Friday brunch is somewhat of an institution in Dubai, but if you’re after a new hotspot to try, or you’re fancying a free upgrade to the bubbly package (girls, I’m looking at you!) then here’s the round-up for you.
The Loft at Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai
The Loft at Dubai Opera opened last month at the top of the iconic Dubai Opera House, providing an elegant experiential dinner setting that is perfect for standalone dining, as well as pre-theatre feasts and post-theatre festivities. Operating in the space previously occupied by Sean Connolly, The Loft offers a modern European menu influenced by regional tastes, in sophisticated surroundings with custom-made interiors and striking views of the Burj Khalifa. Guests are invited to tour the venue’s open kitchen layout where the Seafood Bar boasts a selection of caviar and oysters as well as grilled seafood platters; the hand-built oven offers authentic pizzas and bar bites; the Chef’s Table provides guests with a more intimate dining experience. Signatures on the menu include handmade pasta, seasonally-inspired dishes like Chateubriand, steaks and dry-aged meats from the finest sourced farms.
The Loft offers a host of weekly events, including a Ladies Night every Wednesday, Friday Brunch (from 12pm-4pm every week, priced at AED 395 inclusive of soft beverages) Afternoon Tea packages with live entertainment, classic post-work afternoon sundowners on the terrace, ‘catch of the day’ alongside the launch of a new pre-theatre set menu and a post-theatre drinks offer. See loftatopera.com, e-mail reservations@loftatopera.com or call +971 4 362 7312.
MAMA ZONIA, Pier 7
Pier 7’s newly-opened restaurant, MAMA ZONIA has launched a weekly Friday brunch. Step out of the ordinary and into a fully immersive adventure where your experience will have you clawing through the dense Amazonian inspired feast and your senses will be kept on high alert. The feast begins with a cold buffet serving favourites such as ceviche and sushi followed by an array of hot starters brought to your table. Mains including striploin, sea-bass fillet and BBW miso chicken as well as vegetarian shitake mushroom noodles. Sharing platters of desserts will follow. ‘Don’t Feed the Animals’ brunch is a great escape into the hedonistic wilderness of the Amazon a where inspiring creativity ignites the senses at every turn. Taking place every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, brunch packages start at Dhs295 with soft beverages. For reservations e-mail reservations@mamazonia.com or call +971 04 240 4747.
Kitchen Connection, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The recently renovated Jumeirah Beach Hotel has launched a brand-new bubbly brunch which has been carefully crafted with ladies in mind. Starting with a free upgrade to the bubbly package (when the standard package has been booked) the “Ladies Who Brunch” package means that ladies will only pay for their meal as the drinks and bubbles are on the house. Guests can enjoy a delicious food spread featuring a full seafood and oyster selection, an elaborate spread of sushi and sashimi, a full roast lunch station with all the trimmings and homemade Dim Sum, pizza and pasta stations. Catering to all needs, the brunch also includes a gluten-free section and dedicated Vegan Kitchen.
With a supervised children’s area in the restaurant available for all brunch goers, Mums can enjoy a kid-free afternoon without a worry. Plus, the Husband Creche in Kitchen Connection will keep the men happy and occupied with drinks on tap, delicious bites, a library of newspapers and magazines and a few games of table football for good measure. Taking place every Friday from 1pm-4pm, brunch is priced at AED 415 inclusive of soft beverages, with a free upgrade to bubbles for ladies. Call +971 4 432 3232 or email restaurants@jumeirah.com for bookings.
Seagrill Bistro, Fairmont The Palm
Seagrill Bistro Friday Brunch is topping your weekend ‘must-do’ list with its new mini day-cation offering, just as the perfect Dubai weather sets in. Along with enjoying its adults-only Balearic style brunch, guests can now enjoy the outdoors even further with pool and beach access before or after their brunch experience, from 10am onwards.
Chic, modern and located next to the pool and beach with gorgeous views of the Dubai Marina Skyline, the Seagrill Bistro Brunch offers a selection of Mediterranean and European-inspired sharing dishes, plentiful beverages and a live DJ providing the ultimate beats-filled brunching atmosphere, playing right into sundowners. Post-brunch, guests can stay and enjoy the pool and beach providing the ultimate ‘Dip and Dine’ experience, or skip the water and head straight upstairs to Ba for post brunch beats and a happy hour of just AED 33 per drink! Brunch is priced at AED 345 per person, and you must avail your wristband from 10am-7pm for pool and beach access. For reservations, please call +971 4 457 3457 or email palm.dining@fairmont.com or visit palmdining.com.
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