Ramadan, a holy month that involves daily fasting from dawn to sunset, runs from Feb. 17-March 19 this year. Many observers break the fast with iftar, a festive meal, that traditionally includes dates, soups and various halal meat dishes. If you’re looking a filling dinner that won’t keep you in the kitchen, let these restaurants do the meal prep for you.
Bamian Restaurant
Situated near Baileys Crossroads, this restaurant has an iftar buffet with different dishes throughout the week. On Mondays and Tuesdays, find veggie samosas, chicken, chalow (rice) and firnee (custard). Wednesday and Thursday, the main dishes include chicken biryani and lamb qorma, plus halwa for dessert. On the weekends, get chicken soup, qabuli uzbeki (an Afghan rice dish) and fresh fruit. The buffet costs $35 on weeknights and $40 Fridays-Sundays. 5634 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Fava Pot
Founded by Egyptian-American Dina Daniel, this local chainlet offers a special iftar menu at its Falls Church location. Menu items include soup, fava beans, Torlly with Beef (an Egyptian-style stew of slow-braised beef with seasonal veggies in a tomato sauce), Cornish Hen Stuffed with Rice, and rice pudding. Get all three courses for $45. “Fava Pot is known for homestyle cooking and a warm, family atmosphere—you walk in and feel as if you are in your grandmother’s home in Cairo,” Daniel says. 7393 Lee Highway, Falls Church
Jerusalem Mediterranean RestaurantÂ
Promising a “taste of the Holy Land,” this Little City eatery is big on serving traditional homestyle Middle Eastern cuisine. Break the fast here at a daily iftar buffet that starts Feb. 17. Reservations are required. 3400 Washington Drive, Falls Church
Joon
The Persian restaurant will have a special iftar menu Feb. 17-March 19. The $45 meal includes dates with walnuts and brown butter, hot pistachio soup, roasted harissa chicken or lamb shoulder, and Joon lavash, a flatbread. 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
Lebanese Taverna
During Ramadan, break the fast with dates, lentil soup and apricots for $10 at this local chainlet. It’s been serving eastern Mediterranean food in Arlington since 1979. 5900 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover); 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington (National Landing); and Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean
NAJA Mediterranean
This Mosaic District newcomer, which replaced Kirby Club in September 2025, will host its first iftar specials this Ramadan. Two menus will be available nightly Feb. 18-March 20 after 5:30 p.m. One is a $35 prix fixe menu with mezze options such as falafel and cauliflower hummus, entrees like a chicken shawarma platter and salmon, and desserts that include baklava and Dubai cake. For $20 more, get the Ramadan edition of the popular NAJA’s Table. Made to share, the menu features grape leaves; three spreads; a kebab platter with chicken, beef and shrimp; and the same sweet treats. 2911 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Raouche Café
A Merrifield staple since 2007, this Mediterranean restaurant will offer a Ramadan special for $28.99. It includes a lamb shank platter, chicken and beef samosas, hummus, baba ghanoush, lentil soup, and a choice of jallab (a sweet drink made with carob and dates) or Vimto, a fruit-flavored sparkling drink. 2839 Gallows Road, Falls Church
Yayla Bistro
Savor Turkish flavors in dishes on the prix fixe menu during Ramadan. The $40, three-course meal includes options such as red lentil soup, beet salad, salmon, grilled lamb, veggie moussaka and baklava. 2201 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington (East Falls Church)