Ramadan, a holy month that involves daily fasting from dawn to sunset, runs from Feb. 28-March 29 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.
Fava Pot
Find two options to “break your fast like an Egyptian,” according to the food-truck-turned-restaurant’s website. Both cost $55 per person and both include salad, baba ganoush, hummus, hawawshi and baklava, but one comes with lamb fattah, chicken kofta and molokheya, while the other comes with okra with lamb and Egyptian rice. // 7393 Lee Highway, Falls Church
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Sheesh Grill
The Middle Eastern-inspired casual eatery that bills itself “not just another kabob joint” is offering a three-course dinner menu ($23 for adults and $17 for kids) that’s available at sundown Feb. 28 through March 29. Appetizers include potato pakora and house-made soup, while the main course options are kabuli rice, chicken korma and beef kofta. Top off the meal with rice milk pudding. // 8190 Strawberry Lane, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Joon
Two-time James Beard semifinalist chef Chris Morgan has created a special menu for Iftar. For $65 per person, guests can fill up on stuffed dates with walnuts, brown butter and maldon, and unlimited Persian-inspired small plates, such as pistachio soup, braised lamb shoulder, and chicken kebab. // 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
Lebanese Taverna
Serving eastern Mediterranean cuisine in Arlington since 1979, this restaurant with several area locations has a special menu for Ramadan. With the purchase of an entree, get dates, dried apricots, soup and a glass of mango, orange or guava juice for $10. // 5900 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover); 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost); 2001 International Drive, Tysons Galleria, McLean
Me Jana
A Courthouse staple for almost 18 years, this Lebanese-centric restaurant has a $55 prix fixe menu for Ramadan this year. It includes dates, vegetable soup and a sampler of hummus, baba ganoush, cheese roll and fried kibeh to start. The main course is Ouzi Chicken, served with rice, roasted almonds and pine nuts, and cucumber yogurt salad. Finish off the meal with katayef (stuffed pancakes) and mint tea. // 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)