5 of the Best Brunches in Abu Dhabi
There are brunches aplenty in the city and it can be hard to know where to start with new ones opening up all the time. There are seemingly hundreds to choose from with many different offerings and price points depending on what you're looking for, but when friends and family are in town, or if you want to push the boat out yourself, for me, these are my go to brunches that are consistently worth visiting and have stood the test of time.
This brunch is without a doubt one of the unsung heroes of the city. It may not be the biggest brunch, but it doesn't need to be as the quality and consistency of the food is always excellent, and at the same time provides more than enough variety. A great brunch with a lively vibe for large or small groups and if you have kids in tow, this brunch is also excellent choice. With a separate kids brunch held along the corridor in the Rose Buds kid's club, once the little ones appetites are sated, the kids can get stuck into doughnut or cookie decorating. Topped off with mini chef's hats and coats, the kids will not only look the part, but keep a bit cleaner too.
The Aqua brunch takes place every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with grape and cocktails, Dhs500 with bubbly and Dhs125 for kids aged six to 12.
2. Giornotte - Ritz Carlton Grand Canal
The Friday brunch at the Ritz Carlton has become a firm favourite of the city. Set in such grand surroundings, it's hard not to be impressed before you've even taken a bite. The sprawling buffet has a wide selection of seafood and meats with additional tastes from around the world and pretty much everything you could ever want - and a whole lot more. There's even an entire room dedicated to cheese - an 'homage to fromage' if you will, as well as a separate dessert buffet held inside Dolce Cafe. This is one that definitely shines on special occasions or if you're looking to impress - the out of towners or newbies in the city will be amazed. The recent update to the drinks packages providing the option for bubbly is the icing on the proverbial cake.
If a 4pm finish seems too early, the after party continues upstairs afterwards at Sorso bar with a resident DJ.
Brunch at Giornotte is served every Friday from 1pm to 4pm and starts at Dhs295 for soft drinks package, Dhs395 including house beverages and Dhs495 with bubbly. Kids aged 13 to 16 pay Dhs206, kids aged under 12 pay Dhs65 and those under the age of four dine free.
3. Las Brisas - Emirates Palace
One for everyone's bucket list, brunch at the palace is a must do in the city. But this is a brunch with a difference - held outdoor and poolside at Las Brisas, this is a luxury brunch with a casual vibe. As well as the wide variety of fine fare you'd expect from the Emirates Palace (including a juicy roast, excellent dim sum and arguably the best shawarma in the city!) there's also a fenced off area for the kids with pony rides, face painting and games. Sit back, take in the view and enjoy the breeze with a cocktail in hand.
Brunch at Las Brisas is served every Friday from October 28 until May (closed throughout the summer) and is priced at Dhs290 per person including soft drinks, Dhs350 including hops and grapes and a rather reasonable Dhs480 including bubbly. Kids aged between 10 to 12 cost Dhs145 and those with little ones will be very pleased to know that kids under 10 dine completely free!
Lovers of Japanese cuisine will not be disappointed, in fact, even those who aren't fans will probably be impressed. The food at Zuma is hands downs amazing - do not pass up the chance to try the Soba Leaf wrapped Miso Black Cod! The main event allows patrons to choose from the variety of both hot and cold dishes from the buffet along with live cooking stations and an à la carte menu offers a choice of one main dish from a selection of house classics. In tune with the slick surroundings, a resident DJ keeps the mood upbeat throughout.
Zuma brunch is held every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at Dhs345 for soft drinks, Dhs445 for house beverages including prosecco or Dhs555 including bubbly.
5. Sofra BLD - Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
One of the classics of the city, this is a popular brunch with good reason. Great choice, great quality international buffet with choices from all over the world, it's also well laid out so you can be sure you won't miss a thing. Although Friday brunch is the larger, more extravagant option, there's also a Saturday brunch complete with pool access.
Brunch is served on both Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. Friday brunch is priced at Dhs285 for soft drinks package, Dhs365 with house beverages and Dhs495 with bubbly. Saturday brunch with pool access costs Dhs180 for soft drinks package or Dhs257 including alcohol.
Bonus Brunch: Crust - Four Seasons Abu Dhabi
One of the newest brunches in the city at the recently opened Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, the Crust brunch already has people raving about it. Just as you'd expect from the Four Seasons - the service and quality is nothing short of the best. Also an exceptional choice for entertaining the kids due to the provision from the in-house kids club.
The Friday Best brunch takes place at Crust every Friday from 12pm to 4pm and is priced at Dhs275 for soft drinks package, Dhs375 including cocktails and house beverages and Dhs75 per child aged six to 12, with kids aged up to five years old dining free.