver chafing dishes here, everything is terra cotta and thoughtfully placed - and most importantly taste and cook are on point.

Desserts are something special. There's a lovely little stand inside with a great orange cake, chocolate pots, a glorious raspberry white chocolate glass and most excitingly a smooth and creamy baklawa cheesecake. Go onto the terrace for an upscale Arabic dessert experience: the kunafah is outstanding, there are Emirati pancakes being made to order, a guy banging a Syrian misky ice-cream drum, and tables of the best sweets so far. I was impressed to see delicate curls of kab al gazal, date truffles, gorgeous cookies as well as the usual baklawas - this all feels like a very accomplished mum had been in the kitchen baking and it was very cool.

Service is fantastic and where the St Regis brand shines - staff are attentive and friendly and this makes all the difference.

There's no live music but with all the twinkly lights and the beautiful decor I don't think it needs it - and if it's that that's kept the price for this five star iftar under AED300, then I'm here for it.

I can't recommend it enough - but do book, because it was busy even in the first week of Ramadan!

Where: The Terrace on the Corniche, St Regis Abu Dhabi

Time: Sunset - 11PM

Price: AED295 per person

Booking: 02 694 4553

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