Dubai’s Kind of Brunch: 2015 Part1 (1H)

July 7, 2015 by lauriceonurscreen 2 Comments

Dubai’s kind of “brunch” has been a staple for expats. After all that sun, sand and hardwork, we (including a full time mom like me yey!) all deserve to eat and binge like a king! 

Here are my reviews/opinions from the spots we have tried for brunch (on a Friday or Saturrday) at the first half of this year. Cost per person is not more than AED450 (alcoholic package or not) and those marked with asterisk means the 2015 Entertainer (2for1) vouchers were used:
 

Beachcombers

1. Beachcombers*, Jumeirah Beach Hotel: Cuisine – Pan-Asian, with more focus on Thai; Pros – yummy fresh seafood, live band, family friendly, outdoor seating with fantastic-in-your-face view of the Burj Al Arab; Cons – not really sure if there is something notable as negative from being here couple of times (dinner and brunch).

1. Casa de Tapas*, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club: Cuisine – Spanish tapas with paella and roasted piglet on the side; Pros – good service, nice views of the creek, live band; Cons – loud crowd (I’m including myself on this, harhar).
    
   

   Mazina

2. Mazina, The Address Marina Mall: Cusine – International; Pros – vast food selections, separate section for kids’ parties, roasted duck, foie gras, and their awesome dessert creations; Cons – either the tables are small or I had so much plates at once, nah its the former. And oh, we weren’t able to use Entertainer here.

3. Luciano’s, Habtoor Grand Hotel: Cuisine – Italian; Pros – Gelato, pork cold cuts; Cons – a lot. I think they are overpriced for the food selections they have, which is just a few. Could be too hot during summer as the location is open with pool views and small dim indoor dining area.
    

   

   BBC

4. Belgian Beer Cafe, Madinat Jumeirah: Cusine – Belgian; Pros – Kriek & Leffe (myself and my husband’s fave beers), belgian waffle; Cons – this branch at the Madinat offers set menu plus 3 beverages of your choice, quite a limited brunch compared to the rich menu/buffet offered at the two other branches (DFC, Tecom). 
    
   

   The Market Place

5. The Market Place*, JW Marriott Deira: Cuisine – International; Pros – Saturday brunch available, live cooking station for fish whether grilled/fried/steamed; Cons – not so extensive selections for starter and desserts (which I am more fond of).
    
   

   Dusit Thani’s Grand Brunch

6. The Grand Brunch*, Dusit Thani: Cuisine – Thai, Italian, American; Pros – a grand feast from the hotel’s 3 restaurants (Benjarong, Pax, The Californian). Its a good value for money. Ask to be seated at either Benjarong or Californian for superb views of the Burj Khalifa; Cons – few and not so special desserts. 
    
   

   Thyme’s Live band

7. Thyme*, JA Oasis JBR: Cuisine – Mediterrenean; Pros – intimate ambience, live band, fairly priced, pork section, loads of seafood and starters, good service; Cons – none personally, my husband and I come here often and always love it every time -mostly because it’s never crowded considering the quality of their food.
    
   

   AOC French

8. AOC French Brasserie*, Sofitel JBR: Cuisine – International with a touch of French; Pros – selections of sushi rolls/sashimi/maki, fresh seafood (oysters opened only as u take), pork cold cuts, non alcoholic package includes mocktails; Cons – not so flavourful mains, the starters can compensate for it. And no french pates or terrine or duck confit, if you’re expecting that.

Disclaimer: Please note that the above reviews are only my opinions and based on my experience, taste and standards. If you don’t agree -write your own blog (hehe), or for more info -google more *wink! 

See my 2014 brunch list here

Cheers!