High-spend brunches and post-Christmas parties worth leaving the sofa for.
If Boxing Day for you means dressing up again, refilling the glass and pretending the excess is still justified (it definitely is), these are the places doing it properly. From buzzy late brunches to DJ-led dining rooms and polished Dubai energy, these premium picks are for those who aren’t ready to wind down just yet.
Read on for your Insider roundup…
Ernst Biergarten
Big plates, bold flavours and free-flowing drinks keep the festive momentum going at this lively German favourite. Expect a generous Boxing Day buffet paired with hops, bubbles and a crowd that’s still very much in celebration mode.
Friday 26 December, 6.30pm–10.30pm | 25hours Hotel One Central |AED 300 (soft), AED 400 (house), AED 500 (draught & bubbly)
ernstbiergarten.com | 050 369 8394
Gohan
Paris meets Tokyo with a festive twist at this sunset-timed Boxing Day brunch. Come for the refined plates and golden-hour views, |stay for the DJ-led atmosphere and polished party crowd as the evening builds.
Friday 26 December, 5pm–8pm | Bluewaters AED 495 (house), AED 695 (bubbly) | gohanbluewaters.ae | 04 556 6622
Kasumigaseki Japanese Restaurant
A more refined Boxing Day affair, Kasumigaseki offers a special festive set menu showcasing classic Japanese flavours with optional grape pairings. Ideal for those wanting indulgence without too much post-Christmas energy.
Friday 26 December, noon–10.30pm | Vida Emirates Hills | AED 600 (food only), AED 1,100 (with grape pairing) | restaurant.kasumigaseki.ae| 04 887 9775
Mama Shelter Dubai
Karaoke, cocktails and unapologetic fun define Mama’s Boxing Day party. With DJs, festive plates and a crowd very ready to sing their hearts out, this is Boxing Day with personality.
Friday 26 December, 7pm–11pm | Business Bay | AED 249 (soft), AED 399 (house), AED 449 (sparkling) | mamashelter.com/dubai | 056 509 1956
Mimi Kakushi
A stylish bubbly brunch runs through the festive week, making Boxing Day the perfect excuse to book in. Expect polished dishes, live music, a DJ and a celebratory crowd, plus a keepsake to take home.
26 December (running 25–28 December) | Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah | AED 450 (soft), AED 599 (house), AED 765 (bubbly) | mimikakushi.ae | 04 379 4811
Mina’s Kitchen
A full-scale Boxing Day brunch with Bubbalicious-style abundance, live music and free-flowing drinks. It’s relaxed but polished, making it a solid choice for families or groups easing out of Christmas in style.
Friday 26 December, 1pm–4pm | The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi | AED 485 (soft), AED 625 (sparkling), AED 715 (bubbly) | @minaskitchendxb | 04 511 7373
