Winner
Velocity
Following the Marriott Downtown’s popular Eat. Play. Laugh. party brunch, Velocity is incredibly busy during the after-brunch hours. Happy hour runs for a full 12 hours and offers hops, grapes and premium beverages for Dhs24. Next time you’re thinking of where to go after a big feed, check this place out, it’s absolutely buzzing.
Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (02 304 7777).
Highly Commended
Belgian Café Abu Dhabi
If you’re not ready to go home after your brunch, this is one of the best places to go. When the weather is cool, the outdoor terrace turns into one big party and dancefloor, and the inside is just as buzzing. The resident DJ sets the mood perfectly and it’s the ideal end to your day out in the capital.
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (50 723 5441).
Heroes
If brunch has you in a party mood, head to the Friday After Brunch (or FAB) event at chilled-out pub Heroes. For Dhs139 per person you can get three hours of free-flowing house beverages and bar snacks (if you can handle any more food). DJ Ash is also there playing the best 90’s tunes.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 616 6166).
Nominees
Buddha-Bar Beach
Once you’ve finished working through the huge buffet of international dishes at Olea, you can head to this pretty beach bar for some immaculate cocktails and cool tunes. Big name DJs regularly play, and whether you’re relaxing on the outdoor terrace or in the stylish dining room, the vibes are always totally incredible.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
Filini Garden
Boasting one of the best spots on Yas Island to have a sundowner, Filini Garden has been impressing guests and the Time Out team alike since it opened in 2018. The after-brunch party is always packed out, and anyone who’s anyone heads here once they’ve finishing feasting at venues across Yas Island. The Fresco Friday offer is on from 4pm to 8pm and it offers unlimited beverages for brunch guests for Dhs100 and Dhs150 for those just coming for the after party.
Fri 4pm-8pm. Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Loca
Mexican spot Loca keeps the party going long after you’ve eaten your last fajita. The live band plays until 8.30pm, after which a DJ takes over until the small hours. With super Mexican mixed drinks in every possible fruity flavour and tasty bowls of guacamole to keep you going, you’ve got everything you need to keep you going for a brilliant night out.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
McGettigan’s
If you want somewhere busy and lively this is the place to be. It also has a dancefloor and music from a live band and DJ if you’re keen to burn off some of those calories from your heavy session at the chocolate fountain. It might not be the fanciest venue in the capital but it’s definitely one of the most fun.
Al Raha Beach Hotel & Resort, Channel Street (02 652 4333).
Stars ’N’ Bars
This sports bar is far from sophisticated. The whole concept is really very silly, and that’s 100 percent a good thing. One corner is dedicated to retro arcade games, while the stage on the opposite side of the room is filled by live bands blasting out rock and pop hits during the Friday-brunch after party. The outdoor terrace is also perfect for a spot of people-watching and for taking in the bright lights of Yas Circuit as you let your food go down. The package is Dhs149 and it includes unlimited house beverages.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
The Retreat
Bubbalicious is one of the most talked about party brunches in the capital, and none of its guests are in a mood to go home once they’ve had an afternoon of exploring the many food stations and dancing to the live entertainment. The Retreat offers great deals on house beverages, and a fun and casual place to hang out as you catch up with friends long into the evening.
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9999).
Victor’s Bar & Restaurant
With unlimited starters and a choice of pub grub classics like pies and burgers, the FAB brunch at Victor’s is a bit of a bargain at Dhs199. But you shouldn’t go home once you’ve finished eating. Live music carries on through the evening and the happy hour runs until midnight.
Hilton Capital Grand Hotel, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 666 5508).
