From beats and bites poolside to Riviera-inspired set menus, these are the best of the (Sunday) brunch in Abu Dhabi
Keen to keep the weekend feeling going into Sunday? Make plans around one of the best Sunday brunches in Abu Dhabi, with feasts to take you from Yas Island to Hudayriyat.
Dai Pai Dong
Dai Pai Dong’s Yum Cha Brunch remains the Sunday standard for modern Cantonese dining, opening with light salads and soups before a parade of dim sum — steamed shrimp, beef short rib — takes the stage. Canton roasted duck and a live BBQ station anchor the mains in Rosewood’s characteristically polished setting. Note: the same kitchen now also runs a separate Saturday brunch, Wok-Hei, for those who can’t wait until Sunday.
Where: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah
When: Sun, 1pm to 4pm
Price: Dhs298 soft, Dhs398 house, Dhs528 premium
Book: Tel: (0)2 813 5550. @rosewoodabudhabi
Ilios
Ilios brings a slice of the Greek Islands to Hudayriyat every Sunday, its Aegean Brunch built around chargrilled seafood, slow-cooked meats and a generous mezze spread. Set right on the beach, it trades marble columns for sea breeze and does so without losing an ounce of polish. Whitewashed charm, delivered waterfront.
Where: Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Sun, 1pm to 4pm
Price: Dhs325 soft, Dhs450 house
Book: Tel: (0)2 419 8508. @ilios.abudhabi
Kai Beach
Kai Beach’s Family Table Brunch keeps Sundays easy and sun-drenched, with a lemonade bar for the kids and sharing plates of mussels, prawns and beef tenderloin for the table. Beach access comes bundled with every package, so the day can run straight from brunch into a lounge-and-swim afternoon. It’s low-key, family-first and exactly what a Saadiyat Sunday should feel like.
Where: Saadiyat Island
When: Sun, 12.30pm to 4pm
Price: Dhs250 soft, Dhs300 house, 50% off children five to 11.
Book: Tel: (0)50 2835 795. @kaibeachsaadiyat
La Petite Maison
LPM’s Sunday brunch keeps its French Riviera credentials fully intact, opening with a viennoiserie basket before eggs and sun-drenched tartines carry the meal through to mid-afternoon. Drinks flow freely and unhurriedly, in keeping with the restaurant’s Mediterranean unhurried spirit. It’s Sunday as the South of France intended.
Where: The Galleria Al Maryah
When: Sun, 12pm to 4.30pm
Price: Dhs390 soft, Dhs465 house, Dhs640 Champagne, Dhs195 children.
Book: Tel: (0)2 692 9600. @lpmabudhabi
Dino’s Bistro Italiano
Pearl Rotana’s Italian favourite Dino’s hosts brunch every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, which now features cheese and antipasti stations as well as assorted desserts for the table to share. Whichever day you choose, expect warm, unfussy hospitality and the finest flavours of Italy on every plate. Little ones under five eat free, with kids six to 11 getting half off.
Where: Pearl Rotana
When: Sat and Sun, noon to 4pm
Price: Dhs220 soft, Dhs280 bubbly, half price for children
Book: Tel: (0)2 307 5555. @dinosbistroitaliano
Paradiso
Dolce Vita spirit meets marina views at Paradiso, where a duo of Italian-leaning brunches run back-to-back on Saturdays and Sundays. Indoor and outdoor seating both do the Yas Bay setting justice, whether you’re after a leisurely lunch in the shade or people-watching on the waterfront. Mediterranean plates and easy sparkling packages make it a weekend regular for good reason.
Where: Yas Bay Waterfront
When: Sat and Sun, 1pm to 4pm
Price: Dhs250 soft, Dhs350 house, Dhs450 sparkling.
Book: Tel: (0)50 437 2869. @paradisoabudhabi
Sontaya
Sontaya’s Himalayan Brunch continues to chart the culinary route between the Ganges and the Mekong every Sunday, layering succulent kebabs and aromatic curries with wok-fired plates and vibrant street food. It’s a spice-led, soulful spread that feels equally at home on a beachfront terrace as it does at altitude. One of Saadiyat’s more distinctive Sunday tables.
Where: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
When: Sun, 1pm to 4pm
Price: Dhs295 soft, Dhs395 house, Dhs495 sparkling.
Book: Tel: (0)2 498 8443. @sontayaabudhabi
Images: Supplied