WINNER
Zuma
Holding on to the title of Best Fine Dining Brunch once again, it’s really hard to know where to start with describing all the wonderful food that’s on offer at the Baikingu Brunch. Even the simple things like the grilled corn and broccoli (a surprise highlight) are done so brilliantly, and you’re also able to help yourself to a huge buffet of sushi, salads, hot bites (such as skewers of meat and noodles), plus a main each from the à la carte menu. There are too many highlights to mention, but favourites include the signature black cod fillet, wagyu sliders, bao buns and mochi ice cream.
Al Maryah Island (02 401 5900).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
COYA Abu Dhabi
This fun Peruvian restaurant certainly knows how to throw an awesome brunch. With upbeat Latin music and welcome drinks to start you off, you’ll be in a proper party mood before you’ve even taken a seat in the vibrant dining room or on the pretty garden-themed terrace. The menu includes some of COYA’s best dishes such as sushi, ceviches, bao buns, creamed corn, grilled meats, fresh fish and much more. The desserts are also unmissable, so save plenty of room.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000).
Tamba
The lazy lunch at this very stylish Indian-inspired restaurant is a relaxed affair. There’s no scrum to get the best bits of sushi, or endless cheese and chocolate rooms to navigate, instead everything is brought out in a steady stream to the table. You start with ‘street snacks’ like spicy tuna with avocado, oysters, stuffed mushrooms and quinoa chicken salad, before moving on to the signature mains like dahl makhani and the intriguing okra kurture. Meanwhile, the dessert spread is all singing, all dancing spectacular served with theatrics like gold sparklers, and it contains some of the best sweet treats you’ll have ever tasted.
The Hub, Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi (02 672 8888).
NOMINEES
99 Sushi bar and restaurant
It’s all about elegance and top quality food at this swanky brunch where you feast on some of the restaurants top dishes. With the likes of okonomiyaki, fatty tuna, tiger prawn tempura, steak and of course sushi, all served in truly sophisticated surroundings, you can’t really go wrong here.
Fri, 1pm-5.30pm. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (02 672 3333).
Alba Terrace
With an amazing setting in the wonderfully stylish and elegant Abu Dhabi EDITION, you can sit on the terrace and soak up the sun while being served some top notch food. A host of Mediterranean dishes are on offer including fresh salads, seafood, cheese, pasta, risotto and so much more to indulge in and a cracking atmosphere too.
Fri 12.30pm-4.30pm. Alba Terrace, Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Cafe Milano
It’s always best to arrive hungry at this super-cool Italian restaurant because there’s plenty of food to enjoy throughout the afternoon. Expect amazing plates of seafood, risotto, pasta and more as well as your choice of a main while you soak up those impressive views over the water to the city from the outdoor terrace.
Sat, noon-4pm. Café Milano, Four Season Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 333 2630).
Catch
With idyllic views over the Arabian Gulf and a great location at the end of the Corniche, Catch really is one of the places to brunch in the city. As you would expect there is a whole host of fresh seafood on offer her but the variation and brilliant combinations are what make it both unique and hugely enjoyable brunch destination.
Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Catch, Nation Riviera Beach Club (02 611 0909).
Hakkasan
Outstanding is a word that comes to mind when thinking about Hakkasan from the stunning venue and the relaxed ambiance to the wonderful food on offer. From steamed dim sum, soups, wok-fried specialities to seafood, there’s loads of great food on offer and a special atmosphere too.
Fri noon-4pm. Emirates Palace, Corncihe West (02 690 7739).
Market Kitchen
With its stylish and sophisticated dining room and relaxed atmosphere Market Kitchen is a great place to start the weekend with an evening brunch. With a host of dishes on offer including tuna tartare, calamari, pizza and pasta, there;s plenty to like about the food on offer too.
Thu 8.30pm-11pm. Le Royal Meridian Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street (02 674 2020).
Verso
La Dolce Vita brunch is an ideal way to end the weekend with its relaxed Saturday afternoon vibe, inviting outdoor seating and complimentary pool access. Plus you can feast on Italian favourites like
mixed antipasti, slow roast veal, eggplant parmigiana and many more.
Sat noon-4pm. Verso, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl (02 510 1234).
