Best Buffet Iftars In Abu Dhabi 2025
Article by
Rachael Partington
-
February 5, 2025
One of the best things about the Holy Month of Ramadan is sharing the iftar, the breaking of the fast. Whether you've fasted during the day or not, this is a very special thing to be part of, one where you truly immerse yourself in the culture of the region - and get to enjoy some once-a-year Ramadan specialties!
Buffet iftars in Abu Dhabi are absolutely legendary. They usually hold regional delicacies as well as some international offerings, if you're still working out what you like and what you don't! Don't skimp on dessert and do try the Ramadan juices and tea, especially if it's poured ceremoniously!
Even at a buffet, all tables are equipped with water and either juice or laban to immediately break the fast, along with dates and other dried fruit.
If you're not fasting, please be mindful of those who are and let them enjoy the spoils of the buffets first.

BALCON TERRACE
SOUTHERN SUN
Balcon Terrace is the jewel in the Southern Sun’s crown and this rooftop comes alive during the Holy Month of Ramadan. With a mixture of more private, cabana seating and tables, the affordable Balcon Terrace iftar buffet is the perfect place to break your fast.
Expect generous options of hot and cold mezze, live cooking stations - the lamb ouzi is a must-try as are the tandoori prawns and the grilled fish! - as well as beautiful refreshing Ramadan juices and a mix of traditional and international desserts - the Umm Ali is on point and we highly recommend it!
You’ll really feel at peace with the ambient qanun music, as you sit under the stars and drink in the true meaning of Ramadan.
Time: Sunset - 8.30PM
Price: AED 149 per person, AED 65 kids. Group discount available upon request
Booking: 056 515 3388 or email abudhabi.dine@southernsun.com.

IFTAR AT THE OASIS
PARK HYATT ABU DHABI
Year on year, Park Hyatt provides one of Abu Dhabi’s most excellent iftar experiences. Everything from the food to the ambiance shines, and it’s one that many visit time and time again.
Alongside all the amazing food Park Hyatt lays out each year, enjoy an extra treat this Ramadan: Chef Faisel Alharmoodi of Ryba and Let’s fame (yes, the first Emirati chef to secure a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award) has a pop-up tent under the stars. Try creative - and delicious - spins on some classics: harees can be a divisive dish, but Faisel’s version topped with short rib tempted even our fussy eaters. For dessert, red velvet mafruka with saffron espum blends the best of Arabic flavours, with a modern touch courtesy of the red velvet base.
Jordanian, Moroccan and Emirati specialties instill this iftar with a proper sense of the Middle East. Alongside the lamb ouzi - one of the best we’ve had this Ramadan season - sat a heaped tray of Jordanian mansef: it’s not for everyone, but it’s a cracking dish if you’re game.
Don’t go past Maté’s signature offering: Australian black Angus costilla al asador - short rib cooked over a woodfired grill - had us going back for seconds - and thirds. Other hits? Expertly rolled sushi, sashimi, fresh fried rice and wok-tossed noodles all held their own. Alongside a generous Indian station, Turkish pide and falafel wraps, don’t miss the charcoal grill station serving up plenty of quality meat: mixed grill, lamb kebab and juicy prawns.
Save room for dessert - the Arabic dishes really knocked it out of the park this time. Silver platters filled with crisp pistachio baklava, umm ali and warm kunafa were standouts. Keep an eye out for the pistachio cake: it was a green mousse-y delight that reminded us of that viral chocolate, only better.
Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the live oud and qanun as well as Ramadan juices and tea that can be enjoyed in any of the majlis tents. This iftar is spectacular and you must try it at least once this Ramadan.
Time: Sunset - 9PM
Price: AED375 per person, children 5 and under dine complimentary,6 to 11 50% off
Booking: 054 309 6027, 02 407 1127

SAHHA
GRAND HYATT
Sahha restaurant at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi lends itself to an incredible iftar meal. It’s one of the best places to enjoy iftar with a view - the spacious terrace overlooks the sea, with views over to the Al Bateen marina and far beyond.
No two nights will be the same at Sahha, but you can expect excellent hot and cold mezze, a splendid lamb ouzi, great machboos and desserts that may be unrivalled - Grand Hyatt’s dessert game is legendary! - every night! There’ll be live cooking on the terrace with good grills and fresh saj, the perfect way to break your fast in style and plenty of international cuisines featuring on the buffet.
Settle in to the sounds of live oud music, sip on your fresh Ramadan juices laban airan, kamar al deen, jellab and tamer Hindi and karkadi, offering a traditionally rich iftar experience.
Time: Sunset to 9PM
Price: AED 210 per person, including a selection of traditional Ramadan beverages, 15% off with BB+ week 1
Booking: https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/abu-dhabi/restaurant/sahha/events/ramadan-iftar-at-sahha

AL ANDALUS TENT
FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR
This tent is a must-try this Ramadan season. It's beautifully decorated inside, with seats near the end affording views of the Maqta Creek and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque beyond. Food is a mix of traditional and contemporary with a glorious lamb ouzi, shining tureens full of soups, stews and rice dishes - the biryani is an absolute must. You'll love the barbequed meat, the shawarma station, saj and manakish made-to-order and if you absolutely must have sushi at a buffet, this is the one for you: the selection of maki rolls and sashimi is outstanding.
Desserts are superb - definitely grab some Arabic sweets but also, the chocolate concoctions are absolutely delicious and the kunafah station is a must.
There's a live singer adding to his upscale iftar event, one which we highly recommend.
Time: Sunset - 9PM
Price: AED295 per person, children 6-12 50% off, 20% off with BB+
Booking: Call 02 654 3333

IFTAR IN THE SKY AT STRATOS
LE ROYAL MERIDIEN
If a relaxed, and dare we say, elevated iftar is the way you like to break your fast, Stratos is the best place in Abu Dhabi to do it. This Ramadan season, Stratos, Abu Dhabi's only revolving restaurant, offers a luxurious and delicious iftar experience - of course, while enjoying 360 degree views of the city and the sea.
Enjoy a 3-course menu with a contemporary twist and unlimited soft beverages, perfect after a long day of fasting.
There's nothing more tranquil than watching the sun go down from Stratos, making for a true Ramadan experience.
Time: Sunset - 10.30PM
Price: AED280
Booking: 056 404 9988
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COURTYARD IFTAR
HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND
Walking into the courtyard is an instant wow moment. It’s quite an intimate space and with the twinkling fairy lights and the sight of the crescent moon right overhead, it really did feel like a serene and relaxing ambiance. As the live oud player began, (he even did tableside visits!) we were drawn into the atmosphere and could have easily spent the whole evening there.
The menu changes nightly and there's a good range of food, mostly Arabic but with a smattering of Indian, a pasta station, fresh salads and some glorious hot-off-the-press manakish. We loved the tagine and the kibbe, the beautiful chicken dishes and best of all, the lamb ouzi, possibly not as big as those at some of the larger iftars, but it was the best we think we’ve had - the lamb was cooked so beautifully. Grab a shawarma straight off the grill, get a kofte grilled for you and a plate of lovely butter chicken.
The dessert station sports kunafah with an excellent cheese pull, and the exceptional date mousse cake (looking almost too gorgeous to cut into!) is a highlight. The Umm Ali is also good - it was creamy with a bit of substance, not one of those thin jobs you see at other places! Don't miss the chocolate table, stocked with high-quality chocolate in an endless variety of flavours, swiftly followed by freshly made luqaimat and an ice-cream to finish.
This iftar is perfect for both friends and families, with a cosy atmosphere, live music, and a vibe that will keep you there all evening, fully immersed in the spirit of Ramadan. Shisha is also available - and it's excellent - , starting at only AED125. We would definitely recommend Hilton’s iftar - and will be back.
Time: Sunset - 9PM
Price: AED 210, 50% Off for children aged 6-11, under 6 complimentary
Booking: 02 208 6900, what's app 052 120 4715, email dineatgraphos@hilton.com

GIORNOTTE
RITZ-CARLTON ABU DHABI GRAND CANAL
Breaking your fast at Giornotte is an absolute must this Holy Month of Ramadan. It features an outstanding and vast selection of traditional Middle Eastern and Emirati options - the enormous lamb ouzi and the machboos are Ramadan must-tries - as well as international dishes, designed to please. Desserts are excellent: don't miss the kunafah and the halawet al jibn, as well as some of the more contemporary options. Finish your meal with a selection of Ramadan juices.
Sit indoors and enjoy the haunting melodies of the Qanun, or sit outside amidst the lush gardens and truly feel the spirit of Ramadan.
Time: Sunset - 10PM
Price: AED350, children 6-11 AED180, under 6 free
Booking: 02 818 8203

LAYALI AL BARAKA
CONRAD ABU DHABI ETIHAD TOWERS
If you're a foodie looking for a traditional iftar, this is it!
There's a fabulous live manakish station, where the dough is slapped onto a rounded griddle, and smothered with cheese and zaatar - there literally is nothing better than a hot manakish. Similarly good is the shawarma also hot off the press and the pasta station which sits alongside.
There are some great options of dishes that have become UAE favourites: the kabsa is excellent, as is the Hydrabadi prawn biryani. In true Conrad style, desserts are plentiful and delicious: mounds of Arabic sweets, a beautiful Umm Ali and kunafah that sports an impressive cheese pull.
For traditional food, Layali al Baraka is a great option.
Time: Sunset - 9PM
Price: AED295, 30% off with BB+
Booking: 02 811 5666

SAFFRON
PEARL ROTANA
Iftar at Saffron is perfect if you're looking to break your fast in simply and well. Start with a great range of hot and cold mezze options including a variety of salads and soups. The lamb ouzi at Saffron is well known for its quality and the shawarma station is an iftar must try! Get meat cooked to your own satisfaction - don't miss the mixed grill which is delicious!
Those with a sweet tooth will also enjoy the great range of traditional Arabic desserts. We highly rate the kunafah at Saffron and the baklawa is also worth a pass.
Feel the Ramadan spirit with the oud player, whose soulful melodies really bring the feeling of the season alive.
50%discount for children aged 6 to 12 years old.
Time: Sunset - 10PM
Price: AED 210, 20% off with BB+
Booking: 02 307 5555
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SIM SIM
SAADIYAT ROTANA
While not strictly a tent, the festoons of fairy lights over the garden at Sim Sim are so beautiful, you do feel as though you're in the middle of a desert oasis. Enjoy a full buffet with beautiful hot and cold mezze, soups and salads, live stations where meat is grilled to your liking, and of course a beautiful range of Arabic sweets. Enjoy the best of Ramadan juices and relax under the stars once your fast has been broken, enjoying the sounds of the oud and the relaxing Ramadan atmosphere.
Time: Sunset - 10.30PM
Price: AED280 per person, 20% off with BB+
Booking: 02 697 0000, WhatsApp +971 56 994 8890 or email fbres.saadiyat@rotana.com

SOUQ AL RAHA AT LA PISCINE
AL RAHA BEACH HOTEL RESORT AND SPA
One of Abu Dhabi's best iftar celebrations in 2024, the Souq al Raha experience is one that you must put on your list this Ramadan season. enjoy live cooking stations with everything from Middle Eastern and North African to Asian specialties and including some amazing seafood options. Be sure to load up on the lamb ouzi and Moroccan tagines as well as some beautiful Ramadan desserts - the Umm Ali is almost legendary, it's so good!
Browse the market stalls and lounge in the seating areas, taking in the sounds from the oud and qanun, making the Ramadan ambiance just about perfect.
Time: From sunset until 10:00 PM
Price: AED 235 per person, 20% off with BB+ Monday - Thursday
Booking: 056 545 0274, fbsecretary.alraha@danathotels.com

GRAND IFTAR AT SOFRA BLD
SHANGRI-LA ABU DHABI
Definitely one of Abu Dhabi's most popular iftars, Sofra BLD is one you must not miss this Ramadan season. Enjoy some of the best Arabic dishes, a fabulous lamb ouzi and excellent machboos. There's also a great range of not-so-traditional options: the sushi at the iftar is outstanding and the Indian dishes are absolutely mouthwatering. Desserts, as usual, are of an exceptional standard with both traditional Arabic sweets and delicious cakes and pastries. Ramadan juices and teas are perfect for washing it all down. Sofra is one of the best places in Abu Dhabi to break your fast and with views across to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, it's impossible not to be imbued with the spirit of the Holy Month.
Time: Sunset to 8PM
Price: AED298 including Ramadan-inspired beverages
Booking: https://shorturl.at/OlQHw
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