Brunch is a favourite weekend pastime for expats in Dubai. Whether you’re new to the Dubai brunch scene or looking to mix things up this weekend, you can’t go wrong with these yummy brunch spots.
Tortuga, Madinat Jumeirah
When you think about brunch you don’t usually picture Mexican food, but Tortuga will have you biting off more than you can chew. A tantalizing (and huge) buffet with live cooking stations, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and a separate kid’s area are all on Tortuga’s brunch menu. The chef, Oscar Rito, is Mexican and has trained at the most famous restaurants in the world, including El Bulli in Spain. So pile on the guacamole and take a sip from a rum-filled coconut while you look over Madinat Jumeirah’s gorgeous lagoons.
When: Fridays, 12:30 PM to 4 PM
How much: AED 525 (with alcoholic drinks), AED 425 (with non-alcoholic drinks)
Contact: +971 4 432 3232
The Hive Brunch at Warehouse, Le Meridien
Although technically a brunch, you may as well consider this pre-drinking before you and your friends head out to a pub. You can order a la carte or enjoy the buffet, but their drinks are the real highlight. For the more adventurous, we recommend the cocktails featuring wasabi. You can sit in their gardens or terrace and relax, or stay indoors and enjoy the (much louder) ambience. You’ll want to dress up for the occasion, and the best part is that they offer happy hour right after brunch, so you can just stay and dance the afternoon away.
When: Fridays, 1 PM to 4 PM
How much: AED 259 (with drinks)
Contact: +971 4 217 0000
Saffron, Atlantis The Palm
Anything inside Atlantis The Palm is bound to be luxurious, and Saffron fits the bill. The South-East Asian brunch has over 220 dishes to choose from (we’ll take one of each, please!), mixing different cuisines to please everyone who walks through the door. The 20 live cooking stations give an impressive show while the resident DJ keeps the mood upbeat. It’s so great, it won Best Brunch at the 2015 Ahlan! Awards. Just make sure you’re with the right company – the event is for people over the age of 21, and is definitely a party brunch.
When: Fridays, 12:30 PM to 4 PM
How much: Typically AED 535 (with selected drinks), but may vary
Contact: +971 4 426 2626
Bubbalicious, Westin Mina Seyahi
Extravagant entertainment, an opulent spread and free-flowing bubbly make this a stand-out brunch. You’ll have the choice between food from three restaurants, featuring Arabic food, perfectly cooked steak, a cheese table, a large spread of Asian cuisine, and whole table dedicated to chocolate. This brunch is huge, and has been known to host performers like Chinese acrobats, live bands and even a petting zoo when it isn’t too hot. It’s definitely a unique experience.
When: Fridays, 1 PM to 4 PM
How much: They have multiple packages, which you can check here
Contact: +971 4 511 7139
