For many people the whole week is just leading up to Friday, and brunch is the only thing on their minds.
While it’s not our sole focus, we have to admit to loving it, too, whether it’s on a Thursday evening, Friday afternoon or Saturday. After all, how else can you legitimately have a plate of butter chicken, Yorkshire pudding and salmon sashimi?
Whatever kind of brunch you’re after, over the next few pages you can find everything from bargain options, kid-friendly spots and old classics. Enjoy.
New to town
Belgian Café
This spot at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi is known for two things: great hops, and fantastic food. You can expect both at this new, casual brunch, which is launching on October 16, alongside some brilliant live entertainment. The brunch with house beverages will set you back Dhs225, which is a great deal in our books.
Dhs165 (soft drinks), Dhs225 (house beverages), Dhs82.50 (kids six-12). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Brick Rooftop Bar
The capital is never more beautiful than it is at sunset, and the view from this rooftop bar on the 12th floor of Aloft Abu Dhabi is spectacular. Head here for the new sundowner brunch and you’ll enjoy a feast of dishes including wood-fired pizza, slow-cooked rib-eye and more from the lofty perch. Plus, live acoustic music will be performed to accompany the food and drinks.
Dhs225 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), Dhs365 (bubbly). Thu 7pm-10pm. Brick Rooftop Kitchen and Bar, Aloft Abu Dhabi (052 837 0047).
Fairways
Lots of different countries claim to be the best at barbecues, but after trying out the braai night at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, you could be offering up a firm vote for South Africa. Fairways is now serving up dishes including boerewors, grilled meats, bobotie, koeksisters, peppermint crisp tart and more every Thursday. Plus, you’ll get to try a range of South African beverages to make the experience even more authentic.
Dhs175 (soft drinks), Dhs275 (house beverages). Thu 7pm-10pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa (02 616 9999).
Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar
We’re incredibly lucky in Abu Dhabi to have so many amazing bars, but Hickory’s at Yas Links Golf Club always makes us feel particularly sophisticated and classy. Head here on Thursday nights for the bubbly brunch and you can tuck into food and three hours of house beverages for Dhs399, all while taking in the amazing atmosphere.
Dhs89 (food only), Dhs199 (two-hour house beverage package), Dhs399 (three-hour house package). Thu 5pm-8pm. Yas Links Golf Club Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Yas West (02 404 3000).
Hidden Bar
Fans of juniper-based drinks should head down to Hidden Bar for its Friday brunch. You can enjoy a three-hour package of house beverages, plus a set menu of food including seafood appetisers, an artisan cheese board and cold cuts, for Dhs255. Delicious.
Dhs255 (house beverages), Dhs580 (premium beverages). Fri-Sat noon-9pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island
Brunch is always best when you can enjoy a view, and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island offers up just that. Head to the hotel on Fridays for its Taste of Asia brunch and you’ll enjoy dishes from Malaysia and Japan and more, including sushi, bowls of ramen, nasi goring, yakitori and satay.There’s also plenty of live cooking stations and fresh seafood for you to try.
Dhs375 (soft drinks), Dhs475 (house beverages), Dhs575 (bubbly), Dhs115 (kids seven-14). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island (02 811 4342).
La Cava
If there’s one thing we’ve learned during our time in Abu Dhabi, the word ‘brunch’ definitely doesn’t necessarily refer to the meal between breakfast and lunch. But if you’re a traditionalist, head down to La Cava for the breakfast and bubbly brunch which takes place between 9am and noon on Fridays and Saturdays. It was launched earlier in the year but was cut short due to COVID-19. We’re glad to see it’s back and need few reasons to make our way to La Cava.
Dhs199. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Oak Room
As a previous winner of our prestigious best steakhouse award, you can expect prime cuts of meat and fantastic service at Abu Dhabi EDITION’s Oak Room. Head here for the new Friday brunch and you’ll get to tuck into some speciality steaks including USDA prime rib, Westholme wagyu, Black Onyx cuts, Little Joe tomahawk and Wylarah wagyu rib eye. We’re drooling just thinking about it.
Dhs195 (soft drinks), Dhs365 (house beverages) and Dhs465 (bubbly). Fri noon-5pm. Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Stratos
The novelty of dining in Abu Dhabi’s only revolving restaurant should be enough to draw you into this brunch, but the music could keep you coming back for more. The Ratpack Supperclub is all about the original 1950s music scene, and the entertainment at this brunch sounds fantastic.
Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs80 (sparkling upgrade), Dhs155 (premium sparkling upgrade). Fri 8pm-11pm. Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
The Championship Lounge
Brunches can get overwhelming, with more dishes and cuisines than you can possibly try in one setting. If you’re looking to get back to basics, we think the Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s new brunch is perfect. Head to The Championship Lounge sports bar on Fridays and you’ll get to tuck into pizza, wings, and drinks — and that’s it. Simplicity at its best.
Dhs150 (soft drinks, members), Dhs165 (soft drinks, guests), Dhs185 (house beverages, members), Dhs199 (house beverages, guests), Dhs85 (kids ages five-12). Fri 1pm-4pm. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City (056 536 2230).
Velocity
BBQ and brunch go together like Time Out and top deals, which is why we’re excited to try out Velocity Sports Bar’s new offering. With beef and chicken nachos, a churrasco Brazilian barbecue, Australian shrimp, brisket rolls, calamari ceviche and tandoori spiced wings on the menu, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice.
Dhs179 (soft drinks), Dhs289 (house beverages), Dhs339 (sparkling grape). Fri 1.30pm-4.30pm. Marriott Hotel Downtown, Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 304 7777).
Family-friendly
90 Centigrade
Families can enjoy an à la carte brunch at this cosy café, featuring dishes ranging from pancakes to steaks, as well as a selection of drinks to choose from. The child-friendly eatery has a laidback vibe and is the ideal way to spend a long, lazy weekend morning all together. The package includes two house beverages for mums and dads, while kids can wash their pancakes and syrup (every child’s breakfast of choice) with a freshly-squeezed fruit juice.
From Dhs135 per person. Fri-Sat 12.30pm-4pm. Grand Millennium Al Wahda (02 443 9999).
Ingredients
This fantastic feast of international cuisine strikes the perfect balance between family-friendly and Friday afternoon chill. A whole host of live cooking stations are waiting for you, from sushi, pasta and roast beef to international cheeses, breads and some Arabic salads. There are also a few you aren’t likely to find in other brunches, including a delightful tempura station and a Pad Thai zone. Sounds good.
Dhs195 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), Dhs97.5 (kids six-12), free (kids under five). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Al Salam Street (02 656 1000).
Bubbalicious
One of the city’s best-known brunches has returned, bringing with it live international cooking stations serving up roasts and grills, plus cold selections of salads, sushi and oysters, plus, there are a good selection of dishes for vegans and gluten-free diners. The dessert selection is well worth a visit, with an eye-catchingly vibrant selection of cakes and sweets, which will appeal to the little brunchers, too. And while parents kick back to the chilled sounds of the live music, the kids are kept busy with various entertainment laid on just for them including face painting and a petting zoo.
From Dhs195 (soft drinks), Dhs125 (kids six-12.) Fri 1pm-4pm (from July 17). Fairways, The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9999).
Dino’s Bistro Italiano
Taking into account that all kids love pizza is this weekend brunch. Taking place on both Friday and Saturday this family-friendly Italian feast is loads of fun. Kids are not only allowed to scribble all over the paper table cloths, they are actively encouraged, which always goes down well. And when they’ve released their artistic creativity all over the table, they can head off to get stuck into the pizza making activity. You can order as many dishes as you like from the starter, pizza, soups and main menus with options ranging from classics such as pasta with bolognaise, to more adventurous plates like sea bream, veal scaloppini and mushroom risotto. A colourful venue for spending some quality time with the whole gang.
Dhs165 (soft drinks), Dhs200 (house beverages), Dhs200 (mixed drinks), Dhs215 (grape and bubbly), Dhs82.5 (kids six-11), free (kids under five). Fri-Sat noon-4pm. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 307 5551).
Horizon Restaurant
The Burgatory Brunch is a family-friendly affair where burgers are the star of the show. Tuck into you choice of patty made up with 50 ingredients as well as a dedicated menu for the kids menu and frozen drinks. You can choose to have your burger made exactly the way you want it and then grab a table inside, or enjoy your fresh creation outdoors in a picnic setting at the hotel’s garden. Outside you’ll find bean bags for you to sink in – and the kids to launch themselves on – and can listen to the chilled out music to make your family burger experience a comfortable one.
From Dhs89, Dhs45 (kids). Fri-Sat 1pm-6pm. Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana Hotel (02 657 0200).
Latest Recipe
This popular buffet brunch is a huge hit with families thanks to its laidback, chilled out vibe. Expect live cooking stations as well as a special menu to order from, with all dishes served to the table, including juicy burgers, delicious ribs, lamb pita and vegetarian options. Drinks are also free-flowing so parents can sup on those while the kids head to the play area, which not only has a bouncy castle to tire them out, but also delightful treats such as candy floss and popcorn. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see them much.
From Dhs119 (soft drinks), Dhs189 (house beverages). Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 677 3333).
Marco’s New York Italian
Winner of the Best Newcomer award at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2019, Marco’s New York Italian is well worth checking out. Taking place every Friday from noon to 4pm, the set menu offers dishes including starters of calamari, quarter salad, heirloom tomato and burrata salad, crispy New York Buffalo wings and American hot pizza. For mains you can choose from risotto funghi e tartoufo, mac and cheese with mushrooms, grass-fed beef sirloin, oven-baked black cod and cannelloni al funghi with cheese sauce. Desserts include Mr. White’s tiramisu, warm chocolate brownie and a classic 1930’s New York knickerbocker glory. Best of all, once the litte ones have filled their tummies, they can head off to the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s kids club for two hours absolutely free.
Dhs199 (food), Dhs299 (house beverages), half price (kids aged six to 12), free (under sixes). Fri noon-4pm. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 3238).
Sim Sim
This family-friendly brunch that is ideal for the cooler weather. All the bases are covered at The Market Brunch at the Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas. Take a walk around the live cooking stations and you can try Asian, Indian and Japanese dishes, as well as fresh seafood, cheese, desserts, antipasti and more. This one is a real crowd pleaser.
Dhs375 (soft drinks), Dhs499 (house beverages), Dhs599 (bubbly), Dhs175 (kids from six to 11), free (kids under six). Fri 1pm-4pm. Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).
Sofra
This new family-friendly brunch promises some of the restaurant’s ‘all-time favourites’. Diners can choose from a range of seafood, grilled meats and more at this à la carte brunch and enjoy a relaxing start to the weekend. While parents are feasting, kids can make their own fun in the dedicated play area.
Dhs279 per person (soft drinks), Dhs349 (house beverages), Dhs459 (bubbly). Fri 1pm-4pm. Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, reservations.slad@shangri-la.com (02 509 8630).
Verso
Offering a taste of different regions of Italy, La Dolce Vita brunch at Verso is back. There is a lovely family feel to this foodie feast where you can tuck into a host of fresh seafood, antipasti, main dishes including whole grilled fish, slow-cooked lamb shank and more, before satisfying your sweet tooth with Italian desserts. Plus, those brunching can also enjoy free access to the hotel’s pool, which is always a real bonus when you are brunching with the kids in tow.
Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs340 (house beverages), Dhs125 (kids under 12). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Peal, Corniche West (02 510 1234).
Abu Dhabi Favourites
Butcher & Still
With a name like the ‘Meat People Brunch’, we probably don’t need to tell you that you can expect meat, meat and more meat. With great food and a fantastic atmosphere, it’s not difficult to work out why this brunch made it into our favourites.
Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 333 2700).
Cafe Milano
Missing Italy? Then head down to Cafe Milano on Saturdays for its Viaggio in Italia brunch. You can expect sharing dishes such as cured meat and cheese, fried rice balls and eggplant pasta alongside your choice of main course.
Dhs245 (soft drinks), Dhs325 (house beverages), Dhs95 (kids). Fri noon-4pm. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 333 2630).
Li Jiang
Li Jiang’s Saturday evening brunch is all about Asian street food, with Korean BBQ, sushi and fried noodles. The best part about this brunch (other than the top food from the restaurant’s chef Chung), is that you can pick a three-hour slot between 5pm and 11pm. Night owls, it’s perfect for you.
Dhs215 (soft drinks), Dhs340 (house beverages), Dhs465 (bubbly), Dhs110 (kids six-11). Sat 5pm-11pm. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 818 8888).
Market Kitchen
The brunch at Market Kitchen is all about bringing freshest and highest quality ingredients straight to you, with plenty of live cooking stations for you to enjoy. You can expect dishes such as black truffle pizza, striploin steak, and salted caramel sundae, all of which will wow you.
Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages), Dhs499 (bubbly). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
Saadiyat Beach Club
We can never resist a trip to Saadiyat Beach Club, and the Friday brunch is absolutely top-notch. You can expect plenty of sharing dishes including sushi, and free-flowing house beverages. If you want to stick around (and with a location like this, why wouldn’t you?), you can extend your brunch package until 7pm for Dhs120 for house beverages and Dhs220 for premium beverages.
Dhs299 (soft drinks), Dhs399 (house beverages), Dhs499 (premium beverages), Dhs99 (kids seven-12). Fri 1pm-4pm. Safina Restaurant, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3536).
The Foundry
If you’re looking for prime cuts of meat at your brunch, you can’t go far wrong with The Foundry. The steakhouse’s Friday brunch, which has both an afternoon and evening sitting, features foie gras and sushi for starters, one main course, and a selection of desserts. Sounds dreamy.
Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs325 (house beverages), Dhs99 (kids six-11). Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7pm-10pm. Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Mina Street (02 818 4888).
Trader Vic’s
This French Polynesian restaurant is beloved around the globe, and the brunch at the Al Ain branch is as amazing as you would expect. Head here on Fridays and you’ll get to tuck into four starters, four main courses and a dessert sampler, while washing it all down with unlimited house beverages (including that oh-so-famous mixed drink).
Dhs249 (soft drinks), Dhs312 (house beverages), Dhs105 (kids under 12). Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm. Al Ain Rotana Hotel, Al Ain (03 703 8826).
Less than Dhs200
Amerigos
Head along on Thursday night for the Mercadito brunch and you can tuck into a selection of Mexican food like tacos, enchiladas, ceviche and more for Dhs135 for soft drinks and Dhs235 with free-flowing house beverages. Fancy something more chilled? The Friday Acapulco poolside weekend brunch offers the same great food for the same price. We’ll see you there, with our sombreros on.
Dhs135 (soft drinks), Dhs235 (house beverages). Thu 5pm-11.30pm; Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm. Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2412).
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
There’s loads to love about this super-cool spot, from its eclectic interior décor (including a giant headless statue and huge paintings) to the spread of Asian bites and meals, great mixed drinks and that picture-perfect setting on the water. On Fridays, enjoy a set menu of appetisers, salads, mains and desserts, plus free-flowing drinks.
From Dhs198. Fri 1pm-4pm. Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal (056 177 7557).
Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant
This great-value pub brunch now features an adjusted buffet setup, where all stations will be protected and manned by chefs wearing all the protective gear required. You’ll find carvery, main courses and live stations outside at The Backyard area, as well as desserts. Meat-eaters are in luck with prime rib, braised brisket and shepherd’s pie on the menu, alongside fish and chips and other pub classics. It runs until 4pm but you can extend until 7pm for Dhs95 for house drinks and Dhs125 for premium.
From Dhs195. Fri noon-4pm. Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi (02 657 3325).
Easy Tiger
This one’s an absolute bargain. Every Friday from noon until 3pm, head to the Al Ain Palace bar and get unlimited house drinks and unlimited starters, plus a choice of main course and dessert. Starters include onion bhaji burgers, chicken momos, spring rolls, buffalo cheese fries, wings and even a tempura crabstick Jenga (now this you need to see), while main course options include baskets of fried chicken, burgers, foot-long hot dogs, fish and chips and even, erm, shepherd’s pie balls… Follow all that with a knickerbocker glory and singalong to the cheesy ‘90s music. .
Dhs199 (house beverages). Fri noon-3pm. Al Ain Palace Hotel, Corniche Road (02 678 0522).
Jazz@PizzaExpress
Can’t decide between doing a Thursday night or a Friday afternoon brunch? There’s no need to at Jazz@PizzaExpress, which offers both. You can expect pizza (duh), those fantastic dough balls and free-flowing drinks. It’s not one to miss, whichever time you choose to go.
Dhs150 (soft drinks), Dhs199 (house beverages). Thu 8pm-11pm. The Mall @ World Trade Centre – Abu Dhabi (02 444 7752). Dhs150 (soft drinks), Dhs225 (house beverages). Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm. The Mall @ World Trade Centre – Abu Dhabi (02 444 7752).
Maison Beirut
This Levantine eatery has a family-style brunch serving up authentic Lebanese dishes. Priced at Dhs149 per person, for a set menu with soft drinks, the brunch is served on both Fridays and Saturday, from noon until 4pm. Served to the table to share, dishes include fattoush and tabbouleh, hummus, warak enab and shanklish, followed by a mixed grilled platter, and a selection of desserts including halawet el jeben and caramel mohalabya.
Dhs149 (soft drinks), Fri-Sat noon-4pm. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta, (02 654 3238).
PJ O’Reilly’s
As the current title holder of Time Out Abu Dhabi’s best pub, you would expect something amazing from PJ O’Reilly’s for its Friday brunch. And that’s what you’ll get, with a friendly Irish welcome, a fantastic terrace area and great drinks. Plus, at Dhs199 for the house beverage package, you can’t go wrong.
Dhs199. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
Stock Burger Co.
Head along to the hip burger joint Stock Burger Co. and you can enjoy a meal and free-flowing drinks with packages starting from Dhs99 for ladies, Dhs199 for gents and Dhs250 for couples.
Dhs129 (ladies), Dhs210 (gents), Dhs310 (couples) for house beverages, Dhs170 (ladies), Dhs250 (gents), Dhs390 (couples) for premium beverages. Fri noon-3pm. Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, Dhafeer Street (02 657 4888).
SushiSan
At SushiSan you can get your fill of unlimited sushi and free-flowing beverages with packages from Dhs150 for soft drinks and Dhs210 for house beverages.
Dhs150 (soft drinks), Dhs210 (house beverages), Dhs268 (couples, house beverages), Dhs75 (kids six-12). Fri noon-3pm. Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, Dhafeer Street (02 657 4888).
Urban Kitchen
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s brunch The Carvery Unlimited features slow-roasted meats including Australian prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, herb-crusted rack of lamb with mint sauce and, perhaps most untraditionally (but by no means unwelcome) peri peri-marinated spring chicken – all of which come with roast potatoes, cauliflower gratin and seasonal veg, and served directly to your table. There’s also a range of salads to tuck into, including buffalo mozzarella with tomatoes, rocca and basil and Caesar salad, plus small plates such as crispy calamari served with a herby aioli.
Dhs189 (soft drinks), Dhs299 (house beverages). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Urban Kitchen, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi (02 698 7137).
Special occasions
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
Missed 99 Sushi over the past few months? Welcome to the club. But good news – the Friday Zeitaku Brunch is back, featuring an 11-course menu of brilliant dishes, such as spicy tuna tartar with wakame, salmon flambé nigiri with lime, grilled foie gras nigiri with raspberry and tare sauce and more.
From Dh299 (soft drinks), Dhs399 (sparkling), Dhs499 (bubbly). Fri 1pm-5.30pm. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 672 3333).
Buddha-Bar Beach
Head along to this chic beachside venue and you can have brunch with some of the best views in the city. The bohemian venue serves up a menu packed with dishes from the Pacific region every Friday in the early afternoon and in the evening. So if you fancy the afternoon out or enjoying an evening affair, the choice is yours.
Dhs325 (soft drinks), Dhs450 (house beverages), Dhs525 (premium beverages). Fri 1pm-4pm, 7pm-10pm. Buddha-Bar Beach, The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8888).
Brunch in the Clouds at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
It’s probably the most lavish brunch in town, from the location high up overlooking the Corniche to the spread on offers and extras too. Usually, you can take your pick from the buffet featuring everything from cheese and desert to oysters and caviar but at this time you can make it even more exclusive by booking a private brunch experience in one of the luxury rooms that include a library and study. Lobster and bubbly in a private room? Not sure it gets more exclusive than that.
Dhs345 (soft drinks), Dhs595 (house beverages). Select dates only. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com (02 694 4553).
Giornotte
Spoil yourself at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal every Friday at Giornotte’s The Chef’s Brunch. Take your pick from dishes prepared at live stations including wagyu beef, fresh seafood and enjoy drinks served from carts that come to your table. Plus there’s a range of vegan options for those following a plant-based diet.
Dhs299 (soft drinks), Dhs399 (house beverages) and Dhs599 (bubbly). Fri 1pm-4pm. Giornotte, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 818 8282).
Ray’s Grill
The impressive restaurant launches a brand-new brunch in the form of “A Great British Nosh Up”. Expect a sharing-style experience with a selection of appetisers, mains and desserts served to the table.
From Dhs375 (soft drinks), Dhs425 (house beverages), Dhs525 (premium beverages). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers (02 811 5666).
