Iftar special: The top 10 places to break your fast

Ramadan has officially begun and a good iftar is always on the menu. From traditional Arabic delicacies to a more modern take on gastronomy, Dubai's premiere food outlets have created unqiue menus to entice and satisfy. Buro 24/7 Middle East lists the top 10 places you should be when the sun sets... 

Ritz-Carlton DIFC

The DIFC Ramadan Majlis, with its white and modern concept, holds a buffet area as well as designated spaces for private functions. The hotel's iconic live Arabic-Asian station will once again make an appearance, combining Japanese favourites including nigiri, maki and temaki with Middle Eastern flavours.

Armani Hotel Dubai

The Saraya Tent at Armani/Pavilion, set against the stunning backdrop of the Dubai Fountain, offers a constantly changing menu to ensure that guests will have a wide variety of both Arabic cuisine, as well as the signature dishes from the hotel's five renowned restaurants: Hashi, Deli, Amal, Ristorante and Mediterraneo.

Palazzo Versace Dubai

This will be Palazzo Versace Dubai's first Ramadan event and it promises to be an iftar offering to remember. Live cooking stations will be spread around to serve a sumptuous meat selection including hammour taraboulssi, chicken tagine and kuzu haslama. Also included in the buffet are salad stations and a custom-made 'island' with a host of mezze dishes.

H Dubai

Perched on the roof of the award-winning hotel, H Dubai, the Glow Lounge will be transformed into a boutique iftar space this Ramadan. Offering a complete Arabic food experience that is changed everyday, Sundays will showcase flavours from Levant, Monday is all about Morocco, Tuesday is a smorgasbord of regional favourites, Wednesday brings Turkish delights, Thursday sees Egyptian-inspired cuisine, Friday is a trip to Lebanon and Saturday is a collection of Middle Eastern classics.

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Step inside the highly anticipated Al Fanous Lounge at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai and be greeted by stunning décor, epitomised by the royal colours of white, gold and blue. Live music will be provided by oud players as you indulge in Arabic cuisine by the hotel's award-winning chefs. For an Indian gastronomic adventure, head to Rang Mahal where Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar has created a special iftar menu, consisting of 11 classical Indian dishes with a contemporary touch.

The Palace Downtown Dubai

Relax in a bigger and better Ramadan tent at The Palace Downtown Dubai this year, with the space now extending into the gardens. A large iftar spread along with live classical music offers a calming food experience. Or head to the Ewaan Lounge for some waterside dining by the Burj Lake.

The Address Dubai Mall

The Address Dubai Mall is offering several iftar options including its inaugural Zayna Ramadan tent, which is located by the pool. As well, the Diamon Ballroom will be transformed into a large buffet space offering the best of Middle Eastern cuisine. Not to mention, celebrated Arabic restaurant Na3Na3 will also be hosting its own specially curated iftar menu.

Alserkal Avenue

Located in a specially-designed warehouse in The Yard, Al Serkal's #ThisIsNotABuffet iftar event is geared towards a more community-based gathering. Here food will share the focus alongside other family-oriented activities including board games and trivia. Visitors can choose from a two or five-course menus prepared by Elements, while music nights ensure that the atmosphere remains lively.

Angelina

French eatery Angelina is presenting its special Ramadan menu. Expect lentil and chickpea soup with chicken, braised lamb with spices and dried fruits as well as Pépite, a Ramadan-only dessert created from milk chocolate, dates, almonds and hazelnuts.

Siraj

Step inside Siraj, one of Dubai's newest culinary hotspots, where the exceptional décor is complemented by its delectable cuisine drawn from regional flavours mixed with a modern menu. For Ramadan, Executive Chef Ahmad Al Fakir has created a tantalising menu that includes baba ghanoush, chicken musakhan, meat ouzi and kibbeh labneh in addition to the chef's own special selection of desserts.