Dubai Brunches – Fine Dining Entertainer Guide – UPDATED

Have a look at the updated 2019 Entertainer brunch guide here!

With under a month to go before the end of the year and cooler weather finally here, it’s time to get going on the brunch scene in Dubai. Especially if you have the Fine Dining Entertainer App and, like me, want to make the most of the 2 for 1 brunches before it runs out!!

If you’re not sure which brunch to dedicate your precious weekends to, or are simply overwhelmed and don’t have time to research all the options, then here’s a guide to what’s on offer to help you make that all important brunch decision…

I know this article is quite long (and I’ve only focused on 20 – I’ve listed the additional ones outside of this 20 below as there’s so many options!!). If it’s a bit too much then there’s smaller guides which sorts brunches by location, cuisine and occasion to accompany this full guide.

Don’t have the Entertainer App? Hopefully this guide is still useful to give you an insight into the range of brunches available in Dubai – definitely the official home of the Friday brunch.

If you haven’t done a brunch in Dubai before, here’s a few details…

As mentioned in my last post, forget any ideas you might have of a traditional brunch (it’s not just scrambled egg and smoked salmon here). No, it’s so much more. Instead, think pretty much every cuisine under one roof with 3-4 hours to eat (and if you want to drink) as much as you can. Warning: Come prepared – (light breakfast and don’t go big on the bread on offer – my two key rules).  Have a look at my Al Qasr brunch review to see what we are talking about.

Brunches on the Fine Dining Entertainer – 20 brunch reviews for you to pick from! 

Aji, Club Vista Mare – INTI RAYMI Friday brunch or MACHU PISCO Saturday brunch

• Location: The Palm
• Packages: Valid on Soft Beverages (Soft beverages AED 275) – Friday – Saturday offers a different menu and options
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday/Saturday
• Buffet: No, unlimited starters and then a choice on main and a dessert platter (Friday) and canape style options on Saturday.
• Overview: Nod to Peru here with unlimited Ceviche on the Friday option (as well as sushi), followed by a main course and dessert platter. Saturday is a different affair altogether with canape selections of their main course dishes.
• Review: Mixed, some reviews comment that the portions are small for the cost (Friday brunch in particular)

Guestbook’s message: “For a different cuisine and a non buffet brunch this could be worth trying but reviews are mixed.”

Al Grissino Restaurant & Lounge, DIFC – Friday brunch 

• Location: DIFC
• Packages: Valid on premium beverages – AED 270
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: No
• Overview: Italian a la carte selection with live music and a view of the Burj Khalifa.
• Reviews: Very good but not one of the well known brunches so not many reviews. Those that have reviewed see it as a hidden gem though!

Guestbook’s message: “For a set menu Italian brunch with views over Downtown we have Al Grissino on our list.  It’s also excellent value.” 

A.O.C French Brasserie – Le Grand Brunch

• Location: Sofitel, JBR
• Packages: Packages including Soft Beverages only (AED 345 – House beverages)
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: French themed buffet style brunch
• Reviews: Mixed! Some great reviews, but some questions regarding quality (but then again it is a cheaper brunch).

Guestbook’s message: “Cheaper buffet option in JBR”

Asia Asia – The Spice Route Friday Brunch

• Location: Pier 7, Dubai Marina
• Packages: All excluding bubbly (House beverages: AED 395, House beverages including sparkly AED 495).
• Validity: Until 3o/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: No, unlimited orders from a shorter version menu served at your table
• Overview: A later brunch (2-5pm) providing great views across the Marina with a wide selection of options on offer.
• Reviews: A lot better value than dinner so would recommend if you’d like to try Asia Asia – the views alone are worth it.

Guestbook’s message: “Pick brunch over dinner for better value dining and a chance to sample lots of dishes”

Atelier M – Sunset Brunch

• Location: Pier 7, Dubai Marina
• Packages: Valid on House Beverages (AED 399). Advance booking is required.
• Validity: Until 31/05/17
• Day: Friday (6-10pm)
• Buffet: Serving platters with a combination of Asian and Italian dishes (strange but it does work!)
• Overview: An evening brunch with the amazing views that Pier 7 delivers in abundance. Food served to your table for the most part but more limited in selection when compared to other brunches. Great alternative to dinner though and we were impressed with the food.
• Reviews: Reviews are mixed but we enjoyed it and thought it was good value. It’s not a brunch in the (Dubai) traditional sense but it is worth it for the value you get from drinks alone and the food is good too.

Guestbook’s message: “Go as a good alternative to dinner with friends and make the most of the drinks offer before the prices go up and the party gets started (music is loud!!)”.

BICE – Friday Brunch

• Location: Hilton, JBR
• Packages: Package including Soft Beverages Only (AED 395 house beverages)
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: No, set menu served to table (various plates to try and main course to self select from options). There is a buffet for dessert.
• Overview: Italian themed set menu brunch.
• Reviews: Very good reviews, especially in terms of the setting and food.

Guestbook’s message: “For a relaxed non-buffet style quality Italian brunch”

Caravan – Rotisserie brunch

• Location: Ritz Carlton (Dubai Marina)
• Offer: Valid on soft drinks and house beverages packages
• Validity: Until 31/10/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: 17 live stations with food from India, Arabia and the Mediterranean (and of course Rotisserie, it’s in the name).
• Reviews: Mixed again but generally good and consensus that this is a quality buffet brunch offering and quite chilled out brunch. See my review here.

Guestbook message: “Good food but it’s very much at the top end in terms of price so we would probably expect more for our money when comparing this to other brunches”

China Grill – Big Boys Toys Brunch

• Location: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyhani (near Dubai Marina)
• Offer: Package including House Beverages only (450 AED)
• Validity: Until 30/09/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: No, sharing platters
• Overview: Most dishes are brought to your table and there’s a varied and generous selection so don’t worry about getting your fair share.
• Reviews: Mixed – some people love it but there are a few “avoid” reviews on TripAdvisor for this one. Best for a party party brunch.

Guestbook’s message: “Worth trying for a party brunch”

Crescendo, Anantara – Cork n Fork Friday brunch

• Location: Anantara, East Crescent – the Palm
• Packages: Valid on Soft Drinks & House Beverages packages (AED 499 House Beverages)
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: A large scale buffet brunch with a number of stations offering foods from around the world as well as a selection of drinks stations.
• Reviews: Very good! Reviews suggest that it is an excellent all rounder with a varied offering. Read my review here.

Guestbook’s message: “Something for everyone here – the buffet is great and it’s good value if you’re looking for a traditional Dubai style brunch”

Flow Kitchen, The Fairmont – Ultimate Family Friday brunch

• Location: The Palm
• Packages: Packages including soft drinks only (AED 355 house beverages – note you’ll have to pay AED 100 if you opt for the house beverages package on the Entertainer)
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: Famous for buffets with different offerings available in the week (also on the Entertainer), Flow Kitchen’s brunch is one for the family with a focus on kid friendly activities and food options.
• Reviews:  Excellent and highly recommended for families. See my review here.

Guestbook’s message: “Family friendly brunch option on the Palm”

Giardino at Palazzo Versace – Friday brunch

• Location: Versace Hotel, Al Jaddaf
• Packages: House (House beverages – AED 550)
• Validity: 01/09/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: In the beautiful Versace hotel, this brunch also includes pool access (which might help you justify the price and the location).
• Reviews: There’s limited reviews on this new addition to the hotel and brunch scene but they are positive despite the cost. Pool access is a good addition too.

Guestbook’s message: “I’m interested to visiting the Versace Hotel so this would be a perfect excuse. I’m expecting good things based on the reviews and reputation so would make a day of it with the pool too!”

Hoi An, Shangri La Hotel, SZR – 50 flavours of Vietman

• Location: Shangri La Hotel, Sheik Zayed Road
• Packages: Valid on house packages. House Beverages package (includes sparkling wine) – AED 295
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday/Saturday
• Buffet: No
• Overview: Vietnamese food. Wide selection of dishes brought to your table which you can then reorder depending on your favourites. Great way to try a wide variety of dishes.
• Reviews: Good although not a lot of reviews on this but recommended for something a bit different from your traditional brunch. See the full review here.

Guestbook’s message: Quieter, more intimate brunch – but great food and selection as well as excellent value (especially with bubbles included!)

Imperium, Jumeriah Zabeel Saray – Saturday Blues Brunch

• Location: West Crescent, The Palm
• Packages: Vouchers for both soft drinks only (AED 275) as well as house beverages (AED 395)
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Saturday
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: A jazz inspired brunch in the very impressive and grand Imperium restaurant. Wide buffet selection with emphasis on roasts as well as a few Louisiana-inspired cuisine options. House band outside playing Jazz.
• Review: Highly rated for the wow factor as well as quality offer. See my review here.

Guestbook’s message: “Definitely a brunch to wow visitors with, the surroundings alone will impress.”

INTERSECT BY LEXUS, DIFC – Friday brunch

• Location: DIFC
• Packages: All packages (House beverages – AED 295)
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: No – set menu
• Overview: Healthy (as brunches go) option with served starters and mains including lots of fresh ingredients in a modern setting with easy listening live music.
• Reviews: Limited reviews but the ones that are there are great and this seems to offer a refreshing break from the party party, over indulgence options (although we like them too).

Guestbook’s message: “On our list to mix up the brunches with something bordering on healthy in DIFC.”

La Parrilla, JBH – Friday brunch

• Location: Jumeriah Beach Hotel
• Packages: Valid on all packages. House Beverages package (includes sparkling wine) – AED 495
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: No
• Overview: Latin American themed with a selection of tapas style dishes and mains from the grill served to your table.
• Reviews: Very good Latin American focused sit down and be served option with a view of the Burj al Arab and traditional Columbian dancers as entertainment.

Guestbook’s message: “This is top of my list to try for a set menu option with quality food and an amazing view”

Nineteen – Friday Brunch 

• Location: The Address Montgomerie (golf course)
• Packages: Packages including Soft Beverages (AED 345 for house beverages package on a Friday)
• Validity: 30/12/17 – Friday
• Day: Friday (also Saturday but not currently on the Entertainer)
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: A small (but good) buffet selection including seafood, salads and roasts (as well as a pork station) in a chilled out setting overlooking the golf course.
• Reviews: Good! For the full review see here.

Guestbook’s message: “Very relaxed and intimate affair for a chilled out Friday or Saturday brunch in a great setting. Go in winter to make the most of the view.”

 Nine7One – Karnival Brunch

• Location: The Oberoi, Business Bay
• Packages: Valid on all packages  (AED 399 for house beverages)
• Validity: 15/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: A revamped brunch (launched in September 2017) and as you might have guessed fun, carnival theme is the name of the game with a range of innovative food options available. There’s limited information on this one, but judging by the reviews of their previous brunch it should be a good choice.
• Reviews: As mentioned limited, but it has a great reputation from it’s previous brunch.

Guestbook’s message: “If you’re looking for a fun filled and lively Friday but don’t want to miss out on quality then this brunch could be worth a try.” 

Rib Room, Jumeriah Zabeel Saray – Friday/Saturday brunch 

• Location: West Crescent, The Palm
• Packages: Food only voucher for the Friday and Saturday brunch (AED 355), as well as an additional voucher for the Saturday brunch for the house package (AED 375).
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday/Saturday
• Buffet: No, either a tasting menu or a three course pick your own menu
• Overview: This renowned restaurant provides a selection of their best dishes for you to try in this sit down affair with live jazz. House beverage options change weekly.
• Review: Very good! Not your traditional buffet but quality of both the food and wine is noted.

Guestbook’s message: “A great way to sample the food in this popular restaurant and a good option for anyone not a fan of the traditional brunch buffet option.”

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Friday Brunch, The Address Dubai Marina

• Location: Dubai Marina
• Packages: Soft Beverage Friday Brunch
• Validity: 29/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: No, selection served to table and option for repeat orders
• Overview: Steak is the speciality here but good reviews and quality noted through all courses even if steak isn’t your favourite.
• Reviews: Good – renowned for good steak and an even better ladies night, this place has a reputation for quality and delivers this offering a nice alternative to the buffet brunch.

Guestbook’s message: “Great Steak but also a wide range of options for your non-steak loving friends too”

Suq, Four Seasons Jumeriah – Friday brunch

• Location: Four Seasons Jumeriah
• Packages: Valid on house packages. House Beverages package (includes sparkling wine) – AED 500
• Validity: 30/12/17
• Day: Friday
• Buffet: Yes
• Overview: Traditional brunch style with a number of stations with lots of options freshly prepared by dedicated counter chefs. Not as extensive as other choices, but makes up for it with the quality on offer.
• Reviews: Excellent but not that many reviews – it’s slightly under the radar on the brunch scene but we really enjoyed it (but you need to sit outside). See the full review here.

Guestbook’s message: “Quality food and lovely surroundings. My favourite in the cooler months with a chilled out vibe and saxophone player – make sure you sit outside.”

Other options on the Entertainer

Just in case the selection highlighted isn’t enough(!), then there’s also additional brunch offers at the following:

Jumeirah: Beach Lounge

Habtoor City: City Grill

Barsha Heights: Lucky Voice

Meydan: Farriers

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown: Asado, Tolosa, KANPAI, Karma Kafe & Patiala

DIFC & surrounding area: Cafe Belge, Mint Leaf of London, Bazxar, Flavours on Two, Dusty’s & Gaucho

World Trade Centre & Emirates Towers: Ballaro, Zahira, Alta Badia & Chamas

Deira: Hofbrauhaus – JW Marriott

Ps. It’s worth noting that the above were identified from typing “brunch” into the search functionality on the Entertainer but this means you do miss some of the other great weekend buffet options such as El Sur Friday and Saturday tapas. So bear in mind that there are a few others that might have sneaked out of the list due to this!

Happy brunching!