When you think of brunch, what do you think of? Avocado on toast or eggs Benedict, right? Well in Abu Dhabi, brunch is done a little differently around here. From steak to sushi and curry to pasta, it’s fair to say an Abu Dhabi brunch is like no other. Here the afternoon meal is far from a quick bite after the gym. It’s a grand feast – often served buffet style, complete with free-flowing drinks – that will leave you feeling like Henry VIII. It’s a bit of a mystery how it all began, possibly it was brought over by western expats and then given the flashy Abu Dhabi treatment. As the first day of the UAE weekend, Friday is the best day to catch a slice of the action; particularly if you want one of the boozy options.
Pick an outfit with plenty of give (jeans are for rookies) and let’s tuck into the best brunches in Abu Dhabi.
Where to have Brunch in Abu Dhabi
There is a huge variety of brunches on offer in the city; from casual all-you-can-eats to the finest of fine dining. Whatever your taste, you’d have to be pretty darn picky not to find something tempting from this lot…
Casual brunches
Opting for a more relaxed brunch spot can be surprisingly tricky in Abu Dhabi. Want to kick back and ease off the glitz for a bit? Pop to one of these brunches…
Boa Steakhouse
Probably not one for the veggies, this 5-stage brunch located inside the Eastern Mangroves resort is all about the meat. Choose your tenderloin, ribs, or ribeye and live your best carnivorous life. With sharing platters and a range of sides and desserts to feast on alongside, you definitely won’t go hungry here. If you want to fully commit to the meat-eating theme, Boa also hosts an ‘anti-vegetarian brunch’ every Thursday evening.
Friday 12:30pm to 4pm
AED 340 for soft drinks
AED 445 for house beverages
AED 595 for French bubbly
Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant
If it’s more of a party vibe you want, this is the Abu Dhabi brunch for you. ‘Acapulco Fridays’ at Amerigos are a colourful and lively affair, with a DJ playing club hits and Latin music. Fill your plate from the various Mexican-themed food stations, including those dedicated to tacos and BBQ grills. All brunches include pool access, so don’t forget your cossy and trunks!
Friday 12pm to 4pm
AED 190 for soft drinks
AED 320 for house beverages
Cafe Palmier
The Elements Brunch at Cafe Palmier is undoubtedly one of most family-friendly. Kids have their own food station, there’s a kids’ club and pool access and two kids (up to 12 years) go free for every two paying adults. It’s not all about the youngsters, though. Parents have all of the fresh seafood, luxury grills and fancy cheeses they could want. Tip: save some room for the freshly-made white chocolate ice cream.
Friday 1pm to 4pm
AED 275 for soft drinks
AED 375 for house beverage
Brunch in style
Want to treat yourself to a luxe afternoon of feasting? These are the best YOLO brunch spots in the city (do people still say YOLO?):
Las Brisas
Fancy popping over to the Palace? This poolside eatery set inside the Emirates Palace Hotel is not your ordinary al fresco spot. Unsurprisingly, the brunch at Las Brisas is quite an event too. There are 26 (!) food stations to work through, set out market-style and serving the best street food from around the world. It’s indulgent, it’s luxurious, it’s everything you want from an Abu Dhabi brunch.
Friday 12:30pm to 4pm
AED 370 for soft drinks
AED 465 for house beverages
AED 695 for French bubbly
Sofra Bld
Make your way down the grand marble staircase at the Shangri-La Hotel and you’ll find yourself at this elegant souk-themed restaurant. The buffet brunch at Sofra Bld serves up a range of Arabic and Asian dishes, complete with a grill and seafood section. The dessert station is also to die for – beautifully crafted cakes and pastries that wouldn’t look out of place in the fanciest Parisian patisseries. The indoor seating areas are more luxurious, but there’s a beautiful view of the Grand Mosque from the terrace.
Friday 1pm to 4pm
AED 179 for soft drinks
AED 279 for wine, beer and cocktails
AED 379 for bubbly
Abu Dhabi Suite at the St. Regis
If it’s a taste of the elite you want, this has to be the best brunch in Abu Dhabi. The St. Regis Hotel’s ‘Brunch in the Clouds’ is brunching on a whole new level – the world’s highest suspended hotel suite to be specific. Running every second Friday of the month with a maximum of 50 guests, this is an exclusive affair. Enter the Abu Dhabi Suite via the private elevator, take in the incredible views, then get eating. The decadent spreads are laid out in different rooms; there’s a sushi room, a steak room, and even a cinema room complete with sweet treats.
Every second Friday of the month from 12:00pm onwards
AED 345 for soft drinks
AED 595 for alcoholic drinks
Cheap brunches
Ok, so a brunch in the emirate is never going to be super cheap, but there are a few options where you can enjoy a taste of the good life on a budget…
Dino’s Bistro Italiano
Load up on carbs before a day of sightseeing at this friendly Italian spot. The family-style brunch at Dino’s gives you as many starters as you can handle, followed by pizza and pasta mains and of course, dessert. The decor here is a little on the kitsch side, but don’t let that put you off; the service is great, and the food is delicious.
Friday & Saturday 12pm to 4pm
AED 165 for soft drinks
AED 200 for frosé and cocktails
AED 215 for bubbly
Cooper’s
A British pub themed restaurant in Abu Dhabi, why not eh? To be fair, this spot inside the five-star Park Rotana is a little on the fancy side compared to most British boozers, but the food is recognisably English. The Friday brunch at Cooper’s serves up pub grub classics, including a carvery and naturally, fish and chips.
Friday 12pm to 4pm
AED 195 for soft drinks
AED 265 for house beverages
AED 295 for premium beverages
Evening brunches
While it may seem rather uncouth – ‘brunch’ is a cross between breakfast and lunch, after all – there are a few spots to grab the feast in the evening. Here’s our pick:
Hakkasan
This upscale restaurant is the epitome of fine dining; it’s no wonder that the group’s London restaurant was the first Chinese restaurant in Britain to receive a Michelin star. Brunch at Hakkasan means an evening of tasty Cantonese dishes like dim sum and Peking duck, live music and great views. You’ll have to be lucky to catch it though – it only takes place once a month.
Every first Friday of the month 8pm to 11pm
AED 318 for soft drinks
AED 438 for punch cocktail, wine, beer, and house spirits
AED 638 for champagne
Mr Miyagis
If it’s a lively – and we mean lively – night brunch you’re after, you can’t go wrong at Mr. Miyagi’s. Brunch at this Asian-themed spot not only comes with plenty of dim sum, katsu curry and prawn crackers, there’s also unlimited cocktails served in buckets. There’s karaoke, dancers and other performances on hand from the restaurant’s own band of entertainers. If you’re not around on Friday, you can catch it on a Thursday evening instead.
Thursday 8pm – 11pm
Friday Brunch from: 4pm-7pm & 8pm-11pm
AED 249 for spirits, wines and cocktails
Beachside brunches
Fancy an afternoon refueling by the beach? Food tastes better when you can hear waves lapping at the shore – fact.
Saadiyat Beach Club
If you’re in the mood for an al fresco brunch amidst poolside cabanas, head to Saadiyat Beach Club. Take in the view of the pristine waters of the best beach in Abu Dhabi and fill up on equally eye-pleasing dishes. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm the restaurant here serves up a truly mouth-watering spread from several different stations. It’s all great quality, and free-flowing drinks are (of course) included. There’s often entertainment for little ones, too.
Friday 1pm to 4pm
299 AED for soft drinks
399 AED for bubbly
Olea
Another chance to enjoy your brunch with an ocean view, eating at Olea sort of feels like spending the afternoon in the garden of your millionaire neighbour. There’s elegant seating and palm trees galore, and oh, the food. Make your way around the seven stations – including one for eggs, one for pastries and one for Asian food – then sit back and try to squeeze it all in.
Friday 1pm to 4pm
AED 380 for soft drinks
AED 495 for house beverages
AED 695 for bubbly
We don’t know about you but we’re feeling full after all of those brunch choices. Time to tee off? Check out our guide to best golfing spots in Abu Dhabi.
The world’s best brunches are just a few clicks away. Send the Orbzii app to your phone to plan and book the ultimate Abu Dhabi holiday. Happy munching!
