The Top 10 Best Places for Brunch in Dubai
Dubai is a city of superlatives. The largest city in the United Arab Emirates, with the tallest building in the world and some of the most luxurious restaurants. When it comes to brunch, Dubai has elevated the concept to the status of an unmissable city tradition. Eat your way through our list of the best brunch places in Dubai:
Bubbalicious Brunch
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, European, Asian, North American
If one word could describe the Westin Mina Seyahi’s Friday ‘Bubbalicious Brunch’, then ‘breathtaking’ would be an appropriate choice. What makes it so outstanding is that at Bubbalicious almost every imaginable food is on offer, thanks to the combined forces of the hotel’s three fantastic in-house restaurants. Blue Orange is responsible for both the buffet section and live cooking shows, serving food from Arabic mezze and pastas to Belgian waffles. Spice Emporium is the Asian face of the trio, and takes care of the noodle, sushi and sashimi dishes. Hunters Room is a traditional grill house placed in a tasteful contemporary setting. For those who like to be entertained during brunch, Bubbalicious Brunch provides Chinese acrobats, live bands, a PlayStation room and ‘kids’ corner’, and a petting zoo. Of course, such service comes at a price, but the Bubbalicious Brunch is definitely an experience to try.
Maya Mexican Kitchen + Bar
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, South American, Mexican
If you’re looking for a beachside brunch, then Maya Mexican Kitchen might be the place for you. Spearheaded by head chef Richard Sandoval, Maya offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican favourites. Based in Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, as part of their brunch package, guests have both pool and beach access. So while sampling a plethora of dishes, such as rib-eye steak fajitas and lamb chops marinated in adobo, guests can lounge on the private beach or take a dip in the pool. For a little extra, alcoholic beverages can also be provided. Maya Mexican Kitchen serves up a fantastic brunch with plenty of exciting flavours.
Splendido Bar & Kitchen
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, European, Italian
Located in the exquisite Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Splendido’s service is the epitome of understated classical elegance. The restaurant has an Italian culinary heart, offering a rich buffet brunch consisting of grilled fish, cold mezze, salads, pastas and many further options. Splendido is the ideal place for guests who wish to enjoy excellent food and high-quality service in tranquil surroundings.
Toro Toro
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, South American
If you fancy a taste of Latin America in Dubai, then Toro Toro is the restaurant to visit. World-renowned Latin chef Richard Sandoval has brought the hospitality and family-style dining of his native region to restaurants as far afield as New York, Las Vegas and now Dubai. At Toro Toro, he has offered the pan-Latin ‘Hola Hola Brunch’ since 2012, earning the attention and praise of many. The Hola Hola Brunch consists of 45 options of small plates filled with traditional food, including guacamole, yucca fries, chorizo, empanadas, beef-stuffed pastries and crispy calamari. Guests should try to save space for Toro Toro’s delicious churrasco chicken, lamb or beef.
El Sur
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, European, Spanish, Tapas
El Sur pushes the expectations of what can be done with traditional Spanish tapas. Using the only the finest ingredients, El Sur recreates traditional tapas meals with an artistic, sophisticated vision. With stunning views of the ocean and the opportunity to dine al fresco on their balcony, El Sur is one of the best places in Dubai to eat brunch. Dishes include classic Spanish cuisine such as patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce) and calamares a la romana con alioli (fried squid with alioli), alongside contemporary meals such as avocado cannelloni with tuna. There is an emphasis on seafood, but the menu also features the likes of Wagyu beef tartare and prime rib-eye steak. With on-site mixologists, there will always be a drink to your liking and guests can also enjoy premium cigars. Reservations at this exclusive restaurant is a must.
Jumeirah Al Qasr
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, European, Middle Eastern, Asian
Jumeirah Al Qasr serves up one of Dubai’s biggest Friday brunches. Guests can experience the atmosphere of three different restaurants: The Hide, Arboretum and Al Hambra. Al Qasr translates as ‘The Palace’, which hints at the style of service the hotel aims to deliver. Guests can choose from a vast variety of foods, including Arabic, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Japanese, Indian, Spanish, German and British dishes. Al Qasr is an upscale brunch venue with a mighty reputation. It’s a must-visit for brunch fans in the city.
Nobu
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Asian, Japanese
Unlike many of Dubai’s brunch venues, which aim to offer as much choice as possible, Nobu has a sole focus: Japanese fare. Nobu’s fame is largely down to distinguished chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who chose to offer Japanese dishes with an Arabian influence in this Dubai branch of his global string of restaurants. The ‘High Brunch’ is a real treat for gastro enthusiasts, where dishes are served á la carte, complemented by a sushi bar and sake lounge. Portions are large and shareable, meaning guests get a true family-style dining experience. Some of the main brunch dishes include black cod in miso, chicken anticucho, yellow tail sashimi with jalapenos, Wagyu beef teriyaki and crab tacos with wasabi sour cream. There’s also something for dessert fans, with Japanese rice sweets mochi on the menu.
Double Decker
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, European, British
If by now it seems that Dubai is all about chic and upscale, then this example comes as a breath of fresh air. Double Decker is truly one of the most affordable options in the city for an amazing brunch. Recreating the design and cuisine of a British pub, Double Decker has won plaudits for its food, drink, sports coverage and live entertainment. Double Decker offers a splendid buffet brunch with unmistakably British foods like roast beef, beef stew, roasted potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, as well as a choice of salads and pasta. Double Decker is the perfect venue for groups or couples keen to enjoy a delicious brunch in a relaxed, casual and easy-going environment.
Amwaj Rotana
Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, European, Middle Eastern
Three kitchens work in harmony to provide the outstanding array of food on offer at Amwaj Rotana hotel’s brunch: Rosso, Benihana and Horizon. The dishes are based on both Western and Eastern cuisine, delivering something mouth-watering whichever style you choose. The brunch is in set up as a buffet, but à la carte dining. Several live cooking stations prepare barbecue dishes, shawarmas and omelettes right on the spot. With a scenic terrace and great views of the Arabian Gulf, Amwaj Rotana is a pleasant, relaxing and attractive brunch venue. Families are welcome, with activities organised for kids and live music staged for grown-ups.
Ripe Market
Farmers' Market, European, Middle Eastern
If you want a different brunch experience, Dubai’s Ripe Market is the way to go. During the winter (October to April), the market takes place outdoors at Zabeel Park every Friday and Al Barsha Pond Park every Saturday. While in the winter, the Ripe Market moves indoors to the Times Square Centre. The market has plenty of stalls to go between, with local and international businesses setting up food and artisan-style treat stands to peruse. Go at your own pace and even take something home for later.