Dubai
Lime Tree Café
This popular kid-friendly chain has a new branch in Springs Souks and it’s fast becoming a go-to spot for families in the area. Not only are there some tasty dishes for mum and dad (we highly recommend the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs) there is a kids’ menu too. Dishes are Dhs22 and include scrambled eggs on toast and “Zesty & Pip’s Magic Cereal” with yoghurt and banana. You can also get toast with a range of jams for fussier eaters for Dhs20.
Open daily 10am-10pm, Springs Souk, The Springs (04 325 6325).
Magnolia Bakery
Famed US cake shop Magnolia Bakery has arrived on Palm Jumeirah, and we’re sure the kids are excited as we are. As who doesn’t love chocolate cupcakes for breakfast? Not only is the chain super-popular for its cupcakes – it’s also well known for its gooey, moreish banana pudding, although we’re not sure we’d advise that for breakfast. More traditional breakfast dishes are also available including eggs, sausages and avo toast.
Open daily 7am-11pm. Golden Mile Galleria, Building 3, Palm Jumeirah (04 564 3443).
Park House Dubai
If you’re looking for a healthy and hearty breakfast that’s not going to break the bank, Park House has launched a special summer pop-up in Dubai Studio City for a special family-friendly breakfast brunch every Friday and Saturday. And the best news is it will only cost you Dhs55. Running from 9am until 5pm every weekend until the end of September, expect a selection of Park House-inspired breakfast dishes from smoked salmon and cream cheese to avocado toast. If you fancy something Mexican to start off your day, Taqado Mexican Kitchen will also be serving up its signature breakfast items, along with a list of healthy bites from Nutri Bowl. There’s even a special menu just for the little ones. Prices start from just Dhs55 for adults for three breakfast items and a drink, and Dhs25 for kids for one breakfast item, juice, and an ice-lolly.
Dhs55 (adults), Dhs25 (kids menu). Fri-Sat, 9am-5pm. Building 2, Dubai Studio City (04 876 7556).
Pots, Pans & Boards
Looking for a family-friendly seaside venue for brekkie with the whole gang? Look no further than British celebrity chef Tom Aikens’ spot at The Beach. This cool, casual restaurant is an oldie but a goodie – and is the winner of Time Out Dubai’s Best Breakfast 2019. It serves up a splendid morning-time meal (full English, avo toast et al) and it’s packed out every weekend for that reason. It also has a dedicated kids’ play area and menu, to keep the little ones entertained.
Open Sun-Wed 9am-midnight, Thu-Sat 9am-1am. The Beach, opposite JBR (04 456 1959).
Sumo Sushi & Bento
This casual Japanese eatery has been on the Dubai dining scene since 2000 and 19 years later its finally launched its first-ever breakfast menu – but hurry, it’s only available until August 8. Head to the Dubai Media City and Town Centre Jumeirah branches of Sumo Sushi & Bento daily from 8am until noon to sample the new dishes for yourselves. The à la carte breakfast menu features breakfast classics such as eggs cooked to order, pancakes, porridge and toast but with a “gourmet twist”. Highlights include fluffy pancakes with a matcha sauce, okayu (a Japanese rice porridge) and Asian-style avocado toast. There’s also a kids’ menu with dishes costing Dhs29. Items include pancakes, scrambled eggs and hot dogs.
Daily 8am-noon. Dubai Media City and Town Centre Jumeirah, www.sumosushibento.com (800 7866).
Abu Dhabi
Molten Chocolate Café
This famous chain now has two new stores – one at Bawadi Mall in Al Ain and one at Dalma Mall. With amazing hot chocolates, fondues, cakes, desserts, snacks and beverages, the new branch is a popular spot with families. However, it’s not all chocolate and there are savoury brekkie dishes the kids will love like boiled eggs and brioche soldiers, filled croissants and French toast. Parents there are also savoury crêpes, omelettes and even a full fried breakfast for just Dhs54. There are loads of sweet crepes and waffles too, which you may not be able to resist.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Dalma Mall, Musaffah (054 793 2189).
Sanderson’s
When it’s cool outside, kids’ will love running wild on the playground located right next to this very stylish café, but it’s got loads to offer in the summer too. The dishes are all homemade and full of goodness, and you’ll find loads of options including smashed avo on toast, waffles and French toast. Plus the summer pool pass deal gets kids access to the pool at Al Seef Resort (behind the café), a kids’ meal and juice for Dhs90.
Open daily 8am-8.30pm. The Walk at Al Seef Resorts & Spa by Andalus, Khalifa Park area (02 222 1142).
Jones the Grocer
The ideal spot for lazy weekend breakfasts, Jones the Grocer has a new branch at the Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown. All the usual Jones favourites are on the menu – we can’t get enough of the chilli cheese toast and avo on sweet potato – and there’s also a dedicated kids’ menu. The chain is popular with families for good reason, and we’re thrilled to see a 15th branch pop up in the UAE.
Open daily 7am-midnight. Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown, Madinat Zayed (02 615 6440).
The Scene
TV chef Simon Rimmer’s Dubai Marina branch is popular with families on a weekend, and The Scene in Abu Dhabi has launched a new breakfast menu too. Dishes include pancakes, egg sandwiches and beans on toast, so there’s sure to be something to satisfy the whole gang on the menu here.
Open Sun-Wed noon-11pm, Thu noon-1am, Fri 10am-1am, Sat 10am-11pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 1330).
