Brunches are a UAE institution – but they don’t come cheap. Choose wisely with our pick of the best
New brunches
Asia de Cuba
The hottest place in town, this beachside restaurant and bar is heaving every night. It launched its brunch in February. As the name suggests, the brunch highlights the best of Cuban cuisine mixed with Asian and Latin flavours and culinary techniques – all washed down with a blend of tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon and a special kick. Brunch time is just as lively as the evening, as a DJ spins funky beats on the decks of the restaurant’s beachside terrace. Children are welcome and will enjoy playing on the beach. Noon-4pm. AED 275 with soft drinks, AED 375 with grape and hops, AED 475 with bubbly. Nation Riviera, opposite The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche West.
Contact: 02 699 3333 www.asiadecuba.com
P&C by Sergi Arola
Formerly Pearls & Caviar, P&C by Sergi Arola will debut its new brunch on 24th April. The décor and view of the Grand Mosque will remain the same, as will the trendy vibe and well-dressed clientele. But the seafood menu has been transformed into a tapas one by Spain’s two-starred Michelin chef, Sergi Arola. The brunch will feature his signature dishes such as patatas bravas and paella as well as quirky infused drinks. It will also house a radio station that will broadcast live jazz from the restaurant 24 hours a day. Over 21s only. Fri 1pm-4pm. AED 260++ with soft drinks, AED 295++ with grape and hops, AED 430++ with bubbly. Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, between the bridges.
Contact: 02 509 8777 www.shangri-la.com
Indigo
Launched in January, the brunch at this north Indian restaurant is ideal for those who don’t like queuing at a buffet. Choose what you want by ticking the dishes you desire from the menu then sit back with your friends or family while you wait for the plates to arrive at your table. Highlights include deep fried puffed wholewheat bread with chickpeas and masala scrambled eggs with Indian flat bread cooked on the griddle. It’s every Saturday – handy if you want to stay in bed all day Friday. Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm. AED 111++ for kids aged six to 12, AED 222++ with soft drinks, AED 295++ with house drinks and bubbly. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, next to Abu Dhabi Mall.
Contact: 02 697 9334 www.rotana.com
Stills
Sit in the garden terrace to enjoy this brunch, which launched end of January. Choose from any three courses from a dedicated a la carte brunch menu – the starters are all-you-can-eat – or tuck into a carvery that features hearty mains such as roast lamb. Save space for some finger-licking desserts – think sticky toffee pudding. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. AED 200 with soft drinks, AED 285 with house drinks. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. Contact: 02 656 3053 www.crowneplaza.com
Themed brunches
Japanese
Dimly lit, with wooden floorboards, private booths and walls of bamboo, Koi is sleek and sophisticated. Guests at Koi aren’t expected to do anything as undignified as queue at a buffet; instead, dishes are served to your table. But there’s still plenty of choice and it’s still all-you-can-eat, so go hungry… and thirsty. The creamy rock shrimp and tuna wontons are highlights. Koi is a quiet affair ideal for couples or friends wanting a catch up. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. AED 295++ with soft drinks, AED 395++ with grape and hops, AED 495++ with bubbly. The Collection, Saadiyat Island. Contact: 02 678 3334 www.koirestaurant.ae
Mediterranean
Dine on Safina’s shaded terrace overlooking the pool and beach or opt to sit indoors, which is decorated with photos of the beach framed in driftwood. The cuisine is just as Mediterranean – so there’s plenty of salads, grilled fish, seafood and barbequed meats. Just like a family brunch in the Med you’ll be able to finish with a cheese platter – or hit the dessert bar. Make a day of it and combine your brunch with a day pass (from AED 490) which gives you access to the pool, beach and spa, which has a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool. Fri noon-4pm. AED 275 with soft drinks, AED 375 with grape and hops, AED 475 with bubbly. Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island. Contact: 02 656 3500 www.saadiyatbeachclub.ae
Chinese
Choose Hakka Brunch and you’ll dine on a three-course menu which starts with a choice of Hakkasan Abu Dhabi’s famed dim sum, followed by its signature Peking duck from one of several live stations. If the weather’s right, dine outside on the terrace, which has views of Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers. Otherwise sit inside and listen to a playlist created by Matthew Tuttle, a music manager in Las Vegas. Children over 10 are welcome. Fri noon-4pm. AED 199++ with soft drinks, AED 345++ with grape, hops and premium drinks, AED 480++ with bubbly. Emirates Palace, Corniche West. Contact: 02 690 7999 www.hakkasan.com
Pan Asian
Wok With Me offers Asian specialities from Thailand, China, Indonesia, India and Japan. Live cooking stations mean you can create your own Thai curry or sample cheese raclette with an Asian twist. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to leave space for a dollop of snow ice, which is shaved ice topped with syrup, fruit and beans for the adventurous – it’s a popular dessert in Taiwan. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Under sixes free, AED 95 for kids aged seven-12, AED 255 with soft drinks, AED 370 with grape and hops. Urban Kitchen, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Muroor Road. Contact: 02 698 8137 www.dusit.com
Old favourites
InterContinental
If the Neanderthal in you is hankering after a hunk of meat, head to Chamas to indulge in skewers of succulent beef cuts and chicken. We highly recommend the picanha beef cut with a side of black beans and farofa – a type of toasted flour mix – which adds crunch to your tender meat. As you can imagine, Chamas is a heavy brunch, so finish with grilled pineapple to aid digestion, or browse its impressive salad buffet. Bored of beef? Chamas connects to The Yacht Club, which features sushi and sashimi and live pasta cooking stations, which are included in the brunch fee. Fri noon-4pm. AED 250++ with soft drinks, AED 285++ with selected beverages and bubbly. Chamas Churrascaria & Bar, InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Contact: 02 666 6888 www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae
Fairways
A lively brunch, Bubbalicious is great for groups who come here dressed to the nines. As well as varied live cooking stations, there’s a huge array of desserts; chocoholics are particularly well catered for. But it’s not the food you’ll come for… The resident band, Cuban Summer Duo, helps create a party atmosphere and when the brunch ends you’re just a stumble away from the after party, Be on the Grass, which is hosted 4.30pm-7.30pm with a DJ. A face painter and illusionist will keep little ones entertained at the brunch – they’re allowed at the after party, too. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. AED 290++
with soft drinks, AED 355++ with grape and hops, AED 515++ with bubbly. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl.
Contact: 02 616 9999 www.westinabudhabigolfresort.com
Le Royal Mèridien
Kids will love this one. Staff dressed in Snow White costumes will welcome them amid clouds of bubbles while a balloon maker and face painter provide entertainment. There is also a dedicated children’s area decorated like a garden with artificial turf and a white picket fence. Once you’ve found a table you’ll discover paper hats on your chair to get you into the party mood – which DJ Froid helps create. Fizz Factory Royale has live cooking stations, outdoor seating and a generous selection of desserts from WhEAT café. Fri 1pm-4pm. AED 190 with soft drinks, AED 299 with grape and hops, AED 399 with bubbly. Khalifa Street. Contact: 02 674 2020 www.leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant
Following simple starters such as soup and salad, you’ll be able to tuck in to sausages and turkey or roast beef with all the trimmings – including Yorkshire puddings – at this Friday carvery buffet. Just leave space for some bite-sized desserts. Cooper’s is a magnet for those who have brunched elsewhere and wish to carry on the Friday festivities, so expect a buzzing atmosphere around 5pm. Fri noon-4pm. AED 125++ with soft drinks, AED 160++ with selected beverages, AED 190++ with premium drinks. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, near Khalifa Park. Contact: 02 657 3333 www.rotana.com/parkrotana
