Barasti
Waking up on a lazy Friday or Saturday morning, where better to head than Barasti for a chilled few hours down by the sea? Sipping on a long refreshing drink and tucking into a hearty breakfast, you’ll be back to your normal self in no time. We pitched up on a Saturday morning, and if we’re honest, the idea of spending our morning in a bar was pretty low on the day’s wish list: the call of the sofa and Homeland were just so strong. But the moment we sat down with a long, cold drink and were shown the oh-so-tempting breakfast menu, we were instantly happy to be there. Face palm, Claire Danes!
The new, signature Barasti Big Breakfast stands out on the large morning menu, complete with grilled sirloin steak, potatoes, eggs, sausages and more; and while that and the classic full English option were tempting, we decided to opt for the pancake stack. Arriving with syrup, berries and mascarpone, the four-high, cooked-to-perfection American-style pancakes were a great way to start the day, while our dining companion, who took on the Big Breakfast, was showing no sign of slowing down as she chomped down her second piece of egg-dipped toast.
The menu is not all about carb-overload options though, it’s also full of lighter choices that will kick your day off on a healthier foot. We were tempted by the fruit platter and the yoghurt, fruit and muesli, but decided to put that off for a different kind of Saturday morning. There’s no veggie breakfast option, although there are some vegetarian choices, including the pancakes and a basket of pastries, but if you’re a vegetarian after a cooked breakfast you can build you own with the side options, which include hash browns, baked beans, mushrooms, eggs and tomatoes. Just add it all together and you have a bespoke non-carnivorous fry-up.
The most interesting thing about the new breakfast menu might be the drinks selection, the bar has stayed true to its reputation and developed breakfast cocktails, which include the classic Bloody Mary and Caipirinha, and a few new names, such as the Bartender’s breakfast – which rather deceivingly looks like a healthy smoothie – and the Breakfast Martini, which is a mix of spirits, marmalade and orange juice.
When our breakfast had wound down we decided to spend the day in the most ‘Dubai’ way we could think of: on one of the king-size bed-like loungers down on the beach. By the time we wandered down the steps at midday, the beach was already packed with the city’s sand-loving people, so next time I’m going to get down and lay my towel out pre-breakfast, to guarantee my shoreline spot all day long.
Location Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina
Timing Breakfast from 9am-12pm, Friday and Saturday; Barasti open 11am-2am, Sunday to Thursday; 9am- 2am, Friday and Saturday
Tel 04 318 1313
Tasty trio: Best breakfasts
25°55° Café Bistro
For perfect weekend laziness, get a terrace table and order the Marina Breakfast, a full English feast served on an iron skillet; or you can go for a Big Apple-worthy meal and tuck into a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. You’ll feel like you’re on holiday with the Marina boats passing by.
Location Dubai Marina Yacht Club
Timing Breakfast served 7am-12pm; open 7am-11.30pm, daily
Tel 04 362 7955
Circle Café
We love Circle Café for many reasons, the bagel chips and décor included, but the breakfasts have to be among the best in the UAE. The Eggs Benedict is to die for thanks to a deliciously herby béarnaise, while the muffins and sweet options make nice treats.
Location Al Raha Gardens Plaza, Abu Dhabi
Timing 8am-11pm, Mon-Thu; 9am-11pm, Fri and Sat
Tel 02 556 1550
The Palace Café
This cosy café is perfect for an Arabic breakfast. We particularly love the Shakshuka, which is baked eggs with tomatoes and spices. Brekkie is served until 2pm at the weekend, so there’s no rushed panics on a lazy Friday morning.
Location The Palace Hotel, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown
Timing Breakfast served 9am-12pm, Sun-Thu and 9am-2pm, Fri-Sat; open 9am-midnight, daily
Tel 04 428 7890
