The Biggest And Best Brunches In Abu Dhabi You Have To Try At Least Once

Grand Brunch in CuiScene

Fairmont Bab al Bahr

BEST FOR: bringing visitors to Abu Dhabi for a great foodie experience

Fairmont has always run a decent Saturday brunch, but it has had a massive glow-up! The hotel welcomed Chef Abhi (ex-Park Hyatt) and he's really put his stamp on this brunch, paying careful attention to the look and feel of brunch, but also doing his best to cater to absolutely every palate. There's an amazing pasta station, some of the best meat options in town - the beef Wellington and the brisket must go onto your plate! - while the lamb on the spit outside on the terrace is amazing. There's a lot of seafood, the best sushi selection at any brunch in Abu Dhabi - we're not surprised about this given the popularity of Cafe Sushi - and numerous live stations. The Indian station is impressive with pani puri, chaat and a gorgeous whole lamb leg biryani and the seafood paella is also worth a spoonful! Trolleys pass by your table bearing Peking duck pancakes - yesss! - a gorgeous risotto and a tomahawk, flambeed tableside. We also loved the kunafah wa kaak trolley - this will change every week.

If you love food, settle in - we recommend either outside on the terrace with Mosque views, or inside Marco's near the piano player.

Fairmont has entered the big brunch chat, and we're here for it!

Timing: Saturdays 1-4PM

Price: Soft AED345, add AED150 for house drinks, children 6-12 50% off

20% off soft with BB+

Booking: 02 654 3333

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The Chef’s Brunch at Giornotte

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

BEST FOR: foodies

This season, brunch has been upscaled - and it’s an impeccable result. The Chef’s Brunch at Giornotte is so much more than just a Saturday brunch - it harks back to Abu Dhabi brunches of old (in all the best ways), a brunch where you feel like you’re entering a world of high-end treats. From entrance stations, past the chefs making dumplings and the seafood station sporting lobster, prawns and crab, find freshly-schucked oysters, excellent sushi, Mexican to the left of you, caviar to the right, and a whole tuna being carved with a huge Japanese katana stuck in the middle!

So that’s outside - head inside for the biggest side of roast beef we’ve ever seen at a brunch, a ramen station with a chef throwing his own noodles (very cool!), grilled prawns, burgers, pizza or a plate of fresh risotto or pasta - every palate is catered to. 

Desserts aplenty are waiting, alongside a chocolate fountain, and then there are the drinks, drinks everywhere! From Spritz at the Ritz serving up passionfruit, plain Aperol and Hugo, to a coffee-everything station for an espresso adult drink, a cup of coffee or a little cup of frozen coffee - one of Italy’s best ever ideas! There’s a slushy station, and best of all, watch the guy grind a slab of ice, add a bit of syrup and away you go with granita in a beer handle! 

What actually sets this brunch apart is all in the title: the Chef’s Brunch - and there are chefs everywhere! You can spot them in their candy pink aprons, looking super dapper and super happy. Kick back to a brilliant sax/DJ combination, both playing upbeat tunes you’ll want to sing along to - and if that’s not enough, find out what else we loved about it here!

Timing: Saturdays | 1-4PM

Price: soft AED399 | house with prosecco AED499 | premium AED699, children 6-11 AED200

Booking: 02 8188203

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Sunday Brunch at Pappas Taverna 

W Abu Dhabi Yas Island 

BEST FOR: Casual, relaxed Sunday on the terrace

Who said brunching was only for Saturdays? Sundays are a family affair at Pappas Taverna at W Abu Dhabi - settle into their glamourous but welcoming Mediterranean restaurant and gather your people for an afternoon out that inspires proper holiday vibes. Returning from October 12th, this Sunday feast celebrates the spirit of the Mediterranean: start with Greek mezze, like lavraki tuna tartar with Santorini capers and colourful Greek village salad, before moving onto the grand grill and live carving stations. Perfectly marinated beef steak, chicken fileto, plenty of fresh seafood and a show-stopping whole spit-roasted baby lamb taste as good as they smell, and a flavourful seafood paella will transport you to the Spanish seaside.

Main course favourites lobster moussaka - a luxurious take on the Greek classic - and feta-calamari spirals, filled with creamy feta and green pesto, add some extra charm, but make sure you save room for dessert. Golden loukoumades drizzled with black honey and actual 24K gold leaf (golden indeed!) and the delicate baklava mille-feuille layered with pistachios and spiced honey cream are delish. 

Timing: Sundays 1 - 4PM

Price: AED275 soft package | alcoholic beverages available for purchase from the à la carte menu | kids pricing AED137.50

Bookings: +9712 656 0000 or WhatsApp +971 50 6420893 or email wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com

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La Belle Vie Brunch at Nahaam

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

BEST FOR: the best brunch band in Abu Dhabi, amazing upscale food

Enjoy 20% off soft, house & French bubbles packages with BB+. Haven’t subscribed yet? Sign up here! 

Always a winner, Nahaam’s popular Saturday brunch has had a makeover - and you’re going to find even more reasons to love it! La Belle Vie brunch brings fabulous ooh la la to the brunch scene and it's giving some of the best brunch food in town. Expect upscale but approachable: yes there are snails, and there's also amazing meat options, a superb sole meunieres, gorgeous duck bao, amazing French country dishes and one of the best dessert selections in Abu Dhabi - we'd go back for the hot desserts including crepes Suzette and the most luscious apple cake, and some swoony Russian fudge. Drinks are good, service is good and the band is the best in Abu Dhabi. Not sure we've heard anyone nail Robbie Williams Angels quite so spectacularly with a guitar riff to match!

Timing: Saturdays | 1PM-4PM

Price: AED395 soft package | AED525 premium house package | AED695 French bubbles package | AED200 kids under 11

20% discount off the soft, house & bubbles packages with BB+

Bookings: 02 811 5666 or click here

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Sahha Family Brunch

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi

BEST FOR: family entertainment

2for1 with BB+ = Soft package AED160pp (add AED100 for house drinks)

The range of food at Sahha is enormous with everything from seafood and sushi to roast meats, a cheese and charcuterie display, an Asian corner and Arabic favourites. The pass-arounds are a highlight, with chefs moving around the room serving freshly carved roasts, creamy risotto and even tiramisu made-to-order. We particularly enjoyed the lobster and freshly shucked Dibba Bay oysters, which stand out for their freshness.

The warm date pudding for dessert deserves a mention, while the pastry table overflowed with beautifully presented tarts, verrines and bite-sized treats.

The kids corner is a full experience, complete with a chocolate fountain, mini burgers, mac and cheese and even a pancake and waffle station. There's also a chocolate workshop, donut decorating, face painting, colouring books and a candy floss machine to keep little ones entertained.

Drinks are well covered too, with two good mocktail options, Heineken Zero for non-drinkers, and a selection of beer, wine and cocktails for those who wanted something stronger.

Time: Saturdays 1-4PM

Price: Soft AED320 | House AED420 | Kids 6-12 AED160 |Kids below 6 free

2for1 with BB+, upgrade to House for AED100

Booking: 02 510 1234

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Saturday Brunch at Loca

The Galleria al Maryah

BEST FOR: a casual drinks heavy brunch

Get ready for a 5 hour long fiesta at one of Abu Dhabi’s longest brunches. Take bottomless margaritas, add a Mexican feast, and you’ve got a recipe for a cracking Saturday afternoon. And if that isn’t enough to entice you? It’s only AED295 for the house package - one of the cheapest house brunches in Abu Dhabi, you’re averaging under AED60 per hour with a whole afternoon of drinking and dining taken care of!

Along with mandatory margs, quench your thirst with bottled hops, house wine and regular spirits. Not drinking? Brunch for just AED175 with soft drinks is a steal, and all your Mexican favourites are on the menu. For those with proper stamina - and if that’s you after 5 hours, we salute you - the AED95 beverage extension package kicks on from 5-7PM. 

Inside tip if you’ve got some sports fans in your group? Heading to a sports bar is no longer the only option in the city - catch a game on the screen if there is something must-see on, catch up with your mates if there isn’t - or maybe enjoy a bit of both. 

Time: Saturdays | 12 - 5PM

Price: AED175 soft package | AED295 house package

Bookings: 02 582 3639

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Brunch at White

Jumeirah Saadiyat Island

BEST FOR: holiday vibes and a relaxed time

One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular high-end brunches, White’s Saturday brunch is back in action this October. A glamorous brunch set against a backdrop of the pristine white sands of Saadiyat Beach, it’s always an elegant affair. From boundless fresh seafood to a stack of live stations, impressive choices for vegetarian diners, an entire chocolate table (yes, even the table top is chocolate, and the dolphin, and the seal...) and one of the best brunch dessert selections in the city, White continues to deliver as one of the most impressive brunches in Abu Dhabi this season. 

Take a seat under the soaring ceiling, or dine al fresco on the terrace - with those spectacular sea views - as you work your way through dish after impressive dish.  White always nails the live music - upbeat and fun, but you can still hold a conversation - and there is the fabulous addition of a roving magician this year, but one who will wow the adults and teens even more than the little kids, he's so impressive! Little ones under 6 will be kept busy with face painting, craft and some games, as well as a kid-friendly food selection.

Timing: Saturdays | 1PM - 4PM

Price: AED375 soft package | AED500 house package | AED625 premium package

Bookings: +971 2 811 4342 or email JSIrestaurants@jumeirah.com

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Dino’s Friday Evening & Weekend Brunch at Dino’s Bistro Italiano

Pearl Rotana Capital Centre Abu Dhabi

BEST FOR: casual weekend offerings

BB+ members enjoy 20% off Friday, Saturday & Sunday Brunch. Sign up here if you aren’t a member already! 

Dino's brunches hit the spot in more ways than one: they’re great for a pocket-friendly family brunch or a fun weekend get-together with a group of friends. Accompanying their signature dishes and brunch favourites - the theatrics of their parmesan wheel pass-around included - enjoy an selection of antipasti and a lavish cheese bar, along with a decent seafood spread every weekend. Watch as pizzas are made fresh before your eyes, then pulled piping hot from the oven, and save plenty of room for dessert - your Italian favourites are on the menu for a sweet finish. 

It's a family friendly brunch - there is plenty for all palates and the sharing style makes for a jolly affair - and we love that the bubbly package at this one is a steal at just AED280 on the weekend (and AED290 on Friday), so go on and treat yourself!

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Timing: Friday evening brunch | 6-11PM | Saturday & Sunday brunch | 12-4PM

Price: Friday AED240 soft package | AED290 house package 

Saturday & Sunday AED220 soft package | AED 280 house package | kids 6-12 dine for 50% off | under 5s dine free

Bookings: 02 307 5551 or email dinos.pearl@rotana.com

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Guilty Fish at Teatro

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

BEST FOR: a casual, wear flats brunch

Exclusive: 25% off for BB+ subscribers. Haven’t subscribed yet? Sign up here! 

Abu Dhabi’s newest brunch is here and if you're a sushi lover and a fan of a spritz, this could be the brunch for you.

Highlights? Big flavours, great cocktails, next level vibes and of course, great sushi for days -side note, the sushi is very good! Take a break from this unlimited sushi with mains like black cod, beef tenderloin, seabass or umami chicken and then hit up the dessert corner - and don’t skip the fabulous rainbow sprinkles cake!

Wear your dancing shoes - DJ Brent Anthony will be on the decks every week, alongside some surprise performances - and pack your swimsuit if you fancy a dip, complimentary pool access is included with every brunch package!

Want to keep the party going? There’s a 2 hour after-party at Cooper's, kicking off from 4PM and starting at AED159 for the house package. 

Timing: Saturday | 12.30PM - 4PM

Price: AED395 soft package | AED495 house package | AED595 premium package | 25% off for BB+ subscribers

Bookings: +9716573317 or click here

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Saturday Brunch at Barbossa

Yas Bay Waterfront

BEST FOR: party vibes and dancing

If you want to guarantee good vibes, dancing and non-stop fun, Barbossa has got to be top of your list! One of the most popular Saturday brunches in Abu Dhabi, get your dancing shoes on: it's all singing, all dancing and all delicious! The combination of a prime position in Yas Bay with a reputation for great drinks and fabulous nights out sets the bar high for Barbossa’s brunch, and they deliver. On top of excellent food, the upbeat atmosphere makes it impossible not to have a boatload of fun.

The menu is an all-star Mexican showing from starters - fresh guac, outstanding birria tacos with pulled beef, avocado mango salad and flautas - to your choice of tacos, a main course including the likes of crispy chicken, pulled beef or sizzling fajitas and dessert of hot-off-the-press churros with dulce de leche and tres leches cake - if you can manage to find room! 

You’ll be glad this is a four hour brunch: the excellent drinks and even better playlist spun by the DJ - think 80s and 90s R&B, rock and pop classics - will have you dancing in your seat, and before long dancing out of it, too! You can give the dancers that appear throughout a run for their money - it's a fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon - and even better now the weather has cooled down and you can bop your way around the terrace again! 

Timing: Saturdays | 1-5PM 

Price: AED249 soft package | AED399 house package | AED599 bubbles package

Bookings: 050 185 8068

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Asado Brunch at Mate

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi - not running during January

BEST FOR: table service for special occasions

The Argentinian table service brunch that comes complete with vibe.

Mate brunch is a must-do. Especially if …

• You like higher end table brunches like Zuma and SushiSamba
• You’re down with meat
• Great service is your jam
• And you like a smoke show - not the Love Island kind!

Start with some actually sublime empanadas - I would totally ‘cross the road’ for a whole lot of these beauties, especially the beefy ones - and the most divine ceviche. There’s a vegetarian option in each course and the avocado with hummus is pretty to look at and fresh to eat.

Choose a main - we chose one each so we could share. The clear winners were both the beautifully grilled sea bass and the tenderloin. I do often consider the tenderloin kind of a Kim Kardashian kind of an experience: looks pretty but lacks any real substance (feel free to disagree) But this tenderloin was probably the best I’ve ever eaten: it was good quality, cut like butter and tasted just so deep and smoky, and showed up a flaw in the sharing plan because everyone wanted to eat that! The tomahawk show is a massive draw and the resultant tomahawk deposited on your plate is redolent with good cognac and strong flavour.

The dessert platter did exactly what you wanted it to do: offer sweetness without feeling like you’d overdone it. The churros were superb (could’ve eaten a lot more of these to be fair) and the Argentinian crepe with dulce de leche … has my mouth watering while remembering.

Drinks were good, not too strong but well-flavoured. Leave the herencia till the end - this beautiful coffee-based drink is a great change from the common-or-garden espresso martini and was a bit stronger than the other drinks and infinitely drinkable. Mocktails were also good - we preferred the amber. Champagne is Perrier-Jouet.

The DJ plays great Latino tunes with a few other classics thrown in and that, coupled with the incredible staff and the fire-focused open kitchen made for such vibes. It’s adults only and suits it.

Asado brunch is great for celebrations and special occasions.

Time: 1-4.30PM

Price: Soft AED415, House AED525, Champagne AED720

20% off all packages with BB+

Booking: 054 309 6027

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Rio Brunch at SUSHISAMBA 

Conrad Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi

BEST FOR: incredible food and entertainment

With a waiting list for their monthly brunch - which has just moved to twice per month, thankfully! - SUSHSISAMBA’s Rio Brunch is hands down one of the hottest tickets in town, and it’s no wonder! A unique and delicious blend of Peruvian, Japanese and Brazilian flavours has won them fans around the globe, and it’s easy to see why - the food is absolutely top notch. Every dish lands on the table looking pretty as a picture, with taste to match, and the sushi and yakitori buffet alone could fill you up - and lure you back for seconds and thirds. Melt-in-the-mouth steak, perfectly cooked cod, the crispiest tacos with just the right amount of kick - not to mention light and tangy ceviche, the best guac ever and glorious desserts to finish? What a showing from the kitchen! Speaking of a show - the glamorous dancers make their rounds throughout, and good luck staying in your seat: it’s a fabulous touch and tonnes of fun. 

Drinks are a delight and there isn’t a bad seat in the house: views across the water and lush greenery of the restaurant make for a high-end feel. Now that terrace season is upon us, sitting outside is a great option.

Timing: Saturdays | 12.30 - 4PM - now on every weekend

Price: AED495 soft package | AED599 house package | AED695 bubbles package

Bookings: 02 811 5882

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Brunch At The Park at The Cafe

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi 

BEST FOR: food and a relaxed terrace

BB+ members enjoy 20% off - download the Best Bites app to sign up & access this discount!

Immaculate vibes, excellent food and drinks that are always on point … Brunch At The Park is good on so many levels. It’s a great location - the situation outside on the terrace of The Cafe is so lovely, with plenty of shade from the trees and the hint of a sea view - and there’s a great vibe courtesy of lovely live music and a brunch that’s always bustling. Younger children get access to the Camp Hyatt kids club, making it possible for parents to enjoy a bit of well-earned time out and make the most of the excellent brunch spread. 

The food is nothing short of the high standard you’d expect from Park Hyatt: from a great seafood selection (including oysters, seafood and fish), a big grill area where you can get roast lamb or chicken, grab a hefty tomahawk or choose your own steak to be cooked a la minute, to an incredible Japanese station - don't miss the wagyu, sushi and exquisite desserts - did someone say gold topped gelato? The drinks package includes cocktails - and none come up short in terms of taste and interest! Widely considered one of the best brunches in Abu Dhabi, we eagerly look forward to its return post-summer each year - and for good reason! 

Timing: Saturday | 1PM - 4.30PM

Price: AED415 soft | AED525 house | AED720 bubbly | kids 6-11 50% off | kids under 6 dine free

Bookings: 02 407 1234

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PEOPLE ALSO ASK...

Which brunch is best for kids? Dino's is great for families - and the food is really approachable! Brunch At The Park has a great kids club option, and White Brunch nails the kids activities if you want them to stay close by.

What's the most wow-factor brunch experience? SUSHISAMBA is hard to beat - the food, the drinks, the location and the dancers are all on point! It's pricey, but it's worth it - and the waitlist is justified.

Which brunch has the most high-end offering? If you're looking for upmarket food choice, and lots of them, The Chef's Brunch at Giornotte has it all: caviar, foie gras, freshly shucked oysters, lobster, premium quality meats.

Crazy about desserts - where should we go? The dessert selection at White is hard to beat - a full table of chocolate sculptures as well as all patisserie chef's perfectly crafted creations? Delish!

What's the best option for a party brunch? We love Barbossa - it delivers great vibes, dancers and a DJ without sacrificing good food and solid drinks! 

We're not huge drinkers, but wouldn't mind a drink or two - any ideas? Pappas Taverna Sunday brunch at W is a great option. Drinks are a la carte, so you don't have to commit to a full service drinks package - but can enjoy a few wines over lunch without going all out.