Where London Breaks Fast in Style This Ramadan

Inside the city’s most beautiful Iftar tables, from candlelit Mayfair dining rooms to grand hotel lounges at dusk

As the call to prayer nears sunset, London softens. The city that moves at speed all day slows into something gentler, more intentional. During Ramadan, evenings become sacred, not just spiritually, but socially, and nowhere is that more beautifully expressed than around the Iftar table.

Across Mayfair, Knightsbridge and the capital’s grand hotels, chefs are quietly crafting menus designed not for spectacle, but for meaning. Dates are placed with care. Juices are poured slowly. Tables are dressed for conversation, not rush. This is Ramadan dining as it should be: refined, generous, and deeply human.

Here is where London is breaking fast, beautifully.

The Grand Hotel Iftar

Where tradition meets ceremony

At InterContinental London Park Lane, Iftar unfolds in a setting that feels almost theatrical. As daylight fades over Hyde Park, guests gather in softly lit lounges where menus are designed for sharing, echoing the communal heart of Ramadan itself.

Expect dates and fragrant juices to open the evening, followed by generous Middle Eastern-inspired dishes served family-style. It’s elegant without being formal; reverent without feeling restrained. This is Iftar for long conversations and unhurried evenings.

Mayfair After Dark

An elevated take on breaking fast

In Mayfair, COYA Mayfair brings its signature sense of theatre to Ramadan, offering an Iftar experience that feels distinctly modern yet deeply respectful.

As sunset hits, the dining room hums quietly, a mix of intimate tables, candlelight and beautifully plated dishes designed to be shared. Think refined flavours, thoughtful pacing and an atmosphere that encourages lingering well beyond the first bite. This is Iftar for those who want tradition, with edge.

The Power of the Shared Table

Where London gathers

Some of the city’s most memorable Iftar moments happen not in hushed rooms, but around long tables filled with laughter. Dishoom captures this perfectly.

Their Iftar feasts are built for togetherness: generous grills, rich curries, comforting rice dishes and warming spices, all served in a way that feels celebratory rather than performative. It’s informal, heartfelt and unmistakably London, a reminder that luxury, sometimes, is simply being well fed in good company.

Middle Eastern Elegance, Rooted in Warmth

Food that feels like home, elevated

For those drawn to authenticity and soul, Ayam Zaman offers a more intimate Ramadan experience. Here, Iftar feels personal, plates arriving warm and abundant, mezze encouraging conversation, and hospitality that feels instinctive rather than curated.

It’s the kind of place where the evening stretches naturally, dessert arrives unannounced, and no one is watching the clock.

Effortless Iftar

A Halal-Friendly Classic Done Beautifully

For those seeking an unfussy yet elevated way to break fast, Swiss Butter has quietly become a go-to during Ramadan.

The concept is deceptively simple: premium cuts of steak, tender chicken or salmon, perfectly cooked and finished with their cult Swiss butter sauce, served with crisp fries and salad. The execution, however, feels indulgent, comforting, rich and deeply satisfying after a day of fasting.

Crucially for many diners during Ramadan, Swiss Butter is halal-friendly, making it an easy, reassuring choice for a relaxed Iftar that doesn’t compromise on quality or atmosphere. No elaborate theatrics, no overworked menus, just beautifully cooked food, served promptly, in a setting that feels polished yet approachable. This is Iftar for those who want elegance without excess.

Sweet Endings

Where Iftar lingers a little longer

No Ramadan evening feels complete without something sweet, and London’s dessert scene rises to the occasion.

At Raphia, Iftar often continues long after the plates are cleared. Known for its refined take on Middle Eastern–inspired desserts and café culture, Raphia is where groups gather post-meal for pastries, delicate cakes and warm drinks, extending the evening into something slower and more social.

It’s less about indulgence for indulgence’s sake, and more about ritual, sharing, talking, staying. The kind of place where dessert isn’t rushed, and the night ends softly rather than abruptly.

How to Do Iftar, The Life of Luxury Way

• Book early, especially for hotel dining rooms and Mayfair tables

• Choose sharing menus, they reflect the true spirit of Ramadan

• Dress for the evening, not the meal: Iftar often turns into hours of conversation

• Stay a little longer, the best moments always come after the plates are cleared