Member of The Guild of Food Writers
Member of The Guild of Food Writers

Breakfast, lunch and tea over Ramadan in Dubai

Greg Malouf dish

Greg Malouf’s Moorish spinach, Swiss chard and Fetta pie with the sprinkled hand of Fatma – his DIFC restaurant opens later this year

THIS IS A 2014 ROUND-UP. FOR 2016 CLICK HEREWith Ramadan starting on Sunday and many of you not fasting, we’ve once again rounded up the independent restaurants and cafés open for daytime dining in Dubai throughout the holy month. All hotels and golf/ community clubs will also have at least one restaurant open – and there are plenty more outlets just open for take-away or delivery. Needless to say there’s no booze from dawn to sunset anywhere…well home and hotel rooms aside ;).

We’re lucky we live in a tolerant Muslim society where many eateries do obtain a special licence to feed our expat appetites – but just be mindful of our Muslim friends, and patient with waiting staff who may be fasting.

This year we have over 60 stand-alone eateries open across Dubai for lunch, and in many cases breakfast and afternoon tea/ coffee too, so I have grouped them into districts for ease of reference. Huge credit and thank you to Geordie Armani who did most of the fact-checking this year – any inaccuracies blame me ;). You can find her round-up here.

Jebel Ali

  • 1762 at The Galleries, JAFZA. T; 800 1762. Open weekdays 8am – 6pm.
  • Click Resto Cafe at The Galleries, JAFZA. T; +971 4 8855020. Open for lunch. No website.
  • Oregano at Limitless, Downtown Jebel Ali. T; +971 4 8848885. Open weekdays 12noon – 4pm.

Jumeirah Lake Towers

  • Doner Kebab at JLT, Cluster W. T; +971 4 4549522. Open daily 9am – 1am.
  • Flames Grills & Curries at JLT, Cluster D, Lake Terrace Tower. T; +971 4 452664. Open daily 12noon – 11pm.
  • Fraiche at JLT, Cluster Y, Swiss Tower. T; +971 50 8805467. Open daily 8am – 10pm.
  • G’s Bakery & Cafe at JLT, Cluster F, Promenade level. T; +971 4 3918841. Open daily 7am – 9pm.
  • Jazz@PizzaExpress at JLT, Cluster A (next to the new-ish Movenpick hotel). T; +971 4 4416342. Open daily 12noon – midnight.
  • Just Salad at JLT, Indigo Tower. T +971 4 3652222. Open daily 10am – 11pm.
  • Kteer Tayyeb at JLT, Cluster C. T; +971 4 4338384. Open daily 9am – 1am.
  • La Terrazza at JLT, Almas Tower. T; +971 4 4577033. Open daily from 8am.
  • Nais Italian Kitchen at JLT, Cluster F, HDS Tower. T; +971 4 4529991. Open daily 11am – 9pm.
  • Nofara Cafe at JLT, Cluster Y, Swiss Tower. T; +971 4 4322023. Open daily 8am – midnight.
  • Richy’s at JLT, HDS Tower, Cluster F. T; +971 4 800 742497. Open daily from 11am.
  • Scafa at JLT, Cluster I, Unit 6, Promenade level. T; +971 4 3794044. Open daily 12noon – 8pm.
  • Sheikh & Shake at JLT, Cluster R, Mag Tower, Shop 9-10. T; 800 123456. Open daily 11am – 1am.
  • Starfish at JLT, Cluster Q, Dubai Gate One, Ground floor. T; + 971 4 4340543. Open daily 11am – 11pm.
  • Tantuni at JLT, Cluster D, Lake Terrace Tower, Lake level. T; +971 4 4542329. Open daily 11.30am – 10.30pm.
  • 77 Veggie Boutique at JLT, Cluster W, Tiffany Tower. T; +971 55 7178866. Open daily from 8am.

The Lakes

Dubai Media/ Internet Cities

  • Avec at Dubai Media City, Al Thuraya Tower 2. T; +971 4 4303700. Open daily 8am – 4am.
  • Bateel at Dubai Media City, Tower B, Business Central Towers. T; +971 4 4494010. Open weekdays 7.30am – 6pm and weekends 9am – 6pm.
  • Circle Cafe at Dubai Media City, CNN Building. T; +971 4 3915170. Open daily 10am – 11pm.
  • French Bakery at Dubai Internet City, Office Park. +971 4 3307367. Open daily 8am – 11pm.
  • Oregano at Dubai Internet City, Office Park. T; +971 4 4343010. Open daily 12noon – midnight.
  • Pascal Tepper at Dubai Media City (next to Radisson). T; +971 4 4542408. Open daily 7am – 9pm.
  • Rossovivo at Dubai Internet City, Office Park. T; +971 4 4272477. Open daily 11am – 11pm.
  • Sumo Sushi Bento at Dubai Media City, Building 10 (BBC World). T; + 971 4 3914141. Open Saturday to Thursday 11am – 10pm and Friday 1 – 10pm.
  • Sushi Counter at Dubai Media City, CNBC Building. T; +971 4 3751096. Open daily 11am – midnight.
  • The Kebab Shop at Dubai Media City, Zee Tower. T; +971 4 4538108. Open daily 12noon – midnight.
  • The Noodle House at Dubai Media City, Gloria Hotel. T; +971  4 3818065. Open 12noon – 11.30pm.
  • Urban Bistro at Dubai Media City, CNN Building. T; +971 4 362 4330. Open daily 8am – 5pm.
  • Vapiano at Dubai Media City, Thuraya Tower, ground level. T; +971 4 4370786. Open daily 11am – 11pm.

Palm Jumeirah/ Madinat

  • Riva Beach on Palm Jumeirah, Shoreline Building 8. T; +971 4 4309466. Open daily 7am – midnight.
  • Sophie’s Gastro Café on Palm Jumeirah, Riva Complex, Shoreline Building 8. T; +971 4 4515982. Open daily 8am – 9pm.
  • Bidi Bondi on Palm Jumeirah, Clubhouse Al Manhal, Shoreline (between buildings 3 & 4). T; +971 4 4270515. Open daily 10am – midnight.
  • West 14th on Palm Jumeirah, Oceana Beach Club. T; +971 4 4477601. Open daily 9.30am – midnight.
  • Toscana at Madinat Jumeirah on the waterway. T; +971 4 3666730. Open daily 12noon – midnight.

Mall of the Emirates/ Gold & Diamond Park

  • Salmontini at Mall of the Emirates. T; +971 4 3410222. Open daily 12noon – 1am.
  • St Tropez at Mall of the Emirates. T; +971 4 3413415. Open daily 10am – 12am.
  • More at Gold & Diamond Park. T; +971 4 3234350. Open daily 8am – 6pm.
  • Caffe di Casa at Gold & Diamond Park. T; +971 4 3415335. Open weekdays 8am – 10pm and weekends 4pm – 10pm.

Downtown Dubai

  • Pavilion on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, T; +971 4 4477025. Open daily 10am – 1am.

DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

  • 1762 – T; 800 1762. Open weekdays 8am – 6pm.
  • Al Mandaloun – T; +971 4 3637474. Open daily 8am – 10pm.
  • Bateel – T; + 971 4 3700404. Open weekdays 7.30am – 6pm and weekends 9am – 6pm.
  • Gaucho – T; +971 4 4227898. Open weekdays 9am – 11.30pm and weekends 12noon – 11.30pm.
  • La Petite Maison – T; +971 4 4390505. Open daily 12 – 3pm.
  • More – T; +971 4 3700469. Open daily 8am – 7pm.
  • Royal China – T; +971 4 3545543. Open daily 11.30am – 11.30pm.
  • Sushi Art – T; 800220. Open daily 11am – 11pm.
  • Taqado Mexican Kitchen – T; +971 4 3515210. Open daily for lunch, times TBC so do check in advance.
  • The Gramercy – T; +971 4 4377511. Open daily 9am – 2am.
  • The Noodle House – T; +971 4 3637093. Open daily 11am – midnight.
  • Wheeler’s of St. James’s – T; +971 4 3860899. Open daily 12noon – 2am.
  • Zuma – T; +971 4 4255660. Open Saturday – Thursday 12.30 – 3pm.
  • Mint Leaf of London at Emirates Financial Towers, T; + 971 4 7060900. Open daily 12noon – 3pm.

Sheikh Zayed

  • ET Sushi at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Boulevard, Office Tower. T; +971 4 3198088. Open daily 12noon – midnight (closing between 4-6pm).

Wafi

  • Asha’s at Pyramids. T; +971 4 3244100. Open daily 12.30 – 3pm.
  • Carter’s at Pyramids. T; +971 4 3244100. Open daily 12noon – 2am.
  • Thai Chi at Pyramids. T; +971 4 3244100. Open daily 12noon – 3pm.
  • Cactus Cantina at Pyramids. T; +971 4 3244100. Open daily 12noon – 2am.
  • Q’bara at Wafi Fort. T; +971 4 7092500. Open for lunch on weekends only 1.30 – 4pm.

Dubai Festival City

  • Hard Rock Cafe at Festival Centre (next to Marks & Spencer). T; +971 4 2328900. Open daily 12noon – 1am.

Silicone Oasis

  • The Oriental Chef at Silicone Oasis Shopping Centre. T; +971 4 3423555. Open daily from 12noon.

These restaurants and cafés have confirmed their opening hours, but it would be wise to call up in advance. If you come across any others, then please do drop us a comment and we will add them to the list. Otherwise happy holidays and Ramadan Kareem!

I am in town for a little while longer – but I will be talking foodie holidays in Vietnam and Cyprus on Dubai Eye 103.8FM’s Travel Show next week with Lucy Taylor. Tune in on Tuesday 2.30pm.

A bientôt.

FooDiva. x

P.S – for a round-up of Iftar and Sohour experiences across the UAE, check out this feature in The National and Ishita Unblogged’s post.

  • Posted under
    Cafes, Dubai, Food Features, Foodie Happenings, Ramadan, Restaurants

Web Comments

48 Responses to “Breakfast, lunch and tea over Ramadan in Dubai”

  1. GA June 25, 2014 at 11:04 am

    It is a somewhat massive task but worth the work and effort, Ramadan Kareem my friend x

    • FooDiva June 25, 2014 at 2:43 pm

      I know I love it, especially when someone else does the work lol. Happy summer honey 🙂 x

  2. Rawida June 25, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Kteer Tayyeb at Jumeirah Lake Towers cluster C is also open from breakfast lunch and Iftar. They have great Lebanese main dishes and a variety of sandwiches and salads.

    • FooDiva June 25, 2014 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you Rawida. I have added it in 🙂

  3. Suz - Toffee Princess June 25, 2014 at 11:59 am

    I’ll be in Dubai over Ramadan this year so it’s great to have this useful reference guide. Thank you.

    • FooDiva June 25, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      Pleasure Suz. A mammoth task but worth it. If you come across any others, do let us know 🙂

  4. Rachael Pinto June 25, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    This is awesome, thank you for taking the time out to compile this 😀

    • FooDiva June 25, 2014 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks Rachael. It’s one of our more popular posts which just shows the demand for a resource like this.

  5. Kelly June 25, 2014 at 12:33 pm

    What a choice!!! This must have taken a lot of time to prepare. Well done FooDiva!

    • FooDiva June 25, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      Yes Kelly! But credit to GA for doing most of the calling and tweeting this year 🙂

  6. JS June 25, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    Thank you for posting, FooDiva, and for following up! We will make good use of this during our visit.

    • FooDiva June 26, 2014 at 9:16 am

      Glad to hear JS. Enjoy 🙂

  7. Shy June 25, 2014 at 6:21 pm

    Great ready reckoner Foodiva…will certainly book mark this as have a few visitors over Ramadan and would be great to know where to take them during the day!

    • FooDiva June 26, 2014 at 9:17 am

      Just what I like to hear Shy ;). Do let me know if you come across any others. Happy eating 🙂

      • andy July 6, 2014 at 10:08 am

        There’s a place called Starfish that does some really good seafood – fish n chips, grills and sandwiches. That’s open through ramadan for lunch. regards

        • FooDiva July 6, 2014 at 11:10 am

          Thanks Andy. I’ve added Starfish in.

          • andy July 6, 2014 at 11:23 am

            here’s their facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/Starfishseafood

            thank you

            regards

          • andy July 7, 2014 at 3:09 pm

            Thanks Foodiva.

            Also great work on the compilation and effort every year.
            It’s a life saver.

            regards

          • FooDiva July 8, 2014 at 8:52 am

            Pleasure Andy, helps me too!

  8. Garry W June 26, 2014 at 12:43 am

    Wow this is a very comprehensive list – must have taken a lot of time to compile – very useful – thanks and I look forward to hearing you on the radio on Tuesday as I am thinking of going to Cyprus for a week at Eid.

    • FooDiva June 26, 2014 at 9:18 am

      Thanks Garry. Great news, let me know if you have any more questions on Cyprus. You’ve probably already seen them, but there’s a few posts on FooDiva. I will be there for Eid too 🙂

  9. IshitaUnblogged June 26, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    Fab collaboration as always. La Porte des Indes, will stay open during lunch hours during the month of Ramadan. Am updating mine.

    • FooDiva June 27, 2014 at 8:27 am

      Thanks Ishita. La Porte des Indes is in a hotel, hence why it’s not included 😉 We are focused on independent restaurants outside hotels, golf clubs and community centres. Otherwise there would be hundreds if not thousands more!

      • IshitaUnblogged June 27, 2014 at 8:37 am

        I know – realised it later. Left the same comment in GA.. and then you can’t edit your own comment!

  10. Stacy June 27, 2014 at 5:17 am

    Great round up, Sam! Thanks for much for putting this together each year. I’ve forwarded your link to my husband who works in JLT so he can share with the whole office. They will be grateful, I know!

    • FooDiva June 27, 2014 at 8:28 am

      Thanks so much Stacy. He’s lucky there’s so much choice in JLT this year 🙂

  11. Adela June 28, 2014 at 7:00 am

    Thank you for sharing this list! I believe Ivy and Maison Mathis at Emirates Towers will also be open.

    • FooDiva June 28, 2014 at 10:27 am

      Thanks Adela, but we double-checked and both are closed for dining in during the day over Ramadan 🙁

  12. Laura June 29, 2014 at 6:51 am

    So grateful for your list I use it every year it’s so much more detailed than any others available. Thanks

    • FooDiva June 29, 2014 at 8:05 am

      Pleasure Laura. It’s not an easy job but worth it for comments like yours – thank you 🙂

  13. Baru June 29, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    Lime tree cafe on sheikh stayed road opposite gold and diamond park is also open all day. Thanks for the list. Totally saved my life 🙂

    • FooDiva June 29, 2014 at 1:07 pm

      Hi Baru – it’s only open for take-away not dining in sadly. Happy eating 🙂

  14. jenny June 29, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    Thanks for the list, more in the al murooj is closed for refurbishing!

  15. Shubhra June 30, 2014 at 11:26 am

    Just to say thanks for all your effort, this was really useful !!!!

    • FooDiva June 30, 2014 at 3:31 pm

      Pleasure indeed Shubhra 🙂

  16. Lifeinthefoodlane July 2, 2014 at 5:28 am

    Goodness, JLT has evolved well with number of restaurants and eateries since I left Dubai a year ago. I really should plan a trip back next year to try out your favs! Ramadan Mabruk to all celebrating!

    • FooDiva July 3, 2014 at 8:33 am

      Can’t believe it’s been a year already. Please do come but ideally not Ramadan! I’ll take you on one of my restaurant tours 🙂

  17. Chloe July 4, 2014 at 9:37 am

    What a fantastic resource!! Thank you so much 🙂

    • FooDiva July 4, 2014 at 11:51 am

      Pleasure Chloe 🙂

  18. Sandra J Schulze July 4, 2014 at 11:23 am

    Hi
    Do you also have such a wonderful list for Downtown?
    Thanks a million. Fab resource!
    Sandra

    • FooDiva July 4, 2014 at 11:53 am

      From our research there’s sadly nothing independent open in Downtown during the day Sandra. We even checked with the Emaar office. DIFC is your nearest port of call.

  19. Barbara Saleh July 8, 2014 at 8:34 am

    Cafe di Casa, at the Gold and Diamond Park, is open for eat-in during the day. I was there at lunch time – not sure if it’s open for breakfast.

    • FooDiva July 8, 2014 at 8:52 am

      Great thanks for the heads-up Barbara. Just checked and it’s open from 8am weekdays and 4pm weekends. Have added in 🙂

  20. Saud July 9, 2014 at 10:14 am

    Many thanks guys. it is really appreciated effort. you helped during my Dubai visit.

    • FooDiva July 10, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      Pleasure Saud 🙂

  21. Katie June 4, 2015 at 9:26 am

    This list was soo useful last summer 🙂 Do you have one planned for Ramadan 2015? Need to get prepared!

    • FooDiva June 4, 2015 at 12:37 pm

      Yes Katie. Hoping to go live on the 14th! Stay tuned 🙂

  22. FooDiva June 14, 2015 at 8:45 am

    Morning folks. Here’s the 2015 round-up of outlets open for daytime dining over Ramadan in Dubai AND Abu Dhabi this year. Happy summer 🙂
    http://www.foodiva.net/2015/06/where-to-dine-during-the-day-in-dubai-over-ramadan/
    http://www.foodiva.net/2015/06/where-to-dine-during-the-day-in-abu-dhabi-over-ramadan/

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