3 Brunches to try in Dubai.
For an indoor party brunch… The Disco Sushi brunch at Okku
I must say I don’t do enough brunches in the city (which should be my new year’s resolution) but I went out to check out Okku’s Friday brunch (Okku is at H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road) called Disco Sushi – which feels like you’re clubbing in the day as it does get very dim, has a Miami Vice dress code and you can only pay with Monopoly money inside! A 12 course menu with signature dishes like Black cod, truffled rice, rock shrimp to sushi and fondant, 80’s and 90’s music, and bottle service. The party starts at 12pm with a cocktail reception, before the filling, yet delicious brunch and ends with a party! If you’re looking for a really fun Friday, I suggest you check it out. FYI I didn’t come in dressed for the part as I had a birthday right after, but they give you sunglasses and glow in the dark bracelets so I was good to go!
The brunch costs AED599 per person.
For a rooftop party… Le Brunch at Iris
One of my favourite rooftop lounges at the Oberoi Hotel in Business Bay have started their fab Friday afternoon brunch – a rooftop party brunch. Every Friday from 1-6pm, they serve a range of food such as truffle burgers bbq’ed in front of you, fresh sushi, as well as desserts from Sugarmoo – not to mention some of the best signature cocktails from Iris. To top it off, a Blue Marlin resident DJ spinning some tunes is there playing throughout the afternoon. They have 3 packages depending if you’re not drinking, have a premium or bubbly package. AED360 for mocktails, AED460 for premium alcohol and AED560 for bubbly.
PS If you’re going as a group, make sure to ask for a sofa booth!
For a relaxed jazz feel… Cafe Belge
Most of the brunches I’ve been visiting have been more of party brunches, but I recently tried Cafe Belge’s brunch which takes place every Friday from 12-30-4 30pm. We sat outside on the terrace, but you also have the option of sitting inside the restaurant. The whole place has a very classy jazz feel to it with the Art Deco decor. Relaxed with a sharing concept and Belgian cuisine, our brunch started with a Seafood platter, and moved on to starters, main courses and desserts. The brunch had a 1920’s feel to it with a live saxophonist and DJ playing some jazz and music where you can hear each other. The service was fantastic, the chef even came to greet us. I merely enjoyed the Scrambled eggs with truffle (which comes in little cups), the fresh steak tartare, the fried chicken vol au vent and the Tomato and onion salad (which comes with a syringe of balsamic). Moving on to the dessert (Belgians have the best doughy desserts), I really loved the Belgian waffles (which could have been softer), but was perfectly glazed with brown sugar. My only feedback was that if you’re not a sea and duck person, you might find your choices limited. The brunch with soft beverages costs AED295 or you can go for one with Belgian beers (try their cherry beer), with wine and sparkling for AED395.