You can tell a lot about a brunch by the amount of people in attendance and the atmosphere on the day.
Some are quiet and that’s all well and good, but, if the place is packed (as much as you can be right now), people are having a good time and the ambiance is vibrant, then there’s a good chance you’re on to a winner.
Every time we’ve taken a trip to Saadiyat Island, to the Market Brunch at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, the brunch has fallen into the latter category.
When we arrive we’re in a queue to enter as everyone booked in seems to have arrived at the same time.
We don’t mind waiting a little to be shown to our table, the queue passes quickly anyway, and looking around it looks like we’ve made a good choice for where to enjoy our weekend.
With the winter sun ready to bask in, we make our way to the outdoor area and as we smell freshly grilled seafood in the air as we sit at the table, we’re already excited.
At the Market Brunch everything is available and waiting for you at cooking stations indoors, and you can go up in your own time to choose exactly what you want.
There’s fresh seafood, sushi, a huge cheese selection, dim sum and curries, to grilled meats, desserts and much more. At the risk of rolling out a cliché, there’s something for everyone, even if you only eat oysters.
Before we’ve even left the table, we’ve got drinks in hand, the sun is shining down and there’s a live singer outside blasting out some beats to warm us up.
On our first foray into the main room we make a beeline for the sushi and seafood, making a mental note to pace ourselves and not to peak too early.
It’s easier said than done, with juicy prawns, sushi of all shapes and sizes and fresh salmon sashimi we tuck into a little bit of everything and share it at the table. The prawns prove the most popular but we’re not hanging around and make our way to pick up some freshly steamed dim sum. Each of these dumplings are excellent and we aren’t prepared to share.
For the mains there are delicious looking curries and noddle dishes but we can’t look past a traditional roast. We tuck into juicy roast beef, slices of tender lamb swimming in pools of rich gravy. We pile up on potatoes and roasted vegetables, too, and it’s a huge hit.
By now our bellies are full, but after a short break we’re ready for one last round of food – there’s just so much to try.
The cheese selection is incredible, from the smelly and soft, to the mature cheddar and more between. It’s brilliant and we eat more than our fair share of crackers and bread.
Market Brunch is busy for a reason, the food is great, the vibe chilled and we love it.
It’s one of the best in the city, and we can’t help returning time and again.
Dhs375 (soft drinks), Dhs499 (house beverages), Dhs599 (bubbly), Dhs175 (kids aged six-11), free (kids under six). Fri 1pm-4pm. Licensed. Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas (02 697 0000).
