The second week of Ramadan is in full swing, and Muslims across the capital are fasting from sunrise to sunset during this holy month.
With fasts ending just after 6pm, what better way to break it than by having a delicious meal in a restaurant with friends and family? Thankfully London is brimming with plenty of places offering special Iftar menus. From well-known institutions to independent restaurants, here’s our round-up of the best places in London to enjoy Iftar this Ramadan.
Mumbai 7
This Ilford restaurant offers Halal Indian dining, and it’s launched a special Ramadan menu which combines classic and contemporary Indian classics. Favourites include the fish tikka, chicken biryani and the tandoori spiced lamb chops. There is also a selection of mocktails, as the restaurant is entirely alcohol free.
118 Aldborough Road South, IG3 8EZ, mumbai7.co.uk
The Great Chase
Aside from serving up their famous halal roast, the Great Chase is putting on an Iftar menu that starts at £55. This Islington restaurant, which is close by Angel tube, has introduced the menu for Ramadan, allowing guests to break their fast with a Medjool date followed by a lavish three-course menu which champions British ingredients. Be warned, this one is popular and will need booking.
316 St John Street, EC1V 4NT, thegreatchase.co.uk
Spice Village
Both Spice Village restaurants in Southall and Tooting are putting on Iftar menus for those celebrating Ramadan. The Southall branch invites guests to indulge in a festive buffet which comes with complimentary dates, pakoras and rohafza (rose drink) along with a selection of hearty mains. The buffet costs £21.99 on weekdays and £24.99 on weekends. The Tooting branch is putting on an Iftar set menu at £34.99, which explores the best of Pakistani cuisine. All the food is 100 per cent halal.
121 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TJ and 185-189 The Broadway, UB1 1LX, spicevillagerestaurants.co.uk
Nobu
If you’re looking for a less traditional Iftar meal, Nobu is putting on a special Iftar omakase for Ramadan, which offers an exclusive tasting menu showing off the best of Japanese fusion. The menu is runs to six courses and costs £160. The Iftar dinner is available to order every dinner from now until April 9.
19 Old Park Lane, W1K 1LB, noburestaurants.com
Comptoir Libanais
The informal Lebanese cafe chain has launched an Iftar feast for £29.95 per person. It includes dates and a choice of drink for you to break your fast, followed by a selection of mezze, and a choice of mixed grills, salad or tagine, followed by the traditional Lebanese dessert of orange blossom mouhalabia.
Across London, comptoirlibanais.com/restaurants
Ayam Zaman
This Syrian restaurant in Shepherd’s Bush serves up traditional dishes on a daily basis, but in the evenings during Ramadan it serves up an impressive Iftar menu which changes every evening. Expect classics such as lamb and chicken kebabs and slow-stewed biryanis.
258 Uxbridge Road, W12 7JA, ayamzaman.co.uk
Meet Bros Paddington
What better way to break a long fast than with a big juicy steak? Over in Paddington, this halal steakhouse has put on a special Iftar menu every day from 5pm—11pm. It also has a buffet for starters and an excellent range of indulgent desserts, including chocolate fondant and fried banana fritters. For the duration of Ramadan, Meet Bros has converted the first floor of the restaurant into a dedicated prayer space, so customers can pray before breaking their fast. The Iftar menu is £65, Monday to Thursday, and £85 on the weekends.
29-31 Craven Road, W2 3BX, meetbros.co.uk
Babel Grill House
This Lebanese restaurant on Brick Lane has a special festive Ramadan menu with dishes including baba ganoush, lamb shank and veal liver, which are all available to order à la carte. The portions are a good size, and can be ordered to share, which is ideal if you’re looking to feast with friends and family. Don’t forget to enjoy some baklava and rice pudding, too.
40 Brick Lane, E1 6RF, babelgrillhouse.co.uk
Open Iftar at Shepard’s Bush Market
Shepherd’s Bush Market will be hosting an Open Iftar this weekend, inviting the community to break their fast for free. There will be a big feasting table set up down the centre of the market where guests are invited to break their fast with a date, followed by a lavish traditional Ramadan meal.
