Six of the Best Dubai Brunches

​There are many reasons for foodies to love Dubai and Friday brunch is surely one of them. For me it’s something of a ritual - the anticipation of weekend vibes, catching up with your crew at the actual feast, and even the aftermath of scheduling in of that extra training session on a Saturday to “cancel out” those guilty calories (don’t judge me) – that's when you know you’ve had a good one. There are many amazing brunch spots but these are currently my best Dubai brunches.

Sean Connolly
This outstanding location is on the top floor of the Dubai Operahouse and has amazing views of the Burj Khalifa from the outdoor terrace. If the summer heat is already killing your vibe, you can always opt for the Raw Bar, the Fire Bar or the Pearl Bar which are the other dining area options. There are oysters and starters to share including sashimi fish salad, prawn ponzu, grilled white peaches with mozzarella and pistachio pesto (so yum) and spit roast lamb.  You have a choice of seafood, veg and meaty mains, the ocean beef rib-eye with miso hollandaise is tastes beautiful and a choice of sides before dessert Lemon Tart, Arctic Roll, Torta Caprese.
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Soft drinks: Dhs390
House beverages: Dhs500
Champagne: Dhs610
Booking: +97143627312

Play
The interior is warm and sophisticated, food is on point, cocktails are like Black Tap milkshakes - but for adults because they all have a novel presentation with a full bodied taste to match – you won’t find any tasteless watered down margaritas here! While the Friday Play by Day brunch is no longer happening, the venue has introduced new night brunch on Monday nights 9:30 - midnight.  First courses are varieties of sashimi, nigiri and maki, second courses are an array of seafood options including shrimp tempura with a salad and wagyu choices. For main course there is a choice of one of the following options, entrecote, grilled seabass, baby chicken, veal pancetta or wild mushroom risotto plus dessert.
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House beverages: Dhs450
Booking: +97143364444

Zuma
You can’t really go wrong with the next level flavours at Zuma and as a self-confessed food addict, the Baikingu offering is something to look forward to as one of the best Dubai brunches.  Starter options include a generous variety of fresh sushi options with fresh takes on the usual brunch suspects like sashimi, maki, tempura and hot and cold small plates including the divine robata grill skewers, with your choice of main including Tiger Prawns, grilled lobster and miso black cod prepared and served a la carte style before helping yourself to the decadent dessert and fresh fruit display.  Zuma’s last brunch for the season takes place on Friday the 11th May.
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Kitsu (Soft drinks): Dhs473
Kowaku (Prosecco, red/white wine and beer included): Dhs625
Kyasha (champagne and sake taster included): Dhs688
Booking: +97144255660

Ruya
This exquisite gem is nestled on the marina side within Grovenor House and has an array of delicious, contemporary Anatolian cuisine on offer. Brunch or not, the food is crazy good but you will need to move fast to make a booking as the last ‘Grand Bazaar’ Friday brunch before Ramadan is on the 11th of May.  Appetizers include roasted baby beetroots with goats cheese and corn bread; seabass sashimi with mustard and apple and simit coated baby squid. The choice of main varies from barley risotto with pulled lamb, grain fed rib eyein a Turkish coffee & isot rub with crispy zaatar potatoes, whole grilled seabream and clay pot baby veggies in a tomato and pepper sauce. The only thing to note is that if you’re looking for a more conversational dining experience, you should request to be seated away from the live music.
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Soft drinks: Dhs299
House drinks: Dhs399
Bubbly: Dhs499
Booking: +97143999123

Nobu
If you’re looking for one of the best Dubai brunches with some skilfully prepared treats then you can’t go wrong with Nobu, situated in the majestic Atlantis resort. Arguably, the world’s most renowned name in Japanese cuisine, this time round the brunch menu is a bit unique from the usual Japanese flair in that brings together about ten signature dishes from Nobu restaurants across the globe with the usual winning options like the classic black cod, grilled salmon crispy butter with crispy spinach burrata, egg toban with dry miso and then something different like their take on the short rib and egg which hails from the Shoreditch Nobu.
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Soft beverages: Dhs395
House beverages: Dhs586
Bubbly: Dhs650
Booking: +97144260800

Looking for some vegan options to try? Click here.

Happy brunching, folks! Xx
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​Images: Instagram