Abu Dhabi diners are spoilt for choice when it comes to brunching in the capital. With so many options the only difficulty is deciding where to eat, our brunch guide should make things easier for you

In the mood for a traditional roast with all the trimmings? Look no further than Cooper’s at the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi. Eat your fill of roast prime rib, turkey, chicken, Yorkshire pudding, steamed vegetables and more, in a relaxed casual environment.

Details

Where: Cooper’s, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Best bit: Roast smothered in homemade gravy
Cost: From AED 125++ to AED 190++, children aged between four to 12 get 50 percent off, children under four go free
Contact: 02 657 3333

 

For a brunch the whole family with enjoy, try Al Raha Beach Hotel. While you relax over dinner, an energetic team of entertainers will keep your kids busy with a host of activities including face painting, bouncy castle and clown shows.

Details

Where: Sevilla Restaurant, Al Raha Beach Hotel
Best bit: The special kids buffet
Cost: From AED 215++ to AED 285++, 50 percent off for children aged between
six and 12, children five and under go free
Contact: 02 508 0555

 

For a cheaper family-friendly option try the Holiday Inn’s Silk Route Café international brunch. There’s plenty to keep the kids of all ages amused in the special Kidz Zone, from playing blocks to PlayStations. The standard of service at this brunch is impeccable, thanks to the friendly, attentive waiting staff.

Details

Where: Silk Route Café, Holiday Inn
Best bit: Great value for money
Cost: From AED 139++ to AED 169++, children six to 12 get a 30 percent discount, children under five go free
Contact: 02 657 4856

 

For the difficult-to-please, try the Friday Marina Brunch at the InterContinental. Enjoy dishes from Brazil, Japan, Belgium and Italy in two venues – the Yacht Club and Chamas. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something they love from the juicy meat platters, seafood and sushi stands, and more.

Details

Where: InterContinental
Best bit: The endless skewers of freshly barbecued meat
Cost: From AED 216++ to AED 250++, children aged from six to twelve AED 108++,  children five and under go free
Contact: 02 666 6888

 

The choice at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s is even better since CuiScene teamed up with Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Grill. Featuring dishes from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, live cooking stations, an antipasti buffet and pizza, the variety is a huge selling point for this brunch.

Details

Where: CuiScene, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Best bit: Their homemade mozzarella pizza, yum!
Cost: From AED 249++ to AED 469++, children five and under go free, children aged six to twelve get 50 percent off
Contact: 02 654 3238

 

Café Arabia’s Friday spread is one of the most vegetarian-friendly we’ve come across. There’s only one way to begin this brunch – by feasting on their French toast, before moving on to the mezzeh selection – we recommend the foul medames, falafel and labneh.

Details

Where: Café Arabia
Best bit: The hearty fisherman’s pie
Cost: Lunch AED 75, breakfast AED 75, children 50 percent off
Contact: 02 643 9699

 

Enjoy panoramic views of the capital as you eat at Le Royal Meridien’s Al Fanar revolving restaurant. The seafood selection is a big selling point for this brunch, and our tops picks include the crab and oysters.

Details

Where: Al Fanar, Le Royal Meridien
Best bit: The spectacular views
Cost: AED 220++
Contact: 02 674 2020

 

The Westin’s Bubbalicious Brunch is one of the most popular options for Friday brunchers for two reasons – the quality and choice of cuisine. From Asian-themed live cooking stations, to the made-to-order pasta and fresh seafood-on-ice – you will find yourself going back for seconds, thirds or even more…

Details

Where: Fairways, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Best bit: We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again – their homemade strawberry and vanilla marshmallows. Delish!
Cost: From AED 290++ to AED 490++, children five and under go free, children aged six to 12 get 50 percent off
Contact: 02 616 9999

 

We love the salad and mezzeh selection at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara’s brunch. Fill up your plate with healthy goodies from the cold salad bar and the Arabic mezzeh section, must-not-miss items include the fattoush, moutbal and tabouleh.  For mains we recommend their fish biryani.

Details

Where: Ingredients Restaurant, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara
Best bit: Hitting the sweet section for a sugar hit after eating a healthy meal – everything in moderation!
Cost: From AED 225++ to AED 425++, children aged ten and under AED 112.50++
Contact: 02 656 1166

 

The Crowne Plaza Yas Island’s international buffet at Jing Asia offers live cooking stations, sushi and dim sum, a seasonal seafood selection and a carving station. The salmon sashimi and Californian rolls are unbelievably tasty and get our vote.

Details

Where: Jing Asia, Crowne Plaza Yas Island
Best bit: The mouthwatering maki rolls
Cost: From AED 200 to AED 295, AED 65 for children aged between six and 12, AED 100 for children aged between 13 and 15
Contact: 02 656 3053

 

From September

The Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort’s buffet is an oldie but a goodie. It may have been around for a while but it continues to get better and better. The dessert station is not to be missed, save room to avoid disappointment later! Starting again September 6th.

Details

Where: Flavours
Best bit: The best chocolaty section in town
Cost: Price yet to be confirmed for September
Contact: 02 677 3333

 

The brunch menu changes on a weekly basis at Monte-Carlo Beach Club Saadiyat but you are guaranteed a variety of seafood dishes. For AED 350 you can make a day of it, after brunch enjoy spa access or spend time lounging by the pool or beach. Starting on 27th September.

Details

Where: Monte-Carlo Beach Club Saadiyat
Best bit: Their seared scallops
Cost: From AED 270 to AED 450
Contact: 02 656 3500

 

There’s a reason why The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort’s brunch is called ‘Friday Brunch with a View’ – the setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf is beautiful. The hotel is revamping its Friday feast, which is due to make a comeback on 6th September. Details of which are yet to be announced, watch this space!

Details

Where: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Best bit: We can’t wait to try the food on offer at the new and improved St. Regis brunch
Cost: The price has yet to be confirmed
Contact: 02 498 8888

 

WIN! WIN! WIN!

BRUNCH AT EASTERN MANGROVES

Have your tastebuds been tantalised by the host of delectable options here? Fancy the chance to enjoy one of the best for free?
Our friends at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara are offering the chance for two people to experience the sumptuous delights on offer at their Big Brunch!
For your chance to win this mouth-watering experience, worth AED 280++ per person, simply click over to our competitions page and tackle the question to submit your entry. Good luck!

 

Catriona Doherty