Brunch in Abu Dhabi, it's the weekend's main event, having grown into an elaborate social gathering that's nothing like its Western namesake. Abu Dhabi brunches are lavish, lengthy affairs where food, drink, and atmosphere vie for attention.
The city's hotels and restaurants have transformed this midday feast into something special, each venue trying to stand out in a crowded market. From massive buffets with dozens of live cooking stations to carefully crafted à la carte experiences, you'll find everything from traditional Arabic hospitality to global culinary journeys. This guide explores Abu Dhabi's best brunches, looking beyond standard hotel offerings to highlight truly exceptional midday spreads.
Luxury Brunch Experiences
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
The brunch at Emirates Palace remains the gold standard – quite literally, as you might find edible gold dusting your desserts. The setting alone justifies the premium price tag, with views across manicured gardens to the Arabian Gulf.
The food focuses on quality rather than overwhelming quantity. Emirates Palace presents a curated selection where every dish gets proper attention. The seafood station features local hammour alongside Alaskan king crab and freshly shucked oysters.
Middle Eastern dishes are a highlight, prepared with authentic techniques. The lamb ouzi, ceremoniously presented whole before being carved, has become a signature. The dessert room offers theatrical creations from the hotel's pastry team.
Service makes all the difference, with attentive staff who never hover. Glasses never remain empty for long, and nobody feels rushed despite the four-hour time limit.
Zaya Nurai Island
Taking a 15-minute boat journey from the Saadiyat Island jetty to reach your brunch venue is half the fun already.
The beachfront setting feels more Maldivian than Middle Eastern, with white sand, turquoise water, and natural wood creating a relaxed luxury vibe. Nurai skips the formal atmosphere typical of hotel brunches in favour of a barefoot, casual approach.
Food stations spread across the beach club, with chefs preparing dishes in open-air kitchens. The seafood grill is a showpiece, with fish and shellfish cooked over charcoal. International favourites cover familiar classics with restaurant-quality finesse.
The brunch becomes part of a day out, with access to the island's beaches included. Many guests arrive early for swimming, then explore by bicycle or relax in hammocks suspended over water afterward.
The boat ride home, watching Abu Dhabi's skyline approach, provides a gentle transition back to reality, making Nurai worth the extra effort for special occasions.
Fouquet's Abu Dhabi
This little slice of Paris on Saadiyat Island does brunch differently. Instead of the typical buffet setup, their 'Brunch à la Française' is a relaxed table service affair that still captures that weekend treat feeling.
The format follows a traditional French meal structure – sharing platters of appetisers, plated main courses, then dessert. This ensures each dish arrives properly prepared, avoiding the wilted salads and tepid dishes that plague even upscale buffets.
Chef Pierre Gagnaire's menu balances French classics with subtle Middle Eastern influences. Quality ingredients jump out – Normandy butter, perfectly matured cheeses, warm bread. The bouillabaisse rivals versions found in southern France.
Located within the Louvre Abu Dhabi, many guests combine their meal with museum visits. Inside, crisp white linens and smooth service contrast with the architectural drama beyond the windows.
Family-Friendly Brunches
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Family brunches can be tricky – parents barely finish a plate before chasing after little ones. Saadiyat Rotana's "Sim Sim Family Fiesta" spreads across indoor and outdoor spaces, giving children freedom to move so parents can relax. The kids' buffet stands at child-height with options beyond chicken nuggets, including healthier choices appealing to young appetites.
Entertainment runs throughout the service, from face painting to a supervised mini-disco. The attached Aladdin's Cave kids' club opens during brunch, giving parents adult conversation time while children enjoy activities with professional staff.
The international buffet covers impressive territory, with strong Asian selections including proper dim sum and a tandoor oven. The beachfront setting adds natural beauty, with terrace tables and sea views.
The WB Abu Dhabi
The WB Abu Dhabi on Yas Island has created a "Lights, Camera, Brunch!" experience that works for all ages without defaulting to burgers and cartoon characters.
The movie-themed brunch surrounds guests with cinematic nostalgia while serving seriously good food. From the Gotham City grill to Willy Wonka-inspired desserts, dishes combine theatrical presentation with real culinary skill.
The venue, part of the world's first Warner Bros. hotel, gives people plenty to look at between courses – movie memorabilia displays and film clips on screens throughout. This environment naturally absorbs excited children's energy without creating the stress of formal dining.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
The "Gourmet Family Brunch" at Rosewood treats younger guests as budding food lovers rather than creating entirely separate experiences. This approach works brilliantly for families with older children or teenagers who have outgrown childish themes but aren't ready for formal adult dining.
Stations are educational as well as delicious, with chefs explaining ingredients and techniques to interested young diners. A teen lounge area gives older children space between food, equipped with age-appropriate entertainment.
The waterfront setting at Al Maryah Island adds class without stuffiness. Outdoor seating allows children to burn energy between courses, while large windows showcase water views throughout indoor spaces. Excellent dishes from around the world and desserts worth saving room for complete the experience.
Specialty Brunches
Beirut Sur Mer
Beirut Sur Mer sits right by the water, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi visible from terrace tables. Inside, the decor avoids clichés – subtle touches like handmade tiles, copper details, and traditional patterns create a genuinely stylish atmosphere.
The meal begins with mezze beyond hummus and tabbouleh, including regional specialties rarely found on standard menus, each arriving at proper temperature with attention to texture and presentation.
Main courses feature grilled meats and seafood, with perfectly cooked lamb, chicken and beef, though seafood from local waters stands out. Desserts balance traditional sweets like knafeh with contemporary creations using regional ingredients.
Live music adds atmosphere without drowning conversation, traditional instruments providing background rather than performance.
Coya Abu Dhabi
Peruvian cuisine has made its mark on Abu Dhabi's dining scene, and Coya's "Sunset Brunch" follows a format where shared starters precede à la carte mains and desserts. This ensures each dish receives proper attention, maintaining the restaurant's usual standards rather than adapting for mass service.
The Peruvian-Japanese fusion works beautifully here. Ceviches arrive vibrant and acidic, fish cut moments before serving. Anticuchos come hot from the robata grill, smoke and spice perfectly balanced.
The restaurant's design – rich textiles, handcrafted pottery, and warm metals – feels exotic yet welcoming. DJ music builds gradually, energy increasing as afternoon moves toward evening. South American-inspired drinks deserve special mention, complementing the food with variations beyond the classic sour, introducing guests to Peru's national spirit in many forms.
Oak Room
Oak Room at the Abu Dhabi EDITION hosts "Gentleman's Brunch" (popular with everyone despite the name), reimagining the British Sunday roast ritual.
Dark woods, leather seating, and subtle lighting create a comfortable atmosphere where conversations stay private and movement between courses feels relaxed.
The meal centres around premium roasted meats carved tableside – aged beef, herb-crusted lamb, and organic chicken – with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy. The British theme extends to updated classics – Scotch eggs with runny centers, potted shrimp on sourdough, sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream. Wines focus on regions complementing hearty dishes, primarily bold reds from traditional areas.
These midday celebrations capture what makes dining in the capital special – generous hospitality, creative cooking, and settings that remind you why you're here in the first place.
