Hamptons Vibes Meet Abu Dhabi Luxury at Jumeirah Saadiyat’s White Brunch

Where to begin? Back to the chocolate table later - although yes, the first thing we ate was indeed a (passionfruit chocolate dessert) - but you’ll be lured straight to the seafood. Overflowing vessels filled with lobster, crab, and freshly shucked oysters on ice compete with tiers of gravlax and a gorgeous arrangement of sushi: we counted at least 12 different types of maki and nigiri, almost too pretty to disturb. 

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Next up? White nails their meat selection: from slow cooked lamb leg, prime beef and roasts inside to the live grill station outside, where steak, fresh prawns and delicious kebab are grilled to your liking over hot coals, there is no shortage of protein. A whole, salt-baked salmon is delicately flaked and ready to devour, and while you’re outside, detour via the other live stations - they’re more than pulling their weight. Lebanese falafel, Indian chaat and freshly made pasta are all whipped up while you wait.

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Back inside, and there’s plenty of brunch favourites: Indian curries, Asian delights, excellent bao buns and DIY poke bowls. The Mongolian section was a delicious surprise - the chicken is succulent and perfectly flavoured. A gorgeous cheese display, elegantly plated salads and veggie bites - look out for a pretty-as-a-picture watermelon dish that made us double take - are met with a dawning realisation that there is simply too much at White to try everything in one visit. Choose wisely! 

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For a more simple palate? Don’t skip the hotdog and slider live station outside, and pizzas landing fresh from the pizzas oven are big winners. Little ones - there’s a cute sky-blue and white train with a bunch of kid-friendly dishes, and a Turkish ice-cream stand ready to entertain with the usual hijinks. Past the train, you’ll find a dedicated kids area: it’s best suited to under-10s. Crafts, games and a face painting station will buy parents some eating, drinking or chatting time - use it well!

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Speaking of entertainment, there’s a musical duo that keeps things light and upbeat throughout - bop to everything from 2020s beats to Michael Jackson covers all afternoon. A new highlight? The magician! But this one isn’t for the kids (though they’ll love him too) - he does the rounds, wow-ing every table. Spontaneous gasps of joy and applause kept breaking out across the restaurant, and we were skeptical - but within 30 seconds at our table, guess who was adding to the cries of ‘No way, HOW did you do that?’. No more spoilers - but make sure to flag him down if you’re brunching - he’s impressive!

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Thirsty? All that food is in good company: the house cocktail bar is cranking out a choice of five concoctions, including a yogi gin tonic with homemade smoked pineapple syrup, a Havana paloma and a delicious espresso martini. The house wine selection is commendable, with an Italian prosecco on house and bottled Heineken and Corona chilling in buckets. Upgrade to premium and you’ll be sipping on Moet & Chandon champagne and M’ de Minuty rose, along with higher-end reds and whites. For the non-drinkers, opt for a watermelon moonrise or tropical lagoon mocktail for a ‘relaxing by the beach’ holiday feeling.

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Confession time: we’ve buried the lede here. Call us biased, but hands down the best thing about White brunch has to be the desserts. The chocolate table is a work of art, and the thought of smuggling that giant chocolate dolphin out has crossed my mind more than once. Try the Earl Grey mousse cake (10/10 consistency), tiramisu, the peanut caramel chocolate mousse and the passionfruit hazelnut chocolate bites. The patisserie selection is equally gorgeous - and beautifully executed. Delicate pineapple cheesecake bites, berry macarons, a perfect strawberry Charlotte, pistachio raspberry cake - the fruit-based desserts are miniature works of art and a lovely contrast to the chocoholic’s dreamscape up the other end.

If you’re after a glamorous brunch set against a backdrop of the pristine white sands of Saadiyat Beach, with food, drinks and vibes to match, you can’t go wrong here. White’s back from the summer hiatus: it’s always an elegant affair - and the 2025/26 winter offering is no exception! 

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Enjoy a 20% discount on soft and house packages with BB+. Not a member yet? Sign up here & check the app for all the details! 

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Timing: Saturdays | 1PM - 4PM | from October 4th

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

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

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