Al Farna
"Come around for some brunch" has never rung more true than at Al Fanar's Friday feast. The revolving restaurant takes you on a trip around Abu Dhabi, all from your seat and whilst tucking into delicious food.
We kicked our tour of Abu Dhabi off with a gorgeous view of the Corniche, a glass of bubbles and a heap of anticipation (we'd made our way past the seafood selection on our way to the table and it was mighty impressive). After we sat down, settled in and put our bags down - only to pick them back up again because we realised they would be on the other side of the restaurant after half an hour - we were ready to embark on our culinary journey. First stop? You've already guessed it, the selection of fresh seafood on ice: there was more crab, oysters, mussels, prawns and lobster than we knew what to do with, but we soon made quick and very messy, work of it all attacking the various juicy crustaceans with fervour.
And once we started, there was no stopping us! We headed back for sushi (and a little bit more crab) before leaving the cold food behind and heading over for our mains. The selection was seriously impressive, there was everything from Spinach and blue cheese tortellini to Calamari in an almond sauce and Veal escallops, and we had to try it all, naturellement! The tortellini was absolutely delicious, perfectly creamy and a total indulgence. While the Baked sea bream was so perfectly cooked and delicately seasoned and we have to admit we went back for seconds.
As we wound our way around the world through the international fare, we stopped off for some Arabic flavours of hummus, fattoush and tabouleh, and then jetted to France for a spot of cheese that did our growing waistline no favours, but sent us to our happy place.
We knew the brunch was coming to a sad end when the Corniche came back into sight, which meant just one thing: time for dessert. There was White chocolate cake, Chocolate mousse, Tiramisu, Mango mousse, Cheesecake and Brownies - we were officially smitten. After we sampled an impressive selection of the sweet stuff, we found ourselves back overlooking the Corniche, which meant, sadly, it was time for us to leave our rotating brunch behind.
Location Le Royal Méridien, Abu Dhabi
Tel 02 695 0490
Tasty Trio: Brunch With A View
Beachcombers
When you book yourself in for a weekend brunch at Beachcombers, make sure you get an outdoor table with a garden view of the beach and the Burj Al Arab towering above. The brunch is perfect for families, with an Asian-inspired buffet that’s unparalleled. The kids will be kept entertained by the performers and a kiddie-themed brunch selection just for them. Meanwhile, you can sit back and relax with a glass of bubbles, drinking in the seven-star view.
Location Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai
Timing 12.30pm-4pm, Friday-Saturday
Tel 04 406 8999
Cost From Dh250
The Observatory
The clue really is in the name; enjoy panoramic views of the Marina and Palm Jumeirah from the 52nd-floor restaurant as you tuck into the delicious buffet options on offer. The selection of fresh seafood is spectacular – the Seafood laksa with noodles might be one of the city’s best – and the carving station is worth a visit. Memo to self: the brunch has a reputation for being a wild one.
Location Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai Marina
Timing 12.30pm-4pm, Friday
Tel 04 319 4000
Cost From Dh350
Palermo
Can you think of a better way to spend the afternoon than enjoying a brunch of international food on a gorgeous sun-drenched terrace while watching an exciting game of polo? We love the luxury of a Friday afternoon at the Ranches doing our best Pippa and Kate impression as we watch the chukkas with a glass of bubbles in hand whilst tucking into the food from one of the many live cooking stations. Hurrah!
Location Arabian Ranches, Dubai
Timing 12.30pm-3.30pm, Friday
Tel 04 361 8111
Cost From Dh199
