Ramadan is here, and foodies across the region eagerly await the iftar vibe restaurants have to offer. 

Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from cooking, get dressed up, and celebrate with family and friends outside of the home. Try something a bit different and sample exotic dishes from around the world, or just satisfy your cravings with your favorites, and that’s why you need to know the must-go iftar places.

There is a huge variety of places offering iftar. From restaurants offering set menus to elaborate buffets in beautifully decorated majlis, there’s something to suit every taste and budget this Ramadan.

We’ve curated a list of must-try restaurants to break your fast and indulge in the Ramadan spirit, each offering unique flavors and ambiance.

Tamara Lebanese Bistro, Cairo

Tamara Lebanese Bistro/Instagram

It’s the go-to spot for an immersive Lebanese dining experience. Tamara Lebanese Bistro blends tradition with contemporary, captivating the local palate with its vibrant fusion. Their iftar buffets throughout the holy month have an array of appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and beverages, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience at affordable prices that won’t break the bank.

In addition to its Ramadan buffets, Tamara provides a convenient Iftar box option for those seeking a delicious and portable way to break their fast.

The curated box is a complete iftar meal. Diners can indulge in two portions of foul, falafel, eggs with pastrami, and muttabal. The box includes two portions of chickpeas with lemon.

Taking center stage are savory pastries – three portions each of halloumi safayeh, spinach pies, and zaatar manousheh.

For reservations and more information, click here.

Desoky and Soda, Cairo

Desoky and Soda/Instagram

Since its launch in 2016, Desoky & Soda has become a familiar name in casual dining. With a unique blend of Western and Egyptian cuisine, the restaurant transforms into something more during Ramadan, offering delicious food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a variety of entertainment.

The menu celebrates a delicious fusion of Western and Egyptian culinary traditions. Starters range from classic Egyptian mezze to creamy Western soups. Main courses showcase the best of both worlds, with options like kebabs, fatta, oxtail, and kofta dishes alongside innovative fusion creations like Alexandrian beef liver pasta or Egyptian sausage pasta. To top it all off, the Ramadan menu features traditional Egyptian desserts like the beloved Om Ali, creamy rice pudding, and decadent goulash with nuts.

For reservations and more information, click here. 

Ruya, St Regis, Dubai, The Palm

Ruya, St Regis, Dubai, The Palm

Head to Rüya to indulge in a delectable Anatolian culinary and cultural journey. You can relish a sharing-style menu, with dishes such as the rich antep fistikli rafik —a unique blend of feta goat cheese and pistachio that harmoniously combines Turkish flavors. 

Diners can also enjoy the hearty mantarli keşkek, which is barley risotto with wild mushroom, truffle, and sage, as well as the whole corn-fed baby vhicken, served with smoked paprika walnut sauce and chili butter.

The bonus? An expansive terrace with views of Burj al Arab and the Arabian Sea?

For reservations and more information, click here.

Tribeca Souq at Waldorf Astoria’s Doha West Bay

Tribeca Souq at Waldorf Astoria’s Doha West Bay

Experience the Tribeca Souq Ramadan tent filled with iftars and suhoors. There are five live stations, from Arabic, grilled dishes, seafood stations, and sweet delicacies. Soulful melodies involving live oud performances, traditional henna artists, and children’s storytellers allow a memorable experience. 

The dishes are mouth-watering, from Arabic soups and a variety of cold and hot mezze, featuring classics like hummus, vine leaves, and tabbouleh. Live stations offer freshly prepared dishes including mixed grill highlighting succulent lamb kofta, tender chicken and beef kebabs, plus fresh seafood and salad bars. There’s a wide selection of desserts such as mixed katayef—the halva parfait is a must-try.

For reservations and more information, click here.

Alaya at DIFC in Dubai

Alaya’s specially crafted iftar set menu is an ode to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Break your fast with dates and lentil soup, then warm up with a selection of cold and hot mezze. Main courses include the succulent lamb shank or the flavorsome shish chicken paired with fragrant maqluba rice. Don’t miss out on the sweet notes of kunafa or muhallabia after your meal.

For reservations and more information, click here. 

Tama at Our Habitas AlUla

Tama at Our Habitas AlUla

Picture a serene atmosphere and a breathtaking backdrop. Now, imagine the enlightening vibes of Ramadan paired with it. At Our Habitas AlUla, tranquility and tradition meet alongside the captivating landscape of Ashar Valley. 

To gain the most out of this experience during the holy month, dine with loved ones at the Tama Restaurant for a mix of global and Middle Eastern cuisine. From a unique carrot tahini hummus, and prawn harra to start and a honey pumpkin soup to warm up your stomach to main courses of chicken kabsa, sea sayadieh, or grilled lamb chops.

You can even choose a plant-based meal, such as cauliflower sayadieh, or cracked batata. 

Don’t forget to top it all off with some croissant umm ali. 

For reservations and more information, click here.

Watch this space for other best spots where you can break iftar this Ramadan.