The Best Brunch Spots In Abu Dhabi

The beloved institution of brunch has its origins in late 19th century, and has since been joyfully embraced across the world, including in the United Arab Emirates. Friday brunch has become something of a unique tradition in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From laid back eats to elaborate feasts, here’s our list of the best brunches in Abu Dhabi.

1. Aqua

Restaurant, Hotel Restaurant, European, Fast Food, Vegetarian

Located in the gorgeous Rosewood Hotel, Aqua offers guests a brilliant fine dining experience while they enjoy the stunning views from the waterfront terrace. You can also turn your eye to the live kitchen and watch the chef whip up everything from pasta and pizzas to spicy curries and biryanis. Diners drawn to the waterfront can take their meal outside for scenic al fresco brunch on the terrace. Every Friday, the restaurant offers scrumptious brunches for adults, and a separate menu preparation for younger guests. Aqua easily offers the best kids’ brunch in the city, with a superb seating area designed just for them. The service here is outstanding, and you may find yourself on a first name basis with the servers by the end of your meal; they’ll be sure to remember you when you come back to Aqua next time.

2. Café Arabia

Cafe, Restaurant, Moroccan, Middle Eastern

Relaxed crowds, cozy atmosphere, and healthy home cooked meals: that’s what’s in store for you at Café Arabia. You’ll find a sumptuous buffet laid out on the second floor of this villa, offering customers a delicious selection of Arabic food. You can expect a lot of families and large friends visiting this restaurant for its ample seating. There’s even an outdoor terrace open in the cooler winter months. Their generous brunch menu features a live pasta station, a variety of desserts, hot main courses, and an array of cold mezze items.

3. Koi

Koi

The brunch at Koi is a classy affair, set in a small, discreet venue to avoid the rush of diners. They offer a delectable Japanese menu of starters, mains and desserts. Their stunning sushi and sashimi plates deconstruct traditional flavors and often include modern Californian accents. Couple that with your choice of drink and the option to dine inside or out on the terrace, and you’ve got all the makings of a truly exquisite experience.
Koi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates +971 2 678 3334

4. Nahaam

Restaurant, Contemporary, European, Vegetarian, Coffee

This casual yet chic poolside restaurant is one of the best choices for brunch in Abu Dhabi. Set in the iconic Jumeirah Etihad Towers, the restaurant not only offers the best views of the city, but also mind blowing food and a wonderful staff. The highlight of the restaurant is the outdoor grill stations, where you can have anything from steak to seafood grilled to perfection. The Friday brunch showcases an International Buffet with a vast variety of dishes on hand, and you can watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you at the live cooking stations.

5. Oléa

Restaurant, Mediterranean, European, Vegan, Vegetarian

Inside the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Oléa offers a brilliant, Jazz themed brunch experience. A large venue with terrace seating, Oléa employs live cooking stations to serve fine preparations of meat, including ribs and foie gras. The Friday brunch here is a great chance to experience a refined, Mediterranean-inspired menu and ambience. They also provide a separate brunch menu and seating area for children.

6. Origins

Origins

Origins serves brunch in a modern, fast paced setting. This location is ideal for racing fans, as their terrace seating offers a great balcony view over the Yas Marina Circuit. The portions here are generous, especially for the affordable costs of their menu items. Their brunch has offers everything under the Sun, including fresh seafood, sushi, Arabic mezze, and even a caviar station. Their range of cuisines pay tribute to the most famous race courses around the world, from Monaco to Shanghai.
Origins, Yas Marina, Suite 7, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates +971 2 656 0600

Fried Squid (4824632582) | Klearchos Kapoutsis/WikiCommons

7. Zuma

Zuma

Zuma‘s family friendly brunch features a full spread of authentic Japanese dishes, with an a la carte option for the entrée (which is prepared to order). Particular care is taken here to source only the finest ingredients for your meal. Highlights from the menu include jumbo tiger prawn with yuzu pepper, crispy fried squid, and Zuma’s celebrated miso black cod. Those with a sweet tooth should save room for their green tea and banana cake, served with a side of coconut ice cream.
Zuma, Sowwah Square, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates +971 2 401 5900

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