When I first came over to Dubai, ‘a brunch’ was almost an inevitable topic of conversation in a first meeting. True to my english roots, I understood a brunch as an indulgent 11am breakfast, possibly with a Bloody Mary or glass of Champagne to go with it, but more significantly consisting of a large stack of muffins, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. All of which, (bar the eggs) are naughty treats and not part of my daily routine! However where the sun shines all year round in Dubai, a brunch has a very different meaning. It is (typically) an afternoon affair filled with lavish buffets and unlimited drinks, sunshine and a lot of smiling people.
Some are full of class and sophistication and would be somewhere I could have a wedding celebration, whereas others are more filled with stag and hen do parties rather then regular customers. Hence, if you’re new to Dubai or coming over for a visit, it can be hard to know where to go. To solve that problem, I’ve put together my top 5 Dubai brunches that all give something unique, serve excellent food and in the list you’ll be able to find one that suits your situation, be it with your children, family or friends.
A disco and some excellent Sushi, what more could you want!?
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you may have read my restaurant review on Okku. For a long time, this fine-dining restaurant has served some of the very best food in Dubai. Every Friday, it transports itself into the 80’s, encouraging people to get into the swing of things by embellishing their outfits with the props OKKU give on the day. It somehow manages to retain it’s modern and luxury feel whilst playing old-skool tunes and serving Monopoly money as drinks credit. The brunch menu is a 12 course delight with an array of mouth watering dishes to try; one’s that certainly do not leave you hungry, and if you fancy more of any of the dishes – you can order it again! Featuring truffle rice, black cod and Wasabi rock shrimp, it’s an outstanding and perfected combination of great food and a fantastic party.
AED 450 for Sparkling wine package or AED 550 for Champagne package.
Okku Dubai – The H Hotel, Find out more here.
2. A Royal Affair – Al Qasr
The creme de la creme of luxury outdoor brunches – Al Qasr is made for special occasions or a real treat to be remembered. Enclosed in the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel, this magnificent afternoon is a contender for the best buffet in Dubai, full of live cooking stations with every cuisine imaginable from British, to Mexican, Italian and Asian, and even it’s own Surf and Turf section. It is artistically scattered with beautiful drink stands where you can help yourself to minty Mojitos or fresh coconuts filled with rum. Champagne flows throughout the afternoon, starting with the first glass upon arrival, and everyone dresses up for the occasion. The cheese board to end the banquet is one of my favourite parts and if I were to have a wedding in Dubai – the beautiful setting of this hotel would be my first choice.
Prices range from AED 475 to AED 795 depending on your package choice.
Find out more here.
3. A Brunch with a View – The Big Easy
Golf may not be my strongest sport but this breathtaking view of the magnificent green golf course over lunch is something to remember, it’s also not something you come across often in Dubai! The Big Easy brunch, located at The Els Club is a stunning outdoor venue with brilliant service and a delectable banquet. It’s laid back approach makes for a very genuine welcome whilst keeping a lovely luxury feel. It is simple and elegant food done at it’s very best with dishes ranging from South African cuisine to Asian to ‘surf and turf’ delicious grills. Perfect for families or a group looking to have a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.
Brunch starts at AED 395 per person.
Find out more here.
4. Family Fine Dining – Le Classique
This wonderful brunch gives Dubai’s Friday afternoons a new meaning. For those who would prefer a more relaxing occasion with fantastic food as opposed to a typical, rather frenzied, Dubai brunch – Le Classique is the perfect choice. With a focus on French fine dining, this brunch gives the best of both worlds. A selection of buffet style, appetising starters are followed by chef-selected main courses, presented beautifully and it falls nothing short of a gourmet experience. This is finished with a cheese board delight and array of rich desserts. With stunning views of the Emirates Golf club, it’s a picturesque day out for friends and family.
Brunch starts at AED 355 for selected house beverages.
Find out more here.
5. A Sparkling Evening – Le Meredian Mina Seyahi
Offering a whole new alternative to an outdoor, afternoon brunch – Mina Seyahi’s Sparkling Brunch is an evening event full of entertainment and mouth-watering options. A buffet brunch, which shines in particular for its sushi and dessert selections, tops any evening meal with the family. The sparkling wine is free flowing and food is not the only delight of the night. The evening ends with a unique entertainment act, best described as ‘the balloon man’ which is a fun way to entertain kids and keep the party happy!
AED 375 for house beverages and sparkling wine.
Find out more here.
