The best night brunches in Abu Dhabi are right here.
When you move to Abu Dhabi, you soon realise that brunch is more of a state of mind than a set time. Anywhere you head for unlimited bites and brews can have that all-important brunch moniker, even if the appropriate time for breakfast or lunch is long gone.
Night brunches are a little different to those during the afternoon – the vibe is much more chilled, and you don’t have to face that awkward after-brunch limbo. We’re huge fans of brunches after-dark, and to help you out, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites across the city.
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. We’ll see you there, with our sombreros on.
Dhs135 (soft drinks), Dhs235 (house beverages). Thu 5pm-11.30pm. 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 4pm-7pm. Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (056 177 7557).
Brick Rooftop Kitchen
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. Aloft Abu Dhabi, ADNEC (052 837 0047).
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 Thursday afternoon.
Dhs325 (soft drinks), Dhs450 (house beverages), Dhs525 (premium beverages). Fri 1pm-4pm, 7pm-10pm. The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8888).
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, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9999).
Hickory’s
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, Yas Island (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).
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).
Marco’s New York Italian
As one of the world’s most famous chefs, Marco Pierre White knows what he’s doing when it comes to the kitchen, and it seems the staff at his Abu Dhabi outlet have perfected their brunch recipe, too. This newly-launched Thursday night option features crispy buffalo wings, pizza, avocado Caesar salad, lasagne, mushroom and truffle risotto and more. Plus, for those with a sweet tooth, you can enjoy desserts including tiramisu, fig and ricotta tart, banana foster and more.
Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs299 (house beverages), Dhs399 (Italian bubbly). Thu 7pm-10pm. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 3333).
Saadiyat Beach Club
Are there any seafood lovers here? If so, you should head down to Saadiyat Beach Club for its evening brunch. Between 7pm and 11pm on Thursdays, you’ll get to tuck into a special set menu featuring cold mezze, cold seafood platters, grilled fish, hot sides and a selection of desserts. It’s perfect for fish aficionados.
Dhs249 (soft drinks), Dhs369 (house beverages), Dhs469 (bubbly). Thu 7pm-11pm. Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3536).
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 Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
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 features foie gras and sushi for starters, one main course, and a selection of desserts and it’s now on from 7pm, too. 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).
