As the sun sets over the beautiful city of Muscat, Oman during the holy month of Ramadan, the streets come alive with the aroma of delicious delicacies and the anticipation of breaking the fast. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene, Muscat offers a variety of options for those seeking the best places to enjoy iftar. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, exploring the vibrant Iftar culture in Muscat is an experience not to be missed.
Iftar buffets in Muscat are known for their lavish spreads and luxurious settings, with many venues offering live cooking stations, entertainment, and traditional Ramadan decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
Ramadan iftar timing in Muscat changes daily and is determined by the sunset time, which varies throughout the month. Muslims typically break their fast immediately after the Maghrib (sunset) prayer. It is recommended to book your Iftar dinner in Muscat ahead of time as these events tend to be popular and may fill up quickly, and to regularly check daily sunset time to ensure accurate planning.
Here are best restaurants in muscat for iftar that promise to tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the spirit of Ramadan.
Best Iftar Places in Muscat, Oman
The Cave Restaurant
Nestled within the luxurious Al Bustan Palace, the Cave’s iftar experience is characterized by its cozy and intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting and rustic decor creating a sense of warmth and comfort. Guests can break their fast in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the cave-inspired interior.
The iftar buffet features a lavish spread of Omani specialties, such as Mashuai, grilled kingfish served with fragrant rice, and a tangy sauce made from dried limes and spices. Alongside Omani delights, The Cave Restaurant also offers a selection of Middle Eastern and international favorites, including Hummus, Falafel, Grilled Meat, and Fresh Salads. This diverse menu ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ginger All Day Dining
During Ramadan in Muscat, Ginger All Day Dining stands out as one of the best Iftar places in Muscat. Stepping into the restaurant, guests are greeted by a welcoming ambiance filled with the anticipation of breaking the fast amongst loved ones. The iftar menu at Ginger All Day Dining is truly impressive, featuring a diverse selection of both traditional Omani dishes and international favorites. From delicious kebabs to fragrant rice dishes and indulgent desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
The restaurant is adorned with beautiful decorations that reflect the spirit of Ramadan, creating a serene and tranquil setting for guests to enjoy their meal and reflect on the blessings of the month. Overall, Ginger All Day Dining offers a memorable iftar experience that combines delicious cuisine with warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination during Ramadan in Muscat.
The Edge
The Edge restaurant located in Crown Plaza Muscat, offers a refined dining experience set against the backdrop of the Gulf of Oman. Combining contemporary elegance with traditional Omani influences, the restaurant boasts stunning waterfront views and an inviting ambiance.
With a menu showcasing the diverse flavors of Omani cuisine alongside international favorites, guests can indulge in dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients with precision and creativity. However, the highlight remains the panoramic views, especially during sunset, making Iftar at The Edge an unforgettable experience that delights the senses and nourishes the soul.
The Jungle
Located in the heart of Muscat in Al Qurm St, The Jungle is a popular spot for families and friends to gather for iftar. With its lush greenery scene and welcoming atmosphere, The Jungle is kids friendly and provides the perfect backdrop for breaking the fast. The multi-cuisine iftar buffet features an extensive selection of Arabic and international dishes, along with live cooking stations and mouthwatering desserts, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.
Zahr El Laymoun
Located in Al Mauj St, Muscat, Oman. The restaurant offers a delightful Lebanese experience for iftar during Ramadan. Zahr El Laymoun’s iftar menu features a diverse array of traditional Lebanese and contemporary dishes, catering to various tastes and preferences.
From flavorful appetizers to hearty main courses and yummy desserts, their stuffed vine leaves, meat dishes and Jabal Lebanon dessert (Vanilla Ice Cream covered in cotton floss and pistachio) will ensure a satisfying meal for its visitors. The ambiance is enhanced with warm hospitality and beautiful decor, creating a memorable and relaxed dining experience.
Grand Hyatt Muscat:
Embrace the spirit of Ramadan at the Grand Hyatt Muscat, where iftar is elevated to a culinary extravaganza. The hotel’s iftar buffet features an impressive array of dishes, including traditional Omani specialties such as Omani shuwa (slow-cooked lamb) and harees (a hearty wheat and meat porridge), and various types of rice dishes.
In addition to local delicacies, the iftar buffet at Grand Hyatt Muscat also includes a selection of international dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. From Middle Eastern mezze and Mediterranean salads to Indian curries and Western favorites. With elegant surroundings and impeccable service, dining at the Grand Hyatt Muscat is a luxurious experience that promises to delight the senses.
Kargeen Caffe
A beloved institution in Muscat, Kargeen Caffe is renowned for its charming Omani ambiance, traditional decor, and delectable cuisine. During Ramadan, Kargeen Caffe transforms into a haven for iftar enthusiasts, offering a delightful array of traditional and middle eastern dishes, from succulent grilled meats to aromatic biryanis and flavorful mezzes, every dish is crafted to perfection.
The restaurant’s outdoor seating area, adorned with lush greenery and traditional lanterns, offers a tranquil setting for breaking the fast with loved ones. Additionally, Kargeen Caffe often hosts special events and live entertainment during Ramadan, further enhancing the festive spirit of the occasion and making it a must-visit destination for iftar.
Bar. B.Q Tonight Restaurant:
Bar. B.Q Tonight Restaurant in As Saruj St, Muscat is a culinary gem that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Renowned for its exquisite Pakistani cuisine, this restaurant offers a feast for the senses. Guests will be greeted with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling grills and aromatic spices.
The menu boasts a mouthwatering selection of kebabs, grilled meats, biryanis, and curries, all prepared with authentic flavors and traditional techniques. Some of the dishes to indulge in are mutton kabuli pulao, chicken chargha, and a Bar B Q platter, which is perfect for sharing with family or friends. Beyond the exceptional food, Bar. B.Q Tonight promises an extraordinary Iftar journey that will leave you craving for more.
Bait Al Luban
For a taste of authentic Omani cuisine at one of the top places for iftar in Muscat, look no further than Bait Al Luban. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant specializes in traditional Omani cuisine, making it a popular choice for those seeking an immersive dining experience during the holy month.
During iftar at Bait Al Luban, guests can expect to indulge in a rich array of Omani dishes, carefully prepared using traditional recipes and local ingredients, each dish at Bait Al Luban is crafted with care and attention to detail. Guests can savor the authentic flavors of Omani cuisine while enjoying the restaurant’s warm hospitality and welcoming ambiance.
In addition to its delicious food, Bait Al Luban often features live music or cultural performances during iftar, further enhancing the dining experience and creating a festive atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
Al Angham Restaurant
Al Angham Restaurant in Muscat offers a captivating iftar experience during the holy month of Ramadan. Nestled within the iconic Royal Opera House Muscat, this restaurant is renowned for its graceful ambiance and commitment to traditional Omani cuisine, making it a cherished destination for iftar gatherings.
Guests are treated to a menu that pays homage to Omani culinary heritage, from fragrant rice dishes and succulent grilled meats to rich stews and freshly baked bread, every bite is a celebration of flavor and tradition, making it the perfect place to mark the end of the day’s fast. Moreover, Al Angham frequently hosts live entertainment during iftar, including traditional music or cultural performances, enhancing the festive ambiance of the occasion.
Best Appetizers/Snacks Platters for Iftar
Appetizers play a crucial role in the iftar feast, serving as the initial offerings when Muslims break their fast. Typically, Muslims break their fast with a date, followed by a selection of appetizers such as samosas, rolls, soups, and pastries. Below are some of the good restaurants for iftar appetizers or snacks:
Karak Gholam:
Located near Vox cinema in Qurum, Karak Gholam caters to the residential and corporate crowd. During Ramadan Karak Gholam offers a special iftar experience featuring Indian and international flavours. Known for its signature Karak tea, samosa box and traditional snacks such as alafels, spring rolls, and chappati rolls, the restaurant serves a curated menu of delicacies including soups, savory pastries, and grilled meats. The warm ambiance and attentive service make Karak Gholam a popular choice for those seeking a taste of tradition during Ramadan in Muscat.
Ghasitaram Halwai:
A vegetarian joint located in Al Khuwair, Muscat, Oman. Ghasitaram Halwai is a popular spot for snacks like pakoras, samosas, and various Indian sweets. They offer a neat and delicious Iftar platter each year during Ramadan.
Woodlands Restaurant:
Situated in the Central Business District of Ruwi, Woodlands offers a special Iftar menu alongside its regular Indian vegetarian cuisine. These menus feature traditional Ramadan dishes like dates, fruit juices, and Indian appetizers such as samosas and pakoras. Main courses include a variety of vegetarian curries, biryanis, and rice dishes, complemented by bread options like naan and roti. Desserts range from classic Indian sweets to fruit-based treats. With its warm ambiance and attentive service, Woodlands provides a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy iftar during Ramadan in Muscat.
These are just a few of the top places to enjoy the best Iftar buffets in Muscat during Ramadan 2024. Whether you’re looking for opulent surroundings, authentic Omani flavors, or a more relaxed dining experience, Muscat’s diverse culinary scene offers something to suit every taste and preference during Iftar time in Oman.
Planning to visit Riyadh during the month of Ramadan? Check our list of Best Restaurants and Places to Visit in Riyadh during Ramadan
