Skip the buffet and opt for these brunches that are served at your table
Villa Toscana
The Tuscan villa style restaurant at the St. Regis oozes understated palazzo elegance with rich wooden columns, classy cream furnishings and a grand fireplace.
The Pranzo brunch sums up Italian hospitality: there’s no end to the succession of dishes being brought to the table. It starts with traditional antipasti, followed by a pasta course, then main dishes and finally a selection of pastries.
It’s a sharing theme, so platters of truffle and taleggio pizza, handmade pasta and red snapper fillet march out of the kitchen in a steady stream. For dessert, a selection of bite-sized pastries is served on a tiered stand.
This is a leisurely affair, so it’s great for catching up with friends and family.
Would we go back? In a heartbeat. It’s authentic and relaxing.
From AED 250++. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche West. Brunch restarts
in September. Contact: 02 694 4553 www.villatoscana-abudhabi.com
Indigo
Calm, laid back and tranquil, Indigo’s brunch is a pleasant way to end your weekend.
Served a la carte style, the brunch menu is split into four sections: small bites, big bites, side bites and must haves.
Standout small bites include the chicken tikka, mustard salmon tikka, butter chicken and stir-fried okra and broccoli. You get freshness with classic ingredients and just the right amount of spicing.
All four ‘must have’ options are well-named, especially the 100-mile ki chai tea. The chai is served theatrically, cascading at height from one metal jug to another before being poured into an Indian tea glass from a brightly coloured teapot. Expect ginger, cardamom and masala flavours.
There’s a decent selection of grape and hops beverages, as well as some fruity mixed drinks.
Would we go back? We’ll be back with the family before you can say garam masala.
From AED 240++. Beach Rotana, Al Zahiya. Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm.
Contact: 02 697 9000 www.rotana.com/beachrotana
Market Kitchen
This restaurant pulls off an urban-family-kitchen vibe with its classy interior and few enough tables to make it feel like a cosy, independent eatery.
The brunch comprises four courses of three or four sharing dishes each.
Starters include crispy calamari, homemade ricotta with rhubarb compote and the standout crispy sushi with tuna.
Course two includes truffle mini pizza and a tiny but luscious pea soup with Parmesan foam. Then came the melt-in-the-mouth soy-glazed short ribs, Parmesan crusted chicken and salmon with asparagus.
It’s capped off with a tiny cheesecake, salted caramel ice cream and warm chocolate cake.
You get all this plus free-flowing beverages, a great ambiance and service and just enough food to feel pleasantly indulgent.
Would we go back? Definitely – it’s better than self-service by a mile.
AED 299++. Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Street. Fri 12.30pm-4pm.
Contact: 800 101 101 [email protected]
Cho Gao
This chilled Asian eatery is full of character, with ornamental birdcages hanging from the ceiling and a mix of oak furnishings.
With free rein at the buffet for the starters, you’d better practise your chopstick skills because there’s enough dim sum, spring rolls, tempura and siew mai to give your hands a workout.
There’s a selection of sizzling soups and sumptuous noodle salads on offer, too.
Mains are served to your table: there are plenty of Asian classics but the standout is the vibrant red Thai curry. And for dessert, the creamy coconut pudding is an absolute treat, provided you can find space for it (and you should).
Would we go back? The staff were attentive, the ambiance was friendly, and the food was definitely worth another visit.
AED 136++ including soft drinks, AED 225++ with unlimited house beverages.
Crowne Plaza, Hamdan Street. Fri noon-4pm.
Contact: 02 616 6166 [email protected]
Koi
The Japanese restaurant on Saadiyat has an elegant interior that belies its amiable, laid back atmosphere.
The free flow a la carte menu features a mix of traditional and contemporary delicacies.
You can’t go wrong with the rolls – spicy tuna, California, salmon and avocado, shrimp tempura. The yellowtail sashimi and Wagyu tataki are instant favourites.
The seafood croquette with white sauce and creamy rock shrimp tempura are tasty preludes to the main courses: tender Wagyu steak with mushroom sauce, miso bronzed black cod, chicken wings with hot sauce, grilled lamb chop with spicy miso and steamed beef bun.
Brunch ends with matcha green tea opera cake, chocolate mousse with orange foam and mango panna cotta.
Would we go back? Certainly. Everything from starters to desserts is worth trying twice.
From AED 295++. The Collection, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island. Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm. Contact: 02 678 3334 www.koirestaurant.ae
