DIVINE MARCH DINING IN ABU DHABI
WHITE
JUMEIRAH AT SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT
LORENNA
20% off soft and house package brunch with BB+
The White brunch is regularly considered one of the best brunches in Abu Dhabi by the Best Bites contingent, and for good reason. It is one of those places that can make you feel like you’re on holiday at home, and it’s certainly one to impress your guests. With views out to the picture-postcard Saadiyat beach, a large buffet selection – with the fresh seafood being a particular highlight, tonnes of live stations, including a rather spectacular beef Wellington, and arguably one of the best dessert displays in Abu Dhabi you’ll be in brunching heaven.
There's a live duo playing some soft, summery tracks, with a great sing-a-long factor, the perfect accompaniment to a chilled-out Saturday.
Time: Saturday 1-4PM
Price: Soft AED350 I House AED475 I Premium bubbly AED600 I Kids 6-11 AED175
20% off soft and house package with BB+
Contact: 02 811 4342
OAK ROOM
THE EDITION ABU DHABI
PAIGE
Foodies rejoice! The Oak Room has launched its Saturday Supper Club and it's an unforgettable three-hour culinary experience. With signature canapes and sharing starters, a choice of delectable mains including a fab vegetarian option (and a Wagyu and lobster upgrade), and finish on a sweet note with sharing desserts. Special mention needs to be given to the cocktails; Paige swears the mixologist behind the menu is a genius! Four signature curated martinis and modern twists shaken up tableside, masculine in nature they match perfectly with the oak-panelled interiors.
With live music throughout this is the Saturday evening brunch Abu Dhabi has been waiting for!
Time: Saturday 7PM – 11PM
Price: Soft AED345 | House AED465 | Champagne AED585
Booking: 02 208 0000
EAT GREEK KOUZINA
GALLERIA
RACHAEL & PAIGE
Alert! This restaurant could well have turned Rachael Partington into a Greek food lover!
This contemporary Greek restaurant with its view of the bay, semi-open kitchen, and bartender shakin’ and makin’ behind the bar serves up some incredible Greek cuisine which had our fearless leader rescheduling her plans just so she could go back and eat there again! Highlights were the whole seabass, expertly butterflied tableside, and the fall-off-the-bone lamb shoulder – which at AED380 would easily feed four. The girls had us drooling over the doughnut-esque loukoumades with chocolate drizzled on the top and we will be back to try the broad cocktail list.
This is perfect for those of you looking for great food, but not necessarily fine dining and rest assured you don’t need to be a Greek food love to Eat Greek.
Time: 12PM – 12AM Daily
Booking: 02 309 2323
SANDERSON’S
AL SEEF
PAIGE
Free coffee with the purchase of a mains breakfast dish with BB+
Sanderson’s has got a new menu, and with a new BB+ discount, Paige couldn’t wait to report on one of her favourite cafes in Abu Dhabi. With large comfy sofas, friendly staff, and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee it’s a perfect spot for a lazy breakfast, and the jungle gym outside can provide hours of entertainment, allowing you to take a breath and enjoy a catch up. Paige had great things to say about the vegan Buddha bowl and while the smashed avo and mango may sound a little odd on paper, we promise you the combo works!
Your BB+ membership you can grab a free coffee with the purchase of any main breakfast item, saving you some pennies while you’re at it!
Time: Daily 8AM – 10PM
Booking: 02 222 1142
BENTLEY KITCHEN
GALLERIA
RACHAEL & PAIGE
Bentley Kitchen has firmly secured itself as one of the most popular restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Serving up a range of fantastic international dishes in a restaurant spacious enough to accommodate large groups, but still feels intimate enough for a romantic dinner for two. We especially love the terrace, with its great view of the bay, and the service is outstanding.
Food wise the menu is vast with enough options to suit even the fussiest of fancies. Coming out on top this time for Rachael and Paige were the juicy and flavoursome chicken yakitori, the spinach and ricotta ravioli, and the smash-it-out-of-the-park desserts – lemon meringue tart we are looking at you!
Bentley’s is the perfect go-to for date night, lunch with friends or colleagues, dinner with friends or possibly just a cheeky dessert stop on your own.
Time: 12PM – 12AM Daily
Booking: 02 626 2131
LAYALI EL HIMIYA TERRACE
LE ROYAL MERIDIEN
NATALIE
2 for 1 off AED195 iftar package
Kicking off the busy Ramadan season for Best Bites, Natalie headed to Le Royal Meridien to try out the preview of the iftar set up at the Layali El Hilmiya Terrace pop-up. Taking full advantage of the last of the cooler weather there is a gorgeous outdoor set up, lit up with fairy lights and decorated with subtle Ramadan touches. With a large buffet inside, where even the hummus and moutabel were served in unique ways, everything looked (and tasted) wonderful. Nat’s faves being the chicken thigh freekeh, and the gorgeously cooked lamb ouzi.
Heading outside there is a large grill, with all manner of grilled meats, a shawarma station, and a large stone pizza oven. With a selection of traditional Ramadan drinks, a large dessert buffet, and a kids zone available daily this will be one to try out during Ramadan.
Time: Sunset – 9:30PM
Price: Buffet AED195 | With drinks AED250
Book: 800 101 101 or WhatsApp 056 404 9988
CAPITAL MAJLIS
ADNEC
LORENNA
An iftar with a difference – Capital Majlis has returned to ADNEC this year and is the place to head to for a traditional iftar experience with a contemporary setting.
This huge exhibition hall has been transformed with some clever, soft lighting and sofa style seating, and several private dining areas. With an impressive buffet of traditional favourites, presented beautifully with towering food cones showing off the different sections including a rather marvellous charcuterie tower. Ranging from dried fruits and cheeses, a bakery selection, soups, to a stunning display of colourful salads, main courses and Ramadan staple, lamb ouzi, four live stations, and a large desserts and sweets section, you will be spoilt for choice for breaking you fast.
Time: Iftar sunset – 8:30PM | Suhoor 10PM – 3AM
Price: Iftar AED185 | Kids 6-12 50% off | Suhoor a la carte
Booking: capitalmajlis@adnec.ae | 02 406 4962/4972 | 800 23 632
GARAGE
W ABU DHABI
PAIGE
Iftar at Garage isn’t your conventional iftar, it’s an iftar experience with a twist. The 5 food hubs offer a combination of traditional dishes and unique international plates, making this iftar buffet stand out from the rest for its sheer variety and innovation. Looking for an iftar that will please the whole family? Garage is the answer!
Beautiful traditional dishes like lamb ouzi and roasted camel as well the live mixed grill station make up the Arabic station, but for Paige the not-so-traditional dishes stole the show, with an impressive seafood tower and colourful sushi selection. The desserts were pretty showstopping too!
Time: Sunset – 9PM
Price: AED245 pp | Kids 6-12 50% off
Booking: 02 656 0000
THE CAFÉ
PARK HYATT ABU DHABI
NATALIE
Park Hyatt always manages to pull it out of the bag, and their iftar is no different. They have delivered consistently with their brunch, securing themselves as one of the most recommended in the Best Bites community and they understood the assignment when it came to Ramadan.
The iftar is set up on the garden lawn with fairy lights forming the shape of a tent. It’s like sitting under the stars yet with the cosiness of being among friends and family in an intimate space. They’ve increased the space, added more live cooking stations, and raised the bar. An absolute must try is the Moroccan beghrir, a sweet pancake with honeycomb-like holes, filled with a spoonful of honey and nuts. Yum.
Time: Sunset – 9PM
Price: AED320 pp | +AED200 for shisha
Booking: 02 407 1138
MAJLIS BY THE SEA
EMIRATES PALACE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
RACHAEL
The Majlis By The Sea offers a decidedly majestic iftar experience! The huge tent is strategically placed very near to the beach at the Presidential Palace end of Emirates Palace so from the outdoor terrace, you get the most tranquil views of the sea and the city skyline.
With a decadent selection from each of the Emirate Palace restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice with great balance of traditional and international dishes. This is a once-in-a-Ramadan iftar for most of us because the price point is higher than many, but it is definitely worth going. Take it slowly, eat outside and look over the sea and let the peace overtake you.
Time: Sunset – 9PM
Price: AED325 pp | Kids 4-11 50% off
Booking: 02 6907999 or email epauh-restaurants@mohg.com
GRILLS@CHILL’O
SOFITEL ABU DHABI
LOGAN
Special price for BB+ members: AED295 for 2 people
For a truly traditional iftar experience in an alfresco setting the Sofitel’s offering at Grills@Chill’O should be on your radar. And with a special price for BB+ members it makes it a pretty affordable way to break your fast.
With live grilling stations with made-to-order shish kebab, lamb kofta, lamb kebab and tiger prawns, and traditional favourites, including a must try Moroccan lamb tagine and chicken makloubbeh with Arabic spiced aubergine, potato, and cauliflower. Kids will love the milk and dark chocolate ‘duo fountains’ on the dessert buffet and adults don’t miss the orange blossom infused rum baba.
Time: Sunset – 9:30PM
Price: AED265 pp including Ramadan juices | AED295 for two including Ramadan juices, water, and soft drinks with BB+
Booking: 056 997 7408
THE LOUNGE
JUMEIRAH AT SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT
REBECCA
The Lounge has opened up The Mangrove Terrace especially for Ramadan. This rooftop terrace looks out towards Saadiyat Island, and at golden hour it’s the perfect place to be. Decorated beautifully with white fabric draped above, gold accents, and lights all around. With a live oud player, beautiful scenery, and excellent food this is an amazing place to bring people for an upmarket iftar experience.
Food highlights; the curried potato salad, grilled meats over charcoal, the beef Massaman curry, and literally all of the desserts! Rebecca is even eloping with the sticky toffee pudding!
Time: Sunset – 8PM
Price: AED238 pp
Booking: 02 811 4342
SIM SIM
SAADIYAT ROTANA RESORT & VILLAS
PAIGE
It’s time to put on your walking shoes … the Sim Sim iftar is back and it’s big! There is something to discover in every corner of the restaurant – highlighting a selection of Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Indian, and Emirati dishes which can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors with friends and family.
Paige loved the melt-in-your-mouth short rib, and the baked mahi mahi with creamy saffron sauce.The huge bread section supplied the perfect vessel to mop up the aromatic lamb rogan josh from the Indian station. Save room for the gooey, cheesy kunafa!
Time: Sunset – 10:30PM
Price: AED275 pp | Kids 6-12 AED125
Booking: 02 697 0000
THE LAWN
WESTIN ABU DHABI
LORENNA
20% off with BB+
The Westin have upgraded their iftar this year and are taking full advantage of the cooler weather by moving it outside onto the lawn. Break your fast under a canopy of twinkly fairy lights, with a large range of Arabic-centric dishes – including lamb ouzi, freshly made shawarma and saj bread, and a beautifully stocked dessert table. Don’t miss the deliciously gooey made-to-order luqaimat served with a choice of 8 ice cream flavours – a firm family favourite to be sure.
With great service, fabulous food, and a beautiful setting, this iftar should be on your list even if you are not fasting. And with 20% off with BB+ it’s a bit of a steal!
Time: Sunset – 10PM
Price: AED235 pp | Kids 6-12 AED105 | 20% off with BB+
Booking: 02 616 9999
KHAYAL
MARRIOTT AL FORSAN
SARAH
25% off with BB+
Khayal has been receiving rave reviews for their iftar for the last couple of years and this year you are in for a treat as soon as you arrive. Head through the old souk entranceway and marvel at possibly the largest number of cuisines in one place in Abu Dhabi. With indoor and outdoor seating, awash with fairy lights, there is a great vibe throughout.
The lamb ouzi is a standout, and well as the kung pao chicken, which certainly packs a punch! With an extensive selection of Indian and Malaysian curries, a live BBQ station, shawarma, salads, breads, cheeses … the list goes on and on. And the colourful dessert station is a sight to behold. This iftar feels like a real celebration.
Time: Sunset – 9PM
Price: AED240 pp | Kids 6-12 AED95
Booking: 02 201 4131
SEA LOUNGE
INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI
LOGAN
2 for 1 with BB+
Open exclusively for Ramadan, Sea Lounge, in the newly opened InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi, offers guests a spectacular outdoor iftar experience, overlooking a 180° degree coastal view. With a large terrace, perfect for viewing the city lights, and a small play area and green space for the little ‘uns to burn off some energy, this could be the family friendly iftar you’ve been looking for.
We loved the multitude of live stations, including a grill station, lamb ouzi, and freshly made shawarma, pasta, and pizza. And the watermelon, tomato & feta salad provided us the perfect palate cleanser throughout the meal. With a selection of traditional and international dishes there will be something to take everyone’s fancy.
Top tip: bring a jacket as the sea breeze can be a little bracing.
Time: Sunset – 9PM
Price: AED240 pp | Kids 6-12 AED90 | 2 for 1 with BB+
Booking: 02 666 6888
ARABSTICK
ALOFT ABU DHABI
LORENNA
Ramadan could be the perfect excuse to check out this stunning outdoor patio space at Aloft Abu Dhabi, especially as it will close during the hotter months.
We got some Indiana Jones feels, as we enjoyed the small but robust iftar buffet, under the swathes of light-coloured fabrics and lantern lights, with a perfect view of the moon. Dive into appetisers, salads, hot and cold mezze, and a variety of mains. We loved the live shawarma making, the fragrant lamb curry and spicy dal. Shockingly it did get a little chilly (a wonderful feeling for late March) while we were there, but the smiling servers were on hand with fluffy blankets to keep us snuggly and warm.
Their suhoor deal is super affordable too with a traditional set menu for AED65 or AED99 if you wish to include shisha.
Time: Iftar sunset – 9PM | Suhoor 10PM – 2AM
Price: AED165 pp
Booking: 050 868 8667
BYBLOS SUR MER
INTERCONTIENTAL ABU DHABI
LOGAN
With the glittering lights of the marina just a stone’s throw away, Byblos Sur Mer is the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back, relaxing iftar meal. With a sharing, family-style set menu of Lebanese favourites and traditional dishes, you can sit back and break your fast in comfort without having to leave your chair.
Begin with a selection of hot and cold mezze, move on to a mixed grill and finish with a range of Byblos’ signature desserts including hot cheese kunafa, halawet al jeben pistachio, sweet and syrupy shaabiat and a fresh fruit platter. For shisha lovers you can also add to your meal starting from AED85.
Time: Sunset – 9PM
Price: AED185 pp | Kids 6-12 AED90
Booking: 800 423 463
THE LIGHTHOUSE
YAS BAY
NATALIE
The Lighthouse has come to be known for their creative and wholesome dishes, and their simple, nourishing, 3-course set menu certainly firs the bill. The Lighthouse has created a perfect iftar spot without going over the top.
Starting with a warm lentil soup, and then a choice of mezze, and mains. Natalie loved the harissa roasted chicken, with its perfectly crispy skin and as a veggie option the lasagne was gorgeous. Desserts are not included but head out to the Bait Al Noor stand outside to get a cup of karak or a dreamy kunafa w kaak.
Time: Sunset – 9PM
Price: AED120 pp
Booking: 02 236 7831
GINGER
PARK ROTANA
LOGAN
If you are looking for a simple iftar with a family-friendly atmosphere and filling, wholesome food look no further than Ginger at Park Rotana. Enjoy sitting on the terrace, with the melodious sounds of a live oud player as you break your fast with a variety of Arabic, Mediterranean, Indian, and international cuisines that cater to everyone’s preferences.
With a live outdoor grilling station with made-for-you shawarma, manakeesh, falafel, and mixed grills. And do not miss the mohalabiya rose, rice pudding, and kunafa – which Logan says are all spectacular.
Time: Sunset – 9PM
Price: AED189 pp | Kids 7-12 AED99
Booking: 02 657 3322
Lorenna White
4/7/2023
Share This Article :
