Top 8 brunches in Dubai
The street food themed brunch at Nine7One, Oberoi
What has astounded me this year when researching Dubai’s brunches for our annual round-up is the increase in new restaurants ALL rolling out brunches. This institution is no longer restricted to the big hotel chains, but independent restaurants are also jumping on the brunch bandwagon. And it’s not just us taking note. Reputable international publications have been jetting into our emirate to write up their own Dubai brunch features. What this means is that we have an interesting and novel mix of brunches this year, all tried and tasted by FooDiva and our guest reviewers. So here are our top 8 brunches in Dubai for the 2015/2016 season. We tried many more that did not make the cut, but ironically we kick off alphabetically with another cut.
Cut by Wolfgang Puck
Imperium
La Résidence Restaurant & Lounge
Nine7One
This Friday brunch at the Oberoi hotel in Business Bay is where street art meets street food. It’s a fun, casual and colourful brunch, with Thai, Japanese, Mexican, Indian and Arabic stations serving everything from tasty dim sum to delicious tacos with mole (chocolate-based) sauce. The brunch is also very interactive; diners make their own som tam (green papaya) salads, mix their own cocktails at the Bacardi and Martini stations, and can even make their own alcohol-based molecular desserts – the mojito meringue is a refreshingly delicious treat to end the meal. Chefs work the room offering freshly prepared concoctions, whilst discussing ingredients. It’s an ideal choice for large groups; the bigger the group, the less you pay. Prices below are based on two people – any more, and the price per person goes down! Value for money aside, a lively atmosphere, dance music and good food, make the ‘Street Art Brunch’ a popular newcomer on Dubai’s brunch scene. The French champagne of choice here is Moet & Chandon. Reviewed by SJ.
Nobu
Okku
Another Japanese brunch institution is Okku’s ‘Disco Sushi’ affair on a Friday. In stark contrast to Nobu’s classy yet formal vibe, Okku’s is all 80’s music but whilst fun is also sophisticated. I think we were only the foursome who actually knew the lyrics to every song (the average age group is much younger). In a quirky twist, each table is handed Monopoly money based on the package you choose (non-alcoholic or with booze – see below) and it’s up to you to choose how you spend it. There are three French champagne options – Brut Reserve, Prestige Rose and Nocturne Sec – with the AED599 package getting you one bottle of Taittinger rose per couple. So don’t expect free-flowing bubbles. As for the food, 12 set dishes are served at the table – the crispy duck salad, the wasabi tiger shrimp tempura, baked Japanese aubergine and the miso black cod in particular are exceptional. Reviewed by FooDiva.
Peppercrab
Tribeca Kitchen & Bar
Tribeca’s Friday brunch is all about wholesome, hearty and organic food in a casual, 1970s New York meets Hollywood disco atmosphere. The food is fresh, tasty and more importantly, sustainable and locally sourced. Burgers, tacos, salmon, roasts and pasta are all on offer, accompanied by organic vegetables and sides. Salads are hearty and wholesome with lentils, beetroots and quinoa options. For desserts, several varieties of chia puddings, tiramisu and an exotic fruit salad are all fresh and delicious. Whilst we were not spoilt for choice, what we ate was flavoursome and healthy. Tribeca has no French champagne option, but alcoholic beverages include organic wines, beer, house punch and spirits. If you’re looking for a fun, relaxed, eco-friendly and affordable brunch, Tribeca is the place to be. Reviewed by SJ.
For previous Dubai brunch round-ups click here and here.
What’s your favourite brunch in town and why?
A bientôt!
FooDiva. x
Disclosure – we have paid our own way with some of these brunches, whilst a few were by media invitation.
Great and very informative update – now on my laptop’s ‘favourite’ links for quick access. By the way, why not call the brunch that runs into dinner ‘LINNER’ – this is how they call it in Moscow……
Thanks Garry. No doubt some restaurant here will start coining that term. Somehow binner doesn’t have the same ring to it 😉
Two that I have done recently have been the new one at Le Parilla and Feast, both superb. Great round-up 🙂
Agh more to review…for next year! Thanks GA 🙂
Thanks for this handy update.
Has Nine7One got rid of the dreadful DJ at last? Super food and service has previously been ruined by loud drum n bass despite numerous complaints from diners. The DJ refused point blank to play softer more suitable music even if most customers were over 40 and was really rude and aggressive. That’s the sole reason I haven’t been going there, sadly.
Hi Keren, the music was loud when we went but we didn’t mind it because the DJ played famous pop songs and it made the experience more fun. We didn’t stay long though so I’m not sure if the music changed after we left. I’m also not sure if it’s the same DJ as last year — it was my first time there.. My advice is to call and ask. If it’s a different DJ, it might be worth giving it a try this year 🙂
There are places on this list I would not have even considered for brunch. Having not gone out for brunch in years I recently tried the Zuma set menu brunch and absolutely loved it. Now casting an eye over these reviews for my next brunch out.
Must say I don’t get the concept of an evening brunch – isn’t that just an all you can eat buffet with a different name?
The Zuma brunch made our 2013 round-up, but they then stopped it for a while. Glad to see it’s back Sally. It’s a marketing gimmick by La Residence for people that would prefer an evening affair – there is no buffet; food is served at the table. Media One I think also offers something similar.
my fave is definitely the one from Le Classique, inventive, not too pricey, good choices of wines usually, very nice atmosphere (Emirates golf Club), a large choice of (real) french cheese, honestly one of the best.
Le Classique topped our round-up last year Laurent 🙂 http://www.foodiva.net/2014/10/top-8-brunches-in-dubai/ A classy French affair 😉
The Park Hyatt’s Traiteur is the classiest brunch in town. Also like the Conrad Ballaro brunch…especially once weather is cooler..and you can sit outside….and the Anantara Crescendo brunch is also good..and especially good value on an Entertainer 2 for 1 deal
Traiteur Sally-Anne is one of my personal favourites too and it’s made a previous round-up (we try to highlight different brunches every year). I’ve not tried Conrad’s or Anantara’s – two for next year perhaps! And I am sucker for the Entertainer 🙂