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Ladies who brunch

Live music

The Ivy, Emirates Towers, near DIFC

Like its sister venue in London, the Dubai outpost oozes old-school English glamour, with racing-green leather banquettes, dark wood panelling and starched linen tablecloths. Its sophisticated brunch harks back to the Jazz Age, with live music from the region’s most talented jazz artists. The eight-course degustation menu features classic French and British dishes, such as roasted duck breast with buttered savoy and celeriac, served with Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial NV or paired fine wines.

Fridays, noon – 4pm, thedubaiivy.ae

 

Utter extravagance

Imperium, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm 

Resplendent with chandeliers and columns, this lavish restaurant will certainly impress. Alongside the Sovereign brunch buffet featuring free-flowing Laurent Perrier and French brasserie-style favourites, there’s also Dubai’s most extravagant offering: the Royale Brunch. With your own private dining room and butler, there’s Dom Pérignon champagne and Beluga caviar, as well as a la carte options and seafood and grills from live cooking stations. The experience doesn’t come cheap, though. Be prepared to part with a cool Dhs2,500 each.

Fridays, 1pm – 4pm, jumeirah.com

 

French cuisine

Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira

With brilliantly executed cuisine, tasteful surroundings and top-notch service, it’s no wonder Traiteur is widely regarded as one of Dubai’s best brunches. Diners make their way through the open kitchen, helping themselves to a large selection of appetisers, such as freshly shucked oysters and tuna tartar, and lamb and lobster from the grill, served with Besserat de Bellefon champagne. Dessert includes a mouthwatering selection of crêpes and classics like crème brûlée, as well as a dazzling array of French cheese.

Fridays, 12:30pm – 4pm, dubai.park.hyatt.com

Sublime seafood

Pierchic, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach

Perched at the end of a pier with the Burj Al Arab on one side and Atlantis in the distance, Pierchic is one of the city’s most romantic settings. But brunch attracts as many groups of glamorous girls as canoodling couples, who all flock here for its superb seafood and fine champagne. It’s a mix of buffet and a la carte, with scallop and foie gras stations; main courses such as sautéed tiger prawns and pan-fired sea bass; and sinful desserts.

Fridays, 12:30pm – 3:30pm, jumeirah.com

 

High brunch

Nobu, Atlantis, The Palm

Renowned across the globe for its outstanding Japanese cuisine, the atmospheric Nobu Dubai doesn’t disappoint. The High Brunch is a suitably reverential affair, with small servings of Nobu favourites served at your table, such as yellowtail sashimi and their signature black cod, along with sake and Perrier Jouët champagne. Brunch begins with salted edamame and a variety of salads, followed by sushi, sashimi and strips of beef, and ends at the overflowing dessert counter.

Fridays,12pm4pm. atlantisthepalm.com

 

Chilled vibes

Urban Picnic, Vida Hotel, Downtown Dubai

After grabbing a basket and a bottle of wine, brunchers pull up a patch of grass or grab a cabana by the pool while the DJ plays summer tunes. Inside the light and airy restaurant, there’s a buffet brimming with fresh salads, as well as wood-fired pizza and stir-fried noodles. A platter of grilled seafood and meats is brought to you, while the cheese and dessert counters are full of baked goodies like pecan pie.

Fridays,1pm5pm. vida-hotels.com

 

A bit of everything

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach

You’ll be spoilt for choice at this brunch! With food stations that cover food from all corners of the globe (think Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Spanish, seafood, cheese, dessert…and anything else you can think of!) this is one of Dubai’s largest brunches. While away the afternoon, sipping on bubbly, and sitting on the beautiful terrace that overlooks Madinat Jumeirah’s waterways.

Fridays, 12.30pm-4pm. jumeirah.com

 

Buzzy atmosphere

Bubbalicious, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Jumeirah Beach

Often booked well in advance, this lively brunch is spread across three restaurants, with live music and acrobats to boot. Despite its size, it remains a classy affair and is renowned for its cheese (there are over 100 types to choose from) and specialist charcuterie. The buffets and live cooking stations cover most cuisines and range from salads and foie gras to steak and lobster, plus there’s a huge dessert section with a dedicated chocolate table.

Fridays, 1pm – 4pm. westinminaseyahi.com

 

Latino  luncheon

Calabar, The Address Downtown Dubai

Latin-inspired Calabar lounge bar serves up South American dishes at live cooking stations. Try oysters, tacos and quesadillas, sliders or even indulge at the live churros station – yummy! Cocktails and a Latin band help to get the party started at this Friday brunch.

Fridays,12pm-4pm. theaddress.com

 

Decadent desserts

Sanabel, Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Al Barsha

If you love chocolate and shopping (let’s face it, who doesn’t?), this brunch is for you. With contemporary décor and a relaxed atmosphere, there’s a buffet of sushi and salads, live cooking stations, and main courses ranging from roasts to Indian curries. But dessert is undoubtedly the highlight, with a separate room dedicated to petite chocolate puddings and patisserie cakes. Then it’s herbal tea with billowing dry ice, post-brunch drinks on the terrace and a spot of retail therapy downstairs.

Fridays, 12.30pm – 4pm, sheratondubaimalloftheemirates.com

 

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