By Alyaa Malik
The encompassing hospitality and warmth of Saudis are palpable, especially at this time of the year where both Iftar and Suhoor serve as means to share blessings and celebrate togetherness through food.
As the sunset slowly fades into the horizon during Ramadan, thousands of men and women rush to make it in time for Iftar, the breaking of the day’s fast. Men huddle by the mosque preparing a long stretch of food to share with their brothers in faith. Mothers and children hustle in kitchens hours before, eager to please their visiting friends and relatives with a delicious, full course meal. Strangers in the street even start giving out small boxes containing bread, water and dates to drivers on the road. When the call to Maghrib prayer begins, so does the feast throughout the land.
Iftar is traditionally commenced with a plate of dates and cup of gahwa. After a long day of fasting, it bodes well to start small and work your way up. That brief relief can sustain one through the prayer time until the big meal. From there, regular meals can be had until the last meal before sunrise, which is called Suhoor. Between those hours, people could spend their time either praying, reflecting, reading the Qur’an or eating again.
These days, restaurants and hotels in the city have catered to this season’s demands. Many of them provide the option to dine out for both Iftar and Suhoor, so that instead of having to toil away in the kitchen, you can just sit, relax and be served with your meal. Families book at their favorite restaurants to enjoy a hassle-free breakfast or dinner. On the other hand, companies and organizations have also used this occasion to extend their generosity to their employees by treating them to lavish, sponsored banquets in hotels. If they’re lucky, they may also get a free TV raffled off right after their dessert!
For your own reference and convenience, we’ve listed the different establishments where you can celebrate your own feasts in the city.
HOTELS
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Riyadh
Their Al Khaimah Ramadan Tent is set to serve the finest culinary delights, with a focus on Turkish cuisine, amidst a historical decor. Iftar and Suhoor dining is also available in their Al Orjouan Restaurant, especially for private gatherings.
- Adults: 395 SAR (Iftar at Al Khaimah) 300 SAR (Iftar at Al Orjouan) 250 SAR (Suhoor at Al Orjouan)
- Children aged 6-12 y/o: 200 SAR (Iftar at Al Khaimah) 150 SAR (Iftar at Al Orjouan) 125 SAR (Suhoor at Al Orjouan) Inclusive of drinks
- Exclusive of 5% VAT
- Email: dine.riyadh@ritzcarlton.com
- Tel: 011 802 8333
Burj Rafal Kempinski Hotel
Despite its distance from the city center, the Ramadan Tent of Burj Rafal Kempinski Hotel at the Rafal Ballroom is a coveted one. Their space can cater to over 900 guests, with exciting activities for kids.
- Adults: 345 SAR (Iftar), 250 SAR (Suhoor)
- Inclusive of drinks
- Inclusive of 5% VAT
- Email: dine.burjrafal@kempinski.com
- Tel: 011 511 7885
InterContinental Hotel Riyadh
Ramadan is a family affair at the InterContinental Riyadh as they transform their golf course to an extension of their dining halls. This year, they are also offering 20% discount for those who will have Iftar at their Ramadan tent for a second time.
- Adults: 349 SAR (Iftar), 195 SAR (Suhoor)
- Children aged 6-12 y/o: 50% OFF regular price
- Inclusive of drinks
- Exclusive of 5% VAT
- Email: sales.icriyadh@ihg.com
- Tel: 011 465 5000
Marriott Hotel Riyadh
This iconic hotel in the city welcomes to their guests to their Mosiac Restaurant this Ramadan with a Dine for 4+1 Free promotion during Iftar. Meanwhile, their Atrium Cafe also offers a set snack of one Ramadan sweet, one Rama- dan juice and one tea or coffee for only 45 SAR.
- Adults: 210 SAR SAR (Iftar), 145 SAR (Suhoor)
- Children aged 6-12 y/o: 50% OFF regular price
- Inclusive of drinks and Ramadan sweets
- Exclusive 5% VAT
- Email: RiyadhEBC@marriotthotels.com
- Tel: 011 477 9300
Courtyard by Marriott Diplomatic Quarter
Located just across the South Gate of the DQ, Courtyard by Marriott Diplomatic Quarter offers an international Iftar and Suhoor buffet at their Olea Café, Kitchen and Lounge.
- Adults: 190 SAR (Iftar), 135 SAR SAR (Suhoor)
- Children aged 6-12 y/o: 50% OFF regular price
- Inclusive of drinks
- Exclusive of 5% VAT
- Tel: 011 281 7300
Hyatt Regency Hotel Riyadh
The Al Louloua Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Riyadh will be transformed to a vibrant, Arabian-themed venue for Iftar while Suhoor will be held at their Azure Restaurant, focusing on Turkish and Greek offerings.
- Adults: 299 SAR (Iftar), 199 SAR SAR (Suhoor)
- Children aged 7-12 y/o: 50% OFF regular price
- Exclusive of 5% VAT
- Tel: 011 288 1234
Four Points by Sheraton
Celebrate Iftar at Four Points by Sheraton at their Al Nakheel Restaurant where all their guests get a chance to win special prizes on their daily raffle draws throughout Ramadan.
- Adults: 190 SAR (Iftar), 120 SAR SAR (Suhoor)
- Children aged 5-11 y/o: 90 SR (Iftar), 60 SAR (Suhoor)
- Exclusive of 5% VAT
- Tel: 011 268 2222
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh
Known for their luxurious Iftar experience, the Kingdom Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel will feature a special Chef’s Table and an additional, Teens Majlis area.
- Adults: 380 SAR (Iftar), 350 SAR SAR (Suhoor)
- Children aged 6-12 y/o: 190 SR (Iftar), 175 SAR (Suhoor)
- Exclusive of 5% VAT
- Tel: 011 211 5000
Al Faisaliah Hotel
Share your Iftar experience at the sophisticated Fawaneess Tent of Al Faisaliah Hotel and get together with your friends, family, including the little ones in their dedicated play area. For Suhoor, head on over to their La Cucina Restaurant.
- Adults: 325 SAR (Iftar), 250 SAR SAR (Suhoor)
- Children aged 6-12 y/o: 50% OFF regular price
- Exclusive of 5% VAT
- Tel: 011 273 3000
Aloft Riyadh
With a light and casual vibe, you can also break your fast at Aloft Riyadh’s in-house restaurant. They have an eat- all-you-can buffet with live cooking stations and compli- mentary Arabic coffee.
- Adults: 175 SAR (Iftar); Suhoor is al-a-carte serviced by Taghmees restaurants
- Tel: 011 234 1111
RESTAURANTS
Serafina
Experience a scrumptious buffet of both Italian and Arabian cuisine at Serafina. Their banquet hall is open for private Iftar parties along with company gatherings. They also provide an all-inclusive catering service to those who would like to entertain in the comfort of their own homes.
- Adults: 175 SAR (Iftar)
- Email: events@serafinariyadh.com
- Tel: +966 55 463 7380
Verdure
For a French-inspired Ramadan meal, Verdure offers a set menu of 5 items consisting of coffee and dates, salad, soup, canapés, mains, and dessert, inclusive of hot and cold bev- erages for both their Iftar and Suhoor.
- Adults: 210 SAR
- Children are not allowed in the restaurant
- Exclusive of 5% tax
- Tel: 011 293 2664
Yokari
If you are looking to try something different from the traditional Iftar buffet, Yokari restaurant in Centria Mall is your destination providing three-course Iftar set menu bringing together a mix between the flavorful Japanese cuisine with an Arabic touch.
- Adults: 250 SAR
- Children under 10 years old are not allowed
- Tel: 011 288 6999
Hualan
Up for an Iftar with a Chinese twist? Hualan will be serving Iftar designed by their International Chefs Tham and Loong that will include a four course menu with dishes such as crispy beef puff, kale and quinoa salad and green curry prawns with lemongrass. Desserts will include the Dates Pudding and Sugar Pie along with Arabic coffee.
- Adults: 230 SAR
- Tel: 011 211 0999
Fiamma
Fiamma invites you for an authentic Italian Iftar throughout the month of Ramadan. The Iftar offering features a great variety of freshly-prepared treats from antipasti to pizza and pasta, all in a charm of a cozy New York Style Pizzeria located in Centria Mall.
- Adults: 130 SAR
- Tel: 011 422 2244
Butcher Shop and Grill
Meat lovers know this place by heart. Purchase a main course during Iftar and use the voucher (included in this issue) to get another main course item of the same price or less, for free! It’s a win-win.
- Tel: 011 288 5156 / 011 410 1229
Steak House
Choose any of the Iftar combinations of Steak House this Ramadan and don’t forget to try their seasonal Ramadan beverages like the Sweet Laban and Sesame Date or the date juice slush called Jallab.
- Sandwich or Burger with Soup and Salad: 89 SAR
- Chicken Entrée with Soup and Salad: 99 SAR
- Steaks/Seafood Favorites with Soup and Salad: 129 SAR
- Tel: 92000 7733
Kosebasi
Savor the smell and flavor of artisan Turkish cooking at Kosebasi with their Iftar and Suhoor set menus that are also available for delivery. Their yogurt kebabs are not to be missed!
- Adults: 129 SAR (Iftar), 89 SAR (Suhoor)
- Children: 65 SAR (Iftar)
- Inclusive of 5% VAT
- Tel: 011 288 6418 / 011 410 1231
Paul
One of France’s beloved boulangeries, Paul is also offering set menus for Iftar with a salad, main course and dessert. Care for a dates éclair?
- Set menu per person: 84 SAR
Eataly
This Italian eatery/grocery highlights the spirit of Ramadan with their sharing platters for Iftar. It includes a little of everything, from pasta, pizza, and salad.
- Platter good for 2 persons: 230 SAR
- Tel: 011 293 1502 / +966 59 613 3028
