A lush open-air Iftar experience
This was without question one of our favourite Iftars. There’s something undeniably magical about breaking fast under an open sky, surrounded by the gentle hum of conversation, the glow of low-light lanterns, and a table laden with dishes crafted for comfort and delight. At Three Cuts, perched atop The Rooftop West at Nakheel Mall on Palm Jumeirah, Iftar isn’t just a meal – it’s an intimate experience that leans heavily into what they call ‘the art of lazy elegance’.
Stepping into Three Cuts, you’re greeted by an ambiance that feels both exclusive and inviting. The rooftop garden setting is a beautiful escape – lush greenery creates natural alcoves, making each table feel like its own little world. The air is fresh, the space is bright yet intimate, and the subtle warmth of the evening adds to the anticipation of a well-curated dining experience. With a light breeze dancing through the leaves, we settled into our seats, ready to break fast in style.
A Feast Worth Waiting For
The Iftar menu at Three Cuts shies away from offering up the standard buffet style local dishes and is instead a thoughtfully put-together spread of dishes that Three Cuts does best – with a twist, balancing familiar comforts with a few delightful surprises. As the call to prayer marked the end of the fast, we started with a soup of the day – steaming, velvety, and precisely the kind of nourishment one craves after a long day of fasting.
Next came the wood-charred Caesar salad, a dish that took a well-known favorite and infused it with a touch of smokiness that made all the difference. The crisp romaine was lightly kissed by the grill, giving it a depth of flavor that set it apart. A plate of fried calamari soon followed, golden and crisp, served with a side of dipping sauce that was the right balance of tangy and creamy. But it was the eggplant parmigiana that truly stood out – a rich delight with layers of tender eggplant baked to perfection, each bite a harmonious mix of tomato, basil, and melty goodness.
Mains That Mean Business
By the time the main courses arrived, we had already made up our minds – this was a meal worth lingering over. And then came the star of the evening: the beef stroganoff. This dish was, simply put, comfort on a plate. Tender beef, laced with a creamy, savory sauce, was served atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes that were impossibly light yet indulgently rich. Every bite was a perfect blend of flavor and texture, the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-conversation just to savor it a little longer.
For a lighter option, the organic pan-fried salmon was an excellent choice. Cooked just right, with a crisped skin giving way to soft, flaky fish, it was served with a delicate yet flavorful accompaniment that let the quality of the salmon shine. The wood-charred chicken breast, another highlight, had that wonderful balance of smokiness and succulence, proving that simple, well-executed dishes often speak the loudest.
A thoughtful touch came when one of our dining companions, a vegetarian, was quickly and graciously offered an alternative main course. The service at Three Cuts is one of those rare finds – attentive without hovering, friendly without being overbearing. The waitstaff moved efficiently, ensuring each table had exactly what they needed without disrupting the flow of conversation.
Desserts That Steal the Show
If the meal had already impressed, the desserts were the exclamation point at the end of the sentence. The date pudding arrived first, a warm, spiced delight topped with a pour-over of caramel and custard, served with a scoop of velvety ice cream. It had all the nostalgic comfort of a childhood treat but with a sophistication that made it impossible to resist.
And then, there was the rice pudding. Now, let’s be clear – this wasn’t just any rice pudding. It was, quite frankly, magnificent. Creamy, delicately perfumed, and with just the right balance of sweetness, it was the kind of dish that turns skeptics into believers. Every spoonful was pure comfort, leaving us scraping the bowl for the very last bite.
Drinks That Refresh and Revive
A special mention must be made for the mocktails, which turned out to be the perfect way to cool off and cleanse the palate. The Sippin’ Dates, a cold brew hibiscus tea infused with dates and rose water, was a revelation—refreshing, subtly floral, and just the right amount of sweet. It was the kind of drink you’d want to sip on all summer long. The Moonlit Floor, a blend of coconut, cucumber, mint, and ginger, was equally impressive, a cooling, invigorating concoction that felt like a spa day in a glass.
A Personal Touch
Adding to the warmth of the evening, we were lucky enough to meet the owner, Joe Bassili, who stopped by our table to check in. His presence was not just a perfunctory greeting but a genuine moment of hospitality—he made sure we felt not just like guests, but like family coming home for Iftar. It’s this kind of personal touch that transforms a great meal into a memorable experience.
Final Thoughts
Three Cuts has managed to strike that rare balance—offering a menu that is both exciting and comforting, service that is efficient yet warm, and an atmosphere that is equal parts lively and intimate. Whether you’re gathering with family, reconnecting with friends, or simply looking for an Iftar spot that gets it right, this is a place worth visiting.
With its stunning rooftop garden, impeccable food, and an unmistakable sense of hospitality, Three Cuts isn’t just serving Iftar—it’s crafting an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Would we return? Absolutely. And next time, we’re ordering two rice puddings.
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