Ramadan in Dubai is associated with numerous promises, like traffic just before Maghrib, the group chats debate on where to book iftar, or that menus have become more expensive. The good news, however, is that you do not need to go over-the-top to eat. Hotels and restaurants around the city are quietly offering generous and satisfying iftars at under AED100. Some offer skyline views, and other stations with live cooking. Some even play the oud with no charge. Eight good iftars listed below that prove that good food does not have to come at fancy prices.
1. Grand Mercure Dubai City
When an iftar with a view tops off your Ramadan checklist, this is where you will find it. Layali Ramadan at ARIA Rooftop and Lounge transforms sunset into a show, as the lights of the city come on, and live oud music plays in the background.
The buffet is starting with the classics, and the lentil soup is followed by neatly planned hot and cold mezze, fresh shawarma, lamb ouzi, which remains on the plate, and biryani, which is aromatic with patience. It is not forced to be festive, and it is also one of the best deals in the city with a roof at under AED100.
Where: Grand Mercure Dubai City – Garhoud
When: Daily from sunset
Cost: AED 95
2. Al Jaddaf Rotana
Gardenia at Al Jaddaf Rotana is refreshingly simple. No tricks, only a healthy iftar buffet at AED85 that is dedicated to common Ramadan dishes.
Anticipate a tradition-based spread: cosy soups, richly spiced dishes, and salads that seem to be filling, and a meal that causes the family to become attracted to it as each person has something of preference. When you desire an iftar that is serene, satisfying, and foreseeable, then this would be ideal.
Where: Al Jaddaf Rotana – Gardenia Restaurant
When: From sunset
Cost: AED 85
3. Eatopi
Eatopi is for the control freaks. You do not enter the maze of a buffet; you decide. You can have a main of your choice, a side, a fresh salad, a soup, and a drink, all within AED69, and there is no confusion and waste. You drive away with a moderate meal that does not make you sleepy. They serve at Dubai Hills and One Central and cater to the needs of individual diners, corporate employees, and all those who do not want to skip on flavour, even though they want to eat something that is light.
Where: Eatopi – Dubai Hills Mall & One Central
When: From sunset
Cost: AED 69
4. Live Inn Terrace
This is a social iftar, and some feel formal. Opened every night on the terrace, Live Inn Terrace combines traditional cuisine with well-known international comfort food. Live cooking areas keep the food flowing, and the outdoor setting can allow lingering after dinner. Families like it, groups get comfortable fast, and the easy atmosphere allows the conversation to last longer than intended.
Where: Live Inn Terrace – Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City
When: Daily from sunset
Cost: AED 95 (adults), AED 50 (kids under 12)
5. Park Inn by Radisson Motor City
This also occurs in Live Inn Terrace, but the experience warrants an independent mention. Park Inn by Radisson Motor City are prolific at informal Ramadan evenings. Arabic food hits international favourites, juices flow freely, and the live stations continue to replenish what people really have to eat. Cold evenings and outdoor seating will mean you have a secure, though not in-a-box, iftar, and are good to take the air with your dates and soup.
Where: Park Inn by Radisson Motor City
When: From sunset
Cost: AED 95 (adults), AED 50 (children aged 4–12)
6. MIX
MIX in Garhoud is hitting the target silently each year. The iftar buffet has the gamut: breads, dates, grills, juices, so much variety that children will be pleased and adults will not be disappointed.
There is no sense of something being too complex, and that is the point. It is family, big table and revisit oriented. You leave it full, satisfied, and do not worry about the bill.
Where: MIX – Aloft Dubai Airport, Garhoud
When: Daily, sunset to 10pm
Cost: AED 85 (adults), AED 45 (kids aged 6–12)
7. Uptown Social
Not a buffet person? You have uptown social. Their three-course set menu at AED99 makes their iftar experience cleaner and more controlled.
Starters introduce you to it, mains come in the right size, and dessert swiftly finishes it without being too controlling. It is refined, yet not snobbish, which is why it is perfect when you have business iftars, smaller groups or simply because you are familiar with what to expect next on the table.
Where: Uptown Social – Uptown Dubai
When: From sunset
Cost: AED 99
Also Read: What Is A Planetary Parade & Where Can You Watch It In Dubai?
8. Runway
Runway at Aloft Dubai Airport serves a regular iftar buffet during Ramadan with traditional food, mezze and juices. Everything is presented in an open way, fast refills and no big deal. It is a particularly convenient feature when planning to go to the airport, having a late workday, or making an impulsive reservation. The cost remains low, and the food remains family, not to mention that that is all you need sometimes.
Where: Runway – Aloft Dubai Airport, Garhoud
When: Daily, sunset to 10pm
Cost: AED 85 (adults), AED 45 (kids aged 6–12)
In search of the views, comfort food, lighter plates, or family-friendly buffets, these iftars do not surpass AED100. Save the splurge for Eid.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied/Dhaba Lane
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