Brunch in the UAE is a real institution. From party brunches and evening brunches to a la carte five-star brunches, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
And while there are plenty of adult-only affairs, the UAE also has a huge choice to suit mums and dads with babies, toddlers, tweens and even teenagers.
From children’s menus to face painters and bouncy castles, you don’t have to leave the kiddos at home (unless you want it to, that is).
Here are some brilliant family-friendly weekend feasts that offer plenty to keep the younger members of the tribe happy.
DUBAI
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa offers an al fresco brunch that’s perfect for the whole gang. The family-friendly feast takes place every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and promises lots of fun activities to keep little ones entertained. The kids’ corner features all the usual favourites from mac ‘n’ cheese to burgers and hot dogs and ends with a cool selection of sweet treats including ice cream and cakes. For the grown-ups, there’s a barbecue, hearty pasta dishes and pizza, courtesy of the outlet’s various live cooking stations, while the crêpe bar dishes up a huge variety of topping flavours alongside churros, pastries and more. There are plenty of activities on offer for the little brunchers, but we reckon the camel and pony riding, will be the most popular option.
Dhs225 (including soft drinks), Dhs112.5 (kids six-12), free (kids below five). Fri & Sat 1pm-4pm. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, Al Qudra Road, www.babalshams.com (04 809 6202).
Bistro des Arts
Set overlooking Dubai Marina, the spacious Parisian-style terrace makes a top spot to relax and enjoy the start of the weekend. A family-friendly affair, it’s a French brunch where crêpes, eggs and plenty of cheeses and sweet pastries take centre stage. Unlike at many other brunches in the city, here you won’t need your posh frock or high heels; it’s a come-as-you-are kind of affair making for a really relaxed vibe that works for some quality family time.
Dhs99 (including one hot drink, juices and water). Dhs174 (three mixed drinks). Fri & Sat 10am-3pm. Dubai Marina (04 551 1576).
Bread Street Kitchen
This brunch comes high up on our Friday wish list thanks to a combination of superb grub (it does come courtesy of Gordon Ramsay, after all) and lovely touches put in place to amuse the younger diners. For the kids there is macaroni cheese, chicken wings and cheeseburgers on the menu and the adults can load their starter plates from the raw bar or opt for a hot appetiser such as mini cottage pie before choosing their mains from a meat, fish or vegetarian option. Cookie decorating, an ice cream bar, playdough making, face-painting, a huge playground and bouncy castle in the cooler months is added bonus for little ones. All that plus the kids get free tickets to The Lost Chambers too.
Dhs249 (house beverages), Dhs105 (child). 12.30pm-4pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 2000).
COYA
COYA is perhaps better known as being a party brunch rather than somewhere to take the whole gang at the weekend, but that’s all changed, at least it has on Saturdays when families are now very much welcome, so feel free to take the kids along. While it’s not a brunch, there is a special Saturday lunch menu on offer and the restaurant gives off a relaxed vibe. Although there is no specific dedicated children’s menu, kids are very much welcome and can choose from the a la carte menu where dishes such as croquetas de lubina, churros de papa, maki rolls, and chicken should appeal to little tastebuds.
Sat. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, www.coyarestaurant.com/dubai (04 316 9600).
El Chapo’s Tacos
Thinking of Mexican for your weekend family dinner plans? No need to lay out the table, as Dubai’s El Chapos Taco’s has a new family brunch worth checking out. The Los Chapitos Family Brunch at Studio One Hotel’s Mexican restaurant offers plenty of activities to keep the little ones occupied. Kicking off every Saturday from 12.30pm until 3.30pm, the weekly brunch has staff to entertain the little amigos, including arts and crafts in the Kids Cave including Mexican sombrero and poncho making. And if that’s not enough, there’s also milkshakes and free-flowing ice cream that will surely put a smile on their face (adults included…). The brunch menu features a four-course meal, including fresh guacamole, gringo nachos, quesadillas, along with Shorty’s signature tacos and churros. Prices for kids ages seven to 12 is at Dhs49, and better yet, kids under seven can get in on the brunch completely for free.
Dhs149 (soft drinks), Dhs199 (house beverages), Dhs49 (kids ages seven-12), free (kids below seven). Every Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm. Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City, www.el-chapos-tacos.com (04 514 5411).
Nosh
The family-friendly Cartoon Brunch at Nosh runs from 12.30pm to 3.30pm every Friday serving up a huge variety of international food and plenty of entertainment for the youngest family members. Costing Dhs125 per person with soft drinks and Dhs235 with house beverages, the
all-day-dining restaurant at Mövenpick Hotel JLT becomes bright, colorful and decorated with cartoon characters galore (no surprises there), which makes it a huge hit with the littlest family members. Buffet food is served up by the culinary team from stations that include street food, seafood, sushi, tandoori and Italian, as well as a homemade ice cream station for desert. The little brunchers will be able to take part in a load of activities including arts and crafts. Plus kids under six eat for free while those between six and 11 are Dhs60. Children from six years to 11 years dine at Dhs60 while those under six years are absolutely free.
Dhs125 (soft drinks), Dhs235 (house beverages), Dhs60 (kids six-11), free (kids under 6). Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm. Nosh, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, www.movenpick.com/jumeirah-lakes-towers ( 04 438 0000).
Olea
Kids fans of Alice in Wonderland? Dubai’s Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, has introduced a brand-new family-friendly brunch with a fairy tale vibe. The Friday feast takes place at Olea, the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant every week between 1pm and 4pm where Alice herself will be on hand to welcome families to the eatery where they will find an international spread and Alice-themed decor – watch out for the Queen of Hearts or it will be ‘off with your head’. At 2pm Alice invites the youngest family members to gather around here as she reads a selection of fairy tales to keep them entertained.
Dhs249 (soft drinks), Dhs325 (house beverages), Dhs199 (kids aged six-12), free (kids five and under). Fri 1pm-4pm. Mall of The Emirates, Kempinski Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, (04 409 5111).
Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis
Kids can get their fill of burgers, hotdogs, old-fashioned milkshakes and all things red, white and blue at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis’s Friday brunch. The all-American family diner menu is available every Friday from 1pm to 4 pm in at OUIBar + Terrace. Rocking 50s tunes provide the backdrop to your meaty feast and a new barbecue station serves up char-grilled meats to order. Yee-haw!
Dhs175 (soft drinks), Dhs350 (house beverages). Fri 1pm-4pm. OUIBar + Terrace, Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai (04 571 4343).
The Scene by Simon Rimmer
Funky Dubai Marina restaurant The Scene has launched a brand-new family-friendly brunch. Beano’s Family Brunch runs from 12.30pm until 3.30pm every Friday, and promises top British dishes as well as entertainment for the little ones. The restaurant, from British TV chef Simon Rimmer, has super views across Dubai Marina from its vantage point in Pier 7 where dishes on the new brunch’s menu include fish and chips, burgers, Caesar salad, bangers and mash or a cauliflower steak. Desserts include sticky toffee pudding and apple crumble. Meanwhile there are activities for the kids including arts and crafts, balloon bending, sweet treats and a magician. There will also be prizes for the best dressed – including sweet hampers and free brunches.
Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs299 (house beverages), Dhs399 (premium beverages). Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm. Pier 7, Dubai Marina (04 422 2328).
ABU DHABI
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 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.
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
Because all kids love pizza, there 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 clothes, 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 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 froma range of seafood, grilled meats and more at this a 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 kiddos.
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).
