Have An Urban Picnic At Vida Downtown. Credit: Vida Downtown Dubai
Dubai loves to toast the weekends. That’s when the city’s chic set lets its hair down at one of many fashionable brunch spots in the UAE’s famed metropolis.
Whether you prefer to spend the weekend by the pool with views of the Burj Khalifa, watch acrobats perform while you tuck into sushi or sway your hips to reggaeton while sipping on Dutty Wine, these Dubai brunches will not disappoint.
Jamaican vibes at Miss Lily’s
One of the hottest new brunch spots in the city, the New York-born Jamaican diner Miss Lily’s, sitting on the fifth floor of Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai, boasts an unbeatably cool vibe with funky artwork , checkerboard flooring, a shiny disco ball and a rum bar that will make you feel like you’re relaxing on Caribbean shores. The bar area draws a crowd with addictive reggae and ska tunes while the quieter restaurant section is ideal for those who want to focus on the food.
Friday brunch-goers get three courses of Jamaican specialties, such as hot pepper shrimp, juicy jerk chicken, fish tacos and pepper steak and eggs, while a selection of tasty tipples keeps the island spirit alive. Between bites, try the Dutty Wine (red or white sangria topped with prosecco) or Passion Lymin (vodka, passion fruit, banana, lemon, Creole bitters and soda).
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort’s Bushman’s. Credit: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
An Australian feast on Palm Jumeirah
Transport yourself to the land Down Under with the Saturday Lazy Lunch at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort’s Australian restaurant Bushman’s. With a laid-back ambience, Aussie-inspired décor, friendly service, live music and an emphasis on the food, this meal is for those who aren’t looking for a boozy party.
While you savor starters such as salads, smoked meats, lamb pies and oysters at the grazing stations, remember to save space for the prepared-to-perfection main courses.
Light desserts ensure that you can get a sweet fix without overdoing it. Traditional Aussie flavors take center stage with selections like a Tim Tam (an Australian chocolate wafer cookie) and raspberry tart, passion fruit and mango panna cotta, and a particularly dreamy Pavlova.
Live entertainment at Bubbalicious
The Bubbalicious Friday brunch at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina continues to be wildly popular among area foodies.
Spread across the hotel’s three restaurants — Blue Orange, Hunters Room & Grill and Spice Emporium — and with views of the resort’s pools, Bubbalicious offers more than 10 live cooking stations where you can choose from international cuisines, including fresh seafood, pasta, Arabic mezze, traditional roasts and sushi.
This is also one of the liveliest Dubai brunches with top-notch entertainment by talented acrobats and a live band. Between shows, children can also enjoy face painting, a petting zoo, an indoor cinema and more.
Urban picnic in downtown Dubai
There couldn’t be a better excuse to head outdoors than Urban Picnic, the trendy brunch experience found at Vida Downtown that combines an à la carte menu and a buffet-style spread. Enjoy this alfresco delight on the hotel’s terrace or book a cabana by the pool for a leisurely meal by the water.
Fill up your picnic basket with starters from the buffet, like fresh breads, artisanal cheeses, salads and pastries served in easy-to-carry jars. You’ll also partake in succulent main courses such as roast, fish and chips, or a seafood basket at your table.
A generous variety of fresh juice and smoothies is on offer along with cans of beer and bottles of wine to bring back to your picnic spot.
While a DJ plays music throughout the afternoon, it’s never too loud for conversation, providing one of the more relaxed brunches in Dubai.
