Considering Dubai’s unwavering love for brunch — where the emphasis is on savoring sumptuous dishes, sipping champagne, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying lively entertainment all at a leisurely pace — it’s no surprise that the city has embraced the concept of the night brunch. This after-dark twist on a beloved tradition blends the best of Dubai’s nightlife with the indulgence of an early-afternoon meal, creating a social and sophisticated experience.
Night brunches, which have gained popularity in the city in the last five years, usually take place on Fridays. Whether it’s a kickoff to the weekend or simply an excuse to gather with friends or family over fantastic food and drinks, the night brunches at these Dubai restaurants prove you can never have too much of a good thing. But before heading out with your group, remember that the city’s best night brunches are quite popular; we recommend making reservations at least a few days in advance.
Ammos Greek
With a terrace overlooking JBR Beach and Bluewaters Island, Ammos Greek, at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, boasts a chic dining ambiance brimming with Aegean coastal charm. The elegant interior wears muted neutral tones and features seagrass and bamboo pendant lights, a thatched roof and illuminated alcoves showcasing sculptural pieces.
Every Friday, the family-friendly Thalassa Brunch transforms the cozy setting into a lively evening filled with Greek flavors and music from a live band and DJ that eventually sees diners take to the floor. Dishes on the brunch menu are served sharing-style, beginning with a variety of mezze (appetizers), such as refreshing tzatziki, warm spinach pie and crispy calamari. The choices for mains include seafood orzo, flavorful grills and shareable meat and seafood platters, all enjoyed alongside premium wines and prosecco.
Ask for a table on the terrace to dine alongside stunning views of the Dubai Marina skyline and Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, which stands beautifully illuminated under the night sky.
Matagi
At the stately Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Raffles The Palm Dubai, contemporary Japanese restaurant Matagi impresses with its intriguing vibe, complete with sleek dark wood furnishings, textural design elements and carved murals.
At Friday evening’s Ichigo Ichie Brunch, tuck into salmon tataki, sushi, wagyu beef gyoza and grilled meat platters. Then move onto entrées like saikyo miso-marinated black cod, tiger prawns in spicy kimchi marinade, salmon with teriyaki glaze and lamb chops with wasabi chimichurri.
And save space for desserts like Japanese cheesecake with passionfruit mousse and strawberry matcha pavlova. Sip on fruity cocktails (or mocktails), beer, wines and sake while grooving to beats by the resident DJ.
The Hide
Resting among the romantic canals of Madinat Jumeirah, the palatial Four-Star Jumeirah Al Qasr is a spectacular location for an elegant night out in Dubai. The Friday night brunch at The Hide, a high-end brasserie inspired by classic steakhouses of New York and Chicago with its elegant art deco interiors, sees diners enjoy live jazz alongside premium wines, beers and classic cocktails.
Feast on shareable appetizers such as charred octopus, yellowfin tuna tartare and stracciatella pizzetta and main courses like striploin and grilled prawns. Finish with perfectly crispy churros dipped in chocolate sauce, rich chocolate fondant and decadent New York cheesecake.
En Fuego
If your idea of a fun night out in the city is kicking back with spicy lime juice-infused cocktails and showing off your samba skills while carnival dancers shimmy to Latin beats in a vibrant fiesta setting, then make reservations for the Latino Live night brunch at En Fuego at the Four-Star Atlantis The Palm.
Expect to let your hair down over a high-energy Friday evening of electrifying entertainment and infectious rhythms featuring fire performers, samba dancers, live bands, acrobats and more. On the family-style menu, you’ll find dishes like Caribbean shrimp ceviche, sea bream al pastor, chicken quesadilla and Peruvian chaufa rice with stir-fried shrimp. End with indulgent tres leches, vanilla flan and mini churros or some other sweet note.
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
At Four-Star Grosvenor House, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, the upscale rooftop bar Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar offers a refined dining atmosphere with gorgeous panoramic views of Dubai Marina’s skyscraper-studded skyline.
The Friday night brunch is a laidback affair with top tunes by the resident DJ and a three-course menu designed for sharing. Sample Mediterranean and Asian fare like tuna tartare, shrimp tempura, wagyu short ribs and soy-glazed salmon. Pair champagne, cocktails or quality wines with the stunning vistas.
