Winner
Funch, Stars’N’ Bars
For the second year in a row this outrageously fun brunch has bagged our Best Party Brunch award, but this year it’s at Stars ‘N’ Bars on Yas Island. With retro games, sports car-esque seats at the tables, it’s all very silly (in a good way) and once the weekend arrives it transforms into an all-singing, all-dancing party destination. There’s an always-packed after party with live music and a fantastic range of mouthwatering American-style dishes such as burgers, corn dogs and chicken wings.
Dhs198 (12.30pm-4pm), Dhs385 (12.30pm-8pm). Every Fri. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
Highly Commended
Loca
You won’t be going loco down in Acapulco if you stay too long at this ever-popular Mexican outlet. In fact, it’s not a bad way to spend a whole day. The fantastic five-hour brunch is packed with funky Latino vibes from a live band, alongside a colourful and flavoursome menu of classic Mexican tastes. There’s DIY tacos, starter plates, burritos, fajitas and of course, it’s legendary guacamole, prepared freshly at the table. The Mexican drinks are always spot on, too.
Dhs285 (house beverages). Fri noon-5pm. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa Abu Dhabi
Bubbalicious is one of the most legendary party brunches in the capital and it’s always busy. The service is speedy and efficient, and as the mixed drinks flow, you’re sure to have the best time. The spread includes barbecued meats, fresh salads, an incredible selection of cheeses and much more. Staying on for the post-brunch drinks deal is always a good idea and there’s live music throughout the afternoon if you want to have a boogie.
Dhs336 (soft drinks), Dhs430 (house beverages), Dhs624 (bubbly). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9999).
Nominees
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
While during the cooler months this spot is known as one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest Friday party hubs, the Saturday brunch lets you choose whether you want to eat in the restaurant or right out on the sands on a sunbed by the sea. House tunes set the mood and the spread of nibbles include sashimi, sushi, burrito bowls, antipasti and more. Attracting the capital’s coolest customers, it’s one of the most stylish ways to spend your Saturday, and surprisingly family friendly.
Dhs310 (restaurant), Dhs340 (beach and terrace), Dhs580 (bubbly). Sat 1pm-4pm. Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel & Resort, Ghantoot (056 113 3400).
COYA
This fun Peruvian restaurant certainly knows how to throw an awesome brunch. With colourful décor, and upbeat Latin music, it’s a party you’ll wish will never end. There’s views over the water surrounding Al Maryah Island and the menu includes the bars best dishes like sushi, ceviches, tacos, grilled meats and much more. The desserts are also unmissable, so save space.
Dhs238 (soft drinks), Dhs378 (house beverages), Dhs498 (sparkling). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000).
InterContinental Abu Dhabi
The Friday Marina Brunch combines the best Latin-style meats from Chamas with the most delicious pan-Asian plates from Cho Gao Marina Walk. It’s a genius idea, and the vibes are upbeat too. You can enjoy it outside whilst taking in the views of the marina during the cooler months, and an afternoon of sampling dishes from the InterContinental’s best restaurants is never less than perfect.
Dhs423 (soft drinks), Dhs544 (house beverages), Dhs573 (bubbly). Fri noon-4pm. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (800 423 463).
Iris Yas Island
With brilliant ladies’ nights on Sunday and Wednesday and regular appearances from world-renowned DJs, Iris was already doing everything right in our eyes. But since it introduced the very cool Le Brunch event, we love it even more. Filled with the usual young and very trendy crowd, decorated with trailing vines and offering chilled-out tunes mixed by the resident DJ, the food is also on point. The live stations serve up fish and chips, spicy chicken wings and pasta, while the colourful sushi spread is one of the many highlights.
Dhs190 (soft drinks), Dhs240 (house beverages), Dhs290 (premium beverages). Fri noon-5pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island (055 160 5636).
Jazz@PizzaExpress
While there are numerous fancy places to brunch in the capital, not many can offer a whole three hours of quality Italian food, plus live music, for Dhs150. The Stage Brunch offers all of the chain restaurants best dishes, including salads, crispy pizzas and a selection of sharing style starters like meat balls and everyone’s favourite doughballs. The live band are excellent and willing to take requests, and you’ll always find it full of people who are eager to hit the dance floor.
Dhs150 (soft drinks), Dhs225 (house beverages), Dhs250 (bubbly). Thu 8pm-11pm. The Hub, The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah (02 444 7752).
Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi
The Eat. Play. Laugh. brunch is normally held at rooftop bar AT25, but during the summer months it moves to Kuzabara. This international brunch is for grown-ups who want to have a bit of fun, and you’ll find loads of games, a DJ and even a magician providing entertainment as you work through the impressive buffet spread.
Dhs260 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages), Dhs415 (sparkling). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 304 7777).
McGettigan’s
This friendly pub never lets us down, and the buffet spread includes carvery classics and the trimmings, as well as starters such as calamari and mains of salmon, grilled meats and more. But we also love the casual but lively party vibe, and with a range of drinks deals and live music, the after party at this Al Raha spot is definitely worth sticking around for.
From Dhs199. Fri noon-4pm. Al Raha Beach Hotel, Channel Street (02 652 4333).
PJ O’Reilly’s
This Irish favourite pulls out all the stops every Friday for an unmissable brunch. It’s by no means a gourmet experience, but that’s not what you need here. The hearty plates of pub grub are brilliant, and you can choose from fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie and much more. It’s busy, casual and always a fantastic afternoon, thanks to the lively entertainment and friendly atmosphere.
Dhs200 (house beverages). Fri 1pm-4pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
