Are you ready to party? And are you ready to brunch? Everyone at Coya is. You can feel the buzz in the air before you even enter Coya’s dark and moody hallway for Saturday brunch. What was once more of a stand-up-and-mingle brunch might now be at the table, but it’s had little impact on the vibe.
Staff are upbeat throughout the entire brunch (running from 12.30pm sharp to 4pm) and seem genuinely thrilled to showcase the Latin-fusion dishes, no matter how many times they do it. (You’d never know.) Brunch-goers are equally enthused, and are dressed up for the party so don’t rock up in your lazy weekend clothes.
Coya might have a buzzing atmosphere, but it never gets chaotic, and food and drinks are perfectly timed throughout the brunch. Staff also tell you precisely when to expect courses and when last call is. And they know when to bring the mood up with live music. Cue the saxophone solo.
A selection of hot and cold starters highlight the restaurant’s Peruvian-meets-Asian style, including a very colourful platter of signatures and ceviche. Even with everything feeling like it’s fusion food nowadays, Coya’s feels inventive.
Besides, flavours this vibrant never get old. Perhaps that’s the secret to Coya’s longevity on an often fickle brunch scene.
When it comes to mains, there are five plates to choose from, including the resto’s iconic Chilean sea bass rice, and two upgrade options (prawns and wagyu sirloin).
Even if you’re positively bursting (and you will be), you will likely manage to squeeze in room for the dessert platter, which further highlights the Latin vibes with fresh tropical fruits and churros – the latter being the real hit at our table.
There’s no reason to wait until the sun goes down to start the good times and there are few that do it quite like Coya.
Dhs278 (soft), Dhs398 (house), Dhs578 (premium). Sat 12.30pm-4pm. Licensed. Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000).
