10 of the best iftars in Jeddah
Check out the most impressive iftar spreads…
Ramadan 2022 is here, and if you’re in Jeddah one of the best ways to embrace the holy month is by joining an iftar. Iftars take place at sunset and mark the breaking of one’s fast – in fact, the word iftar means “break fast”.
The ceremony can be an elaborate or modest affair, and the start is marked by the sound of a canon blasting. Everyone is welcome, so come with an appetite, as these are often big buffets. Whether you’re after a traditional Arabic spread or an international feast, there’s a venue to suit all your iftar needs.
Here are the best iftars in Jeddah.
Al Dakkah, The Venue
View this post on Instagram
The Venue hotel has launched the palatial Ramadan tent, Al Dakkah. It’s all about the stunning seaside location, which is right on the Jeddah Waterfront. Grand in scale, it has swoon-worthy views of the Jeddah Corniche. The iftar offer takes you on a journey through Hijazi, Egyptian and Levant cuisine. While the extras are what make this a memorable night, from storyteller Ahmed Al Sayyad to raffle prices.
Corniche Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah, 6pm to 9pm, SAR 300 per person. Tel: (0)12 613 9000. the-venue.com.
ALFOLK, Shangri-La Jeddah
View this post on Instagram
When a hotel is as lavish as the Shangri-La Jeddah, we expect nothing less than a five-star iftar spread. During the holy month, ALFOLK is hosting iftar buffets every evening from sunset. There’s top-notch international cuisine on offer, which includes dishes from Saudi Arabia, East Asia, Europe, China and India. Watch the chefs in action at the live cooking stations and then end your evening trying the vast desert selection. If you’ve got children, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s also a Little Captain’s toddler zone.
Burj Assila, Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah, 6pm to 9pm, SAR488 for adults, SAR288 for children aged 6 to 10 years old. Tel: 800 440 8888. al-folk.com.
Andalusia, Park Hyatt Jeddah – Marina, Club and Spa
View this post on Instagram
Overlooking the Red Sea, this hotel is in a prime location. Andalusia is the hotel’s award-winning restaurant and it serves iftar dishes at its fully-stocked buffet and live cooking stations. The experience is inspired by Old Jeddah, from its architecture to the aromatic spices. The offerings include international, Mediterranean and traditional Hijazi dishes.
Al Kurnaysh Rd, Al Hamra District Southern, Jeddah, daily 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Tel: (0)122 639 666. hyatt.com
Beit Ward
View this post on Instagram
This Lebanese restaurant and café looks like it’s an Instagrammer’s dream – think tons of greenery from hanging plants to wheelbarrows with plants, which make it picture perfect. The classy restaurant offers upmarket Lebanese food, and during iftar the menu for four people is a full-on affair. The soups include lentil and pumpkin, and each day there is hot and cold mezze, from fattoush to kibbeh. While the main courses vary on a day to day basis, from fishy Friday to paella Wednesdays. The best bit: each main comes with a choice of lamb rice or chicken kabsa.
King Abdul Aziz Road, Jeddah. Tel: (0)54 080 5011. beitwardksa
Jeddah Hilton Palace Hall, Jeddah Hilton
View this post on Instagram
Marvel at the views looking out onto the Red Sea from this gem of a hotel. When you enter Jeddah Hilton Palace Hall – on a red carpet, no less – you’ll be wowed by the opulence and endless amount of foodie choices. The buffet includes traditional Saudi, Arabic food and international offerings.
Corniche Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah, 6pm to 9pm. Tel: (0)55 564 1972. hilton.com
Koa
View this post on Instagram
If you’re put off by a big buffet, you’ll be pleased to hear that Koa has a set menu for its iftar in Jeddah. The menu fuses pan-Asian cuisine with modern European and includes fruity mocktails. The ambience is oh-so slick, from the stylish navy blue sofas to the beautifully plated dishes.
Atelier La Vie, King Abdul Aziz Rd, No. 28, Jeddah. Tel: (0)12 662 9999. dineatkoa.com
Mövenpick Jeddah Tahlia Jeddah
View this post on Instagram
This slick, modern restaurant has a family-orientated iftar. The buffet takes place in the Ramadan tent and serves up Arabic as well as international dishes. You’ll enjoy a fresh feast, as the hotel is all about sourcing seasonal produce. Lookout for the live stations, serving up everything from foul to manqousheh.
8749 Hael, Al Andalus, Jeddah, SAR260 per person. Tel: (0)12 213 2000. movenpick.com
Rehana, The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah
View this post on Instagram
Wear your finest at The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah’s Rehana restaurant. The venue has shimmering chandeliers and white tablecloths. While the restaurant serves Mediterranean, Moroccan and Saudi Arabian cuisine – lamb tajine, anyone? Dig into the swanky buffets and watch the chefs at live cooking stations.
Rehana, The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, Al Corniche Road, Al Hamra District Al Hamra District, Jeddah. 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (0)12 231 4449. ritzcarlton.com
Soleil, Rosewood Jeddah
View this post on Instagram
Rosewood Jeddah oozes luxury and its restaurant Soleil is no different. The iftar includes a buffet that serves up local flavours with international cuisine. The setting is inspired by Hijaz, the western region of Saudi Arabia. The setting here includes grand pillars, pretty fountains and live cooking stations, which all add to the sense of extravagance.
Corniche Street, Ash Shati, Jeddah, SAR402.40 adults, SAR201.25 children. Tel: (0)12 260 7111. rosewoodhotels.com
Twenty Four, Assila
View this post on Instagram
Assila hotel aims to please: the hotel has stunning views of the city and an iftar menu that will satisfy all tastebuds. Twenty Four is its international restaurant and the iftar is a modern affair. Tuck into the huge buffets, which includes spreads of mixed grills, sushi, kabsas, seafood, and moorish Arabic desserts.
Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street, Al Andalus, Jeddah, SAR325 from sunset to 9pm. Tel: (0)12 231 9800. marriott.com
Images: Instagram