Here’s yet another list of Dubai brunch destinations that the hardworking (and binge-partying) expats go to on weekends.
Due to blogging delay (pardon, busy mom!), it would be smart to check if prices have changed from when you decide to go today in 2016.
(in order of arrival)
- Mistral – Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel | Saturday | 159Dhs non-alco; 259Dhs alco | Good: service, family-friendly, dessert selections | Bad: sushis aren’t fresh, nothing exceptional nor special from mains | Go: if you want a budget-friendly brunch with family.
Legends’ Legendary Brunch
- Legends – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club | Friday | 250Dhs non-alco; 370Dhs alco | Good: ambience and views, outdoor seating, extensive hot and cold entrees | Bad: mains/steaks are in small servings (a la carte style) | Go: if you’re out to party, drink, relax and eat less.
- Flavours on Two – Towers Rotana Hotel, SZR | Friday | 225Dhs non-alco | Good: extensive food selections, quality and taste, kids’ play area | Bad: a bit cramped | Go: if you want to eat a lot, drink and party later (Long’s bar is a step away inside the hotel).
Bamboo Lagoon at JW Marriott Deira
- Bamboo Lagoon – JW Marriott Hotel Deira | Friday | 395Dhs alco | Good: loads of food! a brunch combining 3 restaurants of the hotel (cuisines: Asian, seafood, and German/Hofbrauhaus); live band; pork sausages and other German delicacies ; laidback ambience ; dim-lit and waterfalls (take a table from the upper floor, right side) ; sake! | Bad: service can be slow, but not obnoxious | Go: if you love asian foods, pork and seafood… with nice live music on a warm
- Casa de Tapas – Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club | Friday | 150Dhs non-alco; 199Dhs alco | Good: value for money, live and festive Spanish music, tapas!, has space for introverts -prefers to eat and drink on a secluded bench, with the TV on | Bad: if you want to be close to the live band and the “party”, you have to sit within the smoking area; the paella is not so rich with seafood | Go: if you like to drink more and eat less.
Little Bangkok, Media City
- Little Bangkok – Business Central Towers, Media City | Friday & Saturday | 111Dhs, no alcohol | Good: family-friendly, authentic and tasty Thai dishes, good value, loads of special Thai drinks/mixes selections, service (the staff usually takes care of our son so we can focus eating more (harhar) | Bad: no alcohol | Go: if you just really want to eat Thai and savory dishes. No partying, just very full stomach! Tip -do not go immediately crazy on ordering loads of starters, it’ll get you too full for the mains. We had to go two weekends, consecutively, to be able to try more mains as we failed to do so the first time (binge problems).
- Shores – Ramada Plaza, JBR | Friday | 225Dhs non-alc0, 325Dhs alco | Good: kids’ play area and snacks | Bad: you can find cheaper buffet with the same food selections/quantity/quality, sushi bar was displaced (beside kids’ area) hence we only knew after having desserts | Go: If you’re not choosy to get some brunch.
Elia Mediterrenean Restaurant – Set Menu brunch
Elia, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai
- Elia – Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai | Friday | 150Dhs for a 3-course meal, non-alco | Good: authentic and tasty Greek dishes, gyros!, romantic and intimate ambience, good quality food, service | Bad: package does not include drinks | Go: if you want a quiet space to eat authentic and good Mediterranean food.
- Thyme – Oasis Beach Hotel, JBR | Friday & Saturday | 99Dhs non-alco | Good: it’s quiet -if you’re dining as a family, that’s a plus | Bad: they changed their buffet price hence less food selections (no more pork section…), and no more live band -that was a nice acoustic duo. Go: if you want a hide-out brunch and value for money.
Thyme for the n’th time!
If none of the above tickles your fancy, I hope some in my list from 2015 Part1 and 2014 could get you a bit hyped or moving (otherwise, I may be going to lousy brunches!).
Until the next list, brunch on!
NOMADIC PURSUITS 