A stylish brunch blending fine dining, live tunes, and 360° skyline views in Dubai Marina
Michelin-starred Chef Jason delivers a brunch experience that’s effortlessly stylish, packed with fun, and brimming with charm on the 43rd floor of Grosvenor House Dubai.
The City Social Brunch isn’t just about the food (though it’s incredible); it’s about creating an entire vibe.
From the moment the lift doors slide open, you’re greeted with a chilled glass of prosecco and spectacular 360° views spanning Dubai Harbour, JBR Beach, Bluewaters and Ain Dubai not to mention the shimmering yachts on Dubai Marina.
It’s the kind of venue that feels exclusive yet welcoming, with an airy, modern design and a buzzing energy that sets the tone for the afternoon.
Before you’re seated, soak up the atmosphere as the resident DJ spins upbeat tracks to get the party started. We head to the enormous terrace, with drink in hand of course, where the crowd is vibrant, mostly British expats, and take in the spectacular views from the enormous terrace.
The views continue in the dining space, which is intimate and filled with happy chatter from brunchers genuinely enjoying themselves.
With a set menu served to your table, we’re properly indulged with dish after dish, showcasing Jason Atherton’s culinary finesse.
The attentive staff, dressed in British-inspired waistcoats, are always on hand, and the charming maître d’ ensures your glass is never empty and your every whim is met.
The City Social brunch menu blends European finesse with creative flair. Each dish is crafted to impress, from the freshest seafood to decadent desserts, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Starters, mains, and desserts are served directly to your table, allowing you to soak in the stunning Marina views while savouring every bite.
We kick things off with a seafood selection that set the bar high.
The scallop ceviche, bathed in a vibrant ponzu dressing, was delicate yet bursting with flavour, while the poached Black Tiger prawns paired with a creamy Marie Rose sauce were fresh, succulent, and perfectly chilled – a refreshing way to start the feast.
Next, the starters arrived, and it was hard not to be impressed.
The aged beef tartare, accompanied by goat’s cheese snow and sweet onion marmalade, was a rich and luxurious bite, while the heritage tomato burrata drizzled with basil pesto was a lighter, perfectly balanced counterpart.
The crispy duck salad stole the show with its tender duck, crunchy Chinese cabbage, sesame dressing, and crispy onion – a symphony of textures and flavours.
We also couldn’t resist the aged Acquerello parmesan rice, a creamy delight topped with earthy braised mushrooms.
Each portion was ample but never overwhelming, allowing us to enjoy the variety without feeling stuffed.
When it came to the mains, the choices were mouthwatering, from Josper-roasted French cod to wild mushroom fregola.
After much deliberation, we went for the Black Angus ribeye, a perfectly cooked cut served with crispy fries and sautéed French beans. The steak was tender, juicy, and elevated by the smoky maître d’hôtel butter – a classic dish done to perfection.
The entertainment is just as impressive as both the setting and the menu.
Between courses, magician Abdullah Mahmoud makes his way around the tables, performing close-up magic that promise to leave you and your friends absolutely baffled – it’s an unexpected and brilliant addition to the experience.
On to dessert, which proved to be a whimsical end to the meal.
We sampled everything: the airy strawberry Eton mess, indulgent chocolate éclairs, and the cutest mini-ice cream cones that were almost too pretty to eat (almost).
Finally, the cheese trolley rolled up – a quintessentially British touch. We rounded off the afternoon with a selection of cheeses, accompanied by crackers and a tangy apple chutney, a fitting finale to a meal that dazzled from start to finish.
And with drinks flowing freely, plus a special token for a signature cocktail at the after-party upstairs, this wasn’t just a brunch – it was a masterclass in indulgence.
From the spectacular dishes to the lively atmosphere and breathtaking views, City Social hits every note perfectly. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you, and we’re already planning our next visit.
Be it the food, the buzz, or the stunning views – this brunch nails it.
City Social Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina. Saturdays, 12.30pm – 4pm. AED 495 (sparkling drinks), AED 750 (bubbly), AED 395 (soft drinks). For bookings, call 04 402 2222
