Dubai’s brunch culture is an institution. but not all institutions are worth attending. These are the ten currently earning their place on the calendar.
Tasca by José Avillez
Downtown Dubai · Portuguese · Michelin starred
A genuine Michelin starred brunch in Dubai is rarer than the marketing would suggest. Tasca is the real thing. Chef José Avillez’s Portuguese concept delivers a five course brunch on the alfresco terrace that moves through the country’s finest ingredients with the kind of precision that justifies the price tag. The Lageriro octopus and piri piri chicken are the references; the pastel de nata at the end is the reason you book the table before you leave.
Amazónico
DIFC · Latin American · High energy
DIFC’s rainforest inspired Latin American powerhouse runs one of the most consistently energetic Saturday brunches in the city. The Nikkei menu, live percussion, and the specific atmosphere of a room that treats the brunch format as a full theatrical production make this the recommendation for groups who want the table to become an event. Noon to 4.30pm, with packages from AED 495.
Nobu Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah · Japanese Peruvian · Iconic
The two course Nobu brunch. Friday to Sunday with views of the Palm and the Arabian Gulf. is one of the few branded restaurant brunches in Dubai that genuinely justifies the name above the door. World renowned Nobu classics, a setting that delivers every time, and the kind of crowd that has chosen quality over novelty. Book well in advance.
Sucre
DIFC · Argentine fire cooking · Saturday energy
The Saturday brunch at Sucre has built a following among DIFC’s professional community for good reason. the fire cooking concept translates exceptionally well to the sharing format, the wood fired prawns and grilled octopus are the dishes people return for, and the atmosphere builds from relaxed lunch into something considerably livelier by mid afternoon. From AED 250 for three courses.
Duck and Waffle
DIFC · British inspired · Views
The signature duck confit on a waffle with fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup is the dish that defined the London original and Dubai has adopted it with equal enthusiasm. The weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday with the DIFC skyline visible from the restaurant’s lofty position, and the menu extends well beyond the signature into genuinely creative brunch territory. For those who want the view with the food rather than a compromise between the two.
Ling Ling at Atlantis The Royal
Palm Jumeirah · Pan Asian · 23rd floor
The 23rd floor of Atlantis The Royal gives Ling Ling a view that most Dubai restaurants spend significant marketing budget claiming to have. The pan Asian menu. innovative cocktails, dim sum, sharing plates built around premium ingredients. delivers with consistency, and the space has the kind of atmosphere that the Palm’s top addresses need to justify their positioning. The Saturday brunch is one of the more polished options on the island.
Alici
Bluewaters · Italian seafood · Double brunch
The acclaimed Italian seafood concept on Bluewaters runs a double brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. crudo, antipasti, mains and desserts with Italian wines and live music in a setting that manages to feel simultaneously relaxed and considered. The lobster tagliolini is the reference dish; the bluefin tuna tartare is the one to add. AED 395 soft, AED 495 house, AED 595 sparkling.
Tatel
Downtown Dubai · Spanish · Live music
High energy Spanish flair, live music, and a menu of quintessential Spanish dishes with Cava included in the house package. Tatel delivers the specific pleasure of a brunch that takes its nationality seriously. The crowd is enthusiastic, the DJ dictates the tempo from early in the proceedings, and the Hotel Boulevard terrace is one of the more attractive Downtown settings for a long afternoon.
Arrogante
Dubai Opera, Downtown · Asian Mediterranean · Stellar
One of the more interesting brunch concepts currently operating in Downtown. the Asian meets Middle Eastern format at Arrogante gives the brunch menu a range and specificity that straightforwardly European or Asian concepts cannot match. The Dubai Opera setting is among the most architecturally impressive in Downtown, and Sunday brunch runs noon to 4pm with packages from AED 375.
Bubbalicious at The Westin Mina Seyahi
Beachfront · Multi restaurant · Classic
If you want the classic Dubai brunch experience. three restaurants collaborating, hot cooking stations, live entertainment, beachfront setting, the full works. Bubbalicious is the reference. It is not trying to be innovative. It is trying to be the best version of what a Dubai brunch was designed to be, and it consistently succeeds. The outdoor terrace is the booking to request. AED 475 soft, AED 585 sparkling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brunch in Dubai?
Tasca by Jose Avillez is one of the strongest brunch options in Dubai. a Michelin starred Portuguese concept with a five course menu on an alfresco terrace. For high energy Amazonico in DIFC is the recommendation. For a classic Dubai brunch experience Bubbalicious at The Westin Mina Seyahi remains the benchmark.
How much does brunch cost in Dubai?
Dubai brunch prices range from AED 250 to AED 795 per person depending on the venue and beverage package. Soft drinks packages start around AED 250 to AED 350. Premium sparkling packages at top venues reach AED 675 to AED 795. Most include free flowing food and beverages for three to four hours.
What day is brunch in Dubai?
In Dubai both Friday and Saturday are weekend days. Most Dubai brunches run on Friday afternoon from noon to 4pm. Saturday brunches have become popular and many restaurants offer both days. Some venues also run Sunday brunches targeting the international community.
Do you need to book brunch in Dubai in advance?
Yes. Advance booking is strongly recommended for popular Dubai brunches. Peak season from October to April sees popular brunches booked one to two weeks ahead. Some venues during the Dubai Food Festival and public holidays book out weeks in advance.
