Brunch is back: Dubai Friday brunches to try this weekend

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions this week, restaurants in Dubai have been allowed to resume brunches with strict observance to updated precautionary measures outlined by authorities. Here are 18 Dubai Friday brunches that should be on your agenda for this weekend.

3BK at Burj Khalifa – Secret Brunch at the Burj Khalifa

Secret Brunches are back with the newest of Dubai Friday brunches and this time they’re taking over 3BK inside the world’s tallest building. Tuck into a lavish four-course brunch consisting of sushi platters, roasted leg of lamb, seafood linguine, vegan lasagne and sharing desserts that include eclairs, profiteroles and the special 3BK Khalifa sundae. There will also be Secret Parties touches, such as a cotton candy cart, dancers and acrobats. Fridays, from 1pm to 4:30pm. AED 299 (soft beverages), AED 399 (house beverages), AED 499 (sparkling) and AED 699 (Champagne).

GO: Visit www.secret-parties.com for reservations and more information.

Asia Asia at Pier 7 – The Spice Route Brunch

Featuring panoramic views of the glittering Dubai Marina, embark on an exotic and adventurous culinary journey along the ancient Spice Route, discovering flavours and aromas from the Far East through to the Middle East. Fridays, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 400 (soft beverages), AED 500 (house beverages), AED 600 (sparkling) and AED 700 (bubbles).

GO: Email info@asia-asia.com or call (0)4 276 5900 for reservations and more information.

Bla Bla Dubai at JBR – The Onda Nami Brunch

Guests at Bla Bla are treated to an array of dishes which include sharing starters such as crispy rice avocado, California rolls, edamame, arancini and chicken gyoza. Main courses include cannelloni with ricotta and spinach, pan-seared organic salmon with sautéed broccolini, Katsu Kare with chicken, Japanese curry with rice and Angus BBQ short rib with sweet potato fries. Leave room for the chef’s selection of sharing desserts, including profiteroles, red velvet delight and bread pudding. Fridays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 250 (soft beverages) and AED 350 (house beverages).

GO: Call (0)4 584 4111 for reservations and more information.

Brasserie Du Park at Park Hyatt Dubai – Traiteur Summer Edition

Known as one of the most extravagant brunches in town, Traiteur is back with a special summer edition. Expect a dining experience that serves up an array of gastronomic delights in the elegant surroundings of Brasserie Du Park at Park Hyatt Dubai. Signature dishes on the menu include Kaluga Caviar, chilled and hot seafood platters and the epic meat platter. Fridays from 1pm to 4pm. AED 350 (soft beverages), AED 550 (house beverages) and AED 595 (sparkling).

GO: Call (0)4 602 1814 for reservations and more information.

Café Belge at The Ritz Carlton, DIFC – Secret Brunch At The Ritz

Secret Brunch At The Ritz promises a Gatsby-style brunch full of glitz and glamour. Food on the brunch menu includes Belgian veal meatballs, classic moules a la crème, pan-seared sea bass and grilled beef striploin. All accompanied by cocktails, music and entertainment. Fridays from 1pm to 5pm. AED 295 (soft beverages), AED 395 (house beverages), AED 495 (bubbly) and AED 595 (Champagne)l

GO: Visit www.secret-parties.com for reservations and more information.

CÉ LA VI Dubai at Address Sky View – Brunch On 54

A brunch with sky-high views to match the impressive food. Spend a Friday afternoon with friends and family while indulging in a set menu accompanied by breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa. Fridays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 390 (soft beverages), AED 490 (house beverages) and AED 690 (Champagne).

GO: Call (0)4 582 6111 for reservations and more information.

Garden On 8 at Media One Hotel – Friday Brunch BBQ Edition

A chilled atmosphere, BBQ fresh from the grill, incredible live music and delicious drinks combine in a casual setting for a relaxed yet memorable brunch. Fridays, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 199 (soft beverages), AED 299 (house beverages) and AED 349 (premium beverages). 

GO: Call (0)4 427 1000 for reservations and more information.

Hotel Cartagena at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai – Hotel Cartagena Brunch

Friday afternoons at Hotel Cartagena are back with a bang and devoted to the decadent fervour of brunch. Feast on the mushroom, truffle and cheese empanada’s, mixed meat grill platters and sushi rolls, all washed down with sparkling Chilean bubbles and ending on a sweet note with swoon-worthy desserts served in spectacular cages. Brunch-goers can also expect a DJ on the decks and an extended live dance show. Fridays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 295 (soft beverages) and AED 395 (house beverages).

GO: Call (0)4 560 1799 for reservations and more information.

Karma Kafé at Souk Al Bahar – Blushing Dragon Friday Brunch

Taking place every Friday overlooking the Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa, this Friday brunch offers elegance and world-class Pan-Asian cuisine. Menu highlights include miso black cod, Wagyu beef gyoza and the popular Japanese tuna pizza, accompanied by free-flowing beverages. Fridays, from 1pm to 5pm and 8pm to 11pm. AED 330 (soft beverages), AED 450 (house beverages) and AED 550 (sparkling).

GO: Email info@karma-kafe.com or call (0)4 423 0909 for reservations and more information.

LARTE at Studio One Hotel – That’s Amore Brunch

Enjoy an authentic Italian feast with Friday Brunch at family-favourite LARTE. Start your Italian journey with an antipasti platter including cold cuts, cheese and bruschetta followed by main courses such as porcini risotto, calzone pizza, lasagne, grilled rib-eye and baked salmon. Finish the brunch with a selection of traditional desserts, including tiramisu, panna cotta and cannoli. Fridays, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 250 per person.

GO: Call (0)4 581 6870 for reservations and more information. 

Lock Stock & Barrel at Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR – Absolutely Barreled 

With unlimited rounds of mouthwatering food, including pulled chicken tacos, mac and cheese, dynamite shrimp and chopped Thai salad, kick back over free-flowing house beverages for the ultimate Friday feeling. Desserts include New York cheesecake, triple chocolate mud cake, sweet kebab skewers and a colourful sweet display with lollipops, candy floss and more. Let the good times roll. Fridays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 200 (soft beverages) and AED 250 (house beverages).

GO: Email reception.jbr@lsbdubai.com or call (0)4 392 7120 for reservations and more information.

Spark by Caramel at DIFC – Love Brunch 

Real Dubai OG’s will remember Love Brunch as one of the first party brunches in the region, playing the best music alongside food and free-flowing beverages. The reloaded concept has elevated everything, with a DJ spinning the greatest R&B hits while you tuck into Spark by Caramel’s delectable dishes. Fridays, from 4pm to 7pm. AED 299 (soft beverages), AED 375 (house beverages) and AED 425 (bubbly).

GO: Visit www.lovepartiesgroup.com for reservations and more information.

STK JBR at Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR – Dare To Brunch

STK JBR’s sleek, sophisticated and upbeat take on a traditional steakhouse brunch is a fabulous affair for those who dare. The high-energy Dare to Brunchoffers the ultimate blend of food-meets-party. With two bars, a trendy lounge and a relaxed bistro and terrace, this weekly social dinner party is one for the diary. The three-course brunch offers Burrata to start, followed by a choice of USDA prime fillet, USDA prime striploin, roasted salmon or butternut squash penne as the main course. Dessert options include cheesecake, choco mousse and crème brulee. Fridays, from 1pm to 4pm and 8p to 11pm. AED 399 (soft beverages), AED 549 (house beverages), AED 599 (sparkling) and AED 649 (bubbles).

GO: Email reservations@stkdubaijbr.com or call (0)4 323 0061 for reservations and more information.

Tasca by José Avillez at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai – Friday Brunch

Experience an authentic Portuguese brunch with ocean views at Tasca’s Friday Brunch. Diners can indulge themselves in Portugal’s diverse flavours, from traditional Portuguese salads to grilled veal chorizo and decadent Portuguese desserts such as the much-loved Pastel de Nata. All dishes are served with imaginative flair and accompanied by a collection of Tasca’s signature drinks, while a Latin band keeps guests entertained. Fridays, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 350 (soft beverages) and AED 450 (house beverages).

GO: Call (0)4 777 2231 for reservations and more information.

The Pangolin at The Els Club – Lazy Fridays With Betty

Betty (the BBQ) will be fired up and cooking delicious meats, including beef and three veg skewers, coal-roasted sea bream with lemon butter and fire-roasted oysters. Highlights from the three-course menu include homemade beef chorizo baked in puff pastry, smoked fish croquettes and whole baked cheesy cauliflower mountain goat with mustard and herbs. Dessert includes banana split and black forest tort. Fridays from 12pm to 8pm (three-hour window). AED 250 (soft beverages), AED 350 (house beverages) and AED450 (premium beverages). 

GO: Call (0)58 573 2594 for reservations and more information.

Tipsy Lion at Sofitel Dubai Downtown – The Great British Brunch

Dubai’s most rock ‘n’ rolling brunch is back at Tipsy Lion this weekend with the very best British cuisine that Blighty has to offer. The brunch begins with prawn stars, chicken tikka and vegan “Buffalo” wings, followed by platters and main courses, including plant-based sliders, fish and chips and butter chicken pie. Desserts include beloved British classics sticky toffee pudding and apple crumble. Toes will be tapping to the live music provided by The Boxtones and Tipsy Lion’s resident DJ, mixed in with pub games and free-flowing beverages. Fridays, from 1pm to 5pm. AED 279 (soft beverages), AED 349 (house beverages) and AED 399 (sparkling)

GO: Visit www.tipsyliondubai.com for reservations and more information.

Treehouse & Tesoro at Taj Dubai – Hidden Picnic

The Hidden Picnic Brunch occurs at one of the most stunning locations in Dubai thanks to its enormous terrace, luscious urban-jungle greenery and spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. Hidden Picnic by Love Parties at Tree House and Tesoro in the Taj Dubai Hotel is an all-out al-fresco extravaganza. Fridays from 1pm to 4pm. AED 229 (soft beverages), AED 339 (house beverages) and AED 399 (bubbly).

GO: Visit www.lovepartiesgroup.com for reservations and more information.

ZOCO at The Atrium Al Habtoor City – Arriba Arriba Brunch

Start your weekend with a fun-filled Mexican fiesta with unlimited drinks and food for everyone. Featuring a sumptuous range of all-time brunch classics with signature dishes from the menu, think salads, soup and ceviche, alongside favourites such as nachos, quesadillas and taquitos. Expect tantalising tacos from the live taco station and a selection of palatable mains to savour with friends. Fridays, from 12.30pm to 4pm. AED 165 (soft beverages) and AED 325 (house beverages).

GO: Call (0)4 437 0044 for reservations and more information.