Best places for breakfast in Dubai for an alfresco family treat

REFORM SOCIAL & GRILL, THE LAKES: The Dubai outpost of this British gastro pub is uber family-friendly, and has a huge lush lawn, lakeside views and a big children’s outdoor play area that will occupy little ones for hours. It also has a large breakfast menu including an indulgent traditional British fried breakfast, a range of different Eggs Benedicts, as well as more casual breakfast baps and rolls. Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, 04 454 2638, Reformsocialgrill.ae.

TENT JUMEIRAH RESTAURANT: This quirky Arabic restaurant is right on the beach in Jumeirah, and features traditionally decorated individual ‘tents’ complete with comfortable tables and seating spaced out across the sand, so that you can enjoy an elaborate Emirati breakfast within the shelter and privacy of your own family unit. Featuring an extensive menu of different Emirati breads and breakfast dishes, as well as fish and rice dishes and much more, the real selling point of this spot is its unique and picturesque setting, including the rustic, maritime-themed décor (think fishing nets and upturned dhow boats) and a gallery of old-school Dubai black and white photos dotted about. When the kids have finished eating they can dig about in the sand while you chat over coffee, and there’s even a small, if rather weathered, children’s play area beside the restaurant. Tentjumeirahresturant.com.

THE SCENE BY SIMON RIMMER: This Brit gastropub has an outdoor balcony terrace with breathtaking views of Dubai Marina, as well as an indoor children’s play area. It also features a decadent breakfast menu of Full English breakfast or Aussie-inspired avocado and toast, plus breakfast burrito and much more, all paired with free-flow stiff drinks every Friday and Saturday between 10am and 12pm in their 'Bubbles for Breakfast' offer for Dh140. The Scene by Simon Rimmer, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, 04 422 2328.

ARABIAN TEA HOUSE, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS: The famous original location of this cult restaurant brand in Dubai’s historical Al Fahidi district is a must-see stop for anyone with visitors in town, and its tranquil, shaded courtyard is ideal for a delicious freshly pressed juice and Emirati breakfast after a morning of culture wandering the traditional-style streets outside. However the lesser-known branch in Jumeirah Archaeological Site is a hidden gem, offering the same quaint, traditional Emirati fare in the heart of Jumeirah. Steeped in the ancient history of the archaeological site – which dates back to between the 9th and 11th centuries – against the glistening skyline of modern Dubai, there is also a large, open expanse of lawn for children to run around in. Arabianteahouse.net.

THE PANGOLIN, ELS CLUB: Hidden in deepest, darkest suburbia, The Pangolin is the ambitious latest brainchild of the Serg half of ‘Tom & Serg’ restauranteur fame, and is worth the drive to Sports City for top-notch food and beautiful surroundings. The children’s breakfast menu has been revamped for 2021, featuring fun and delicious dishes such as Hippo in a Pond – Milk Chocolate Porridge with Strawberries, Mini Pancake Stack with Fresh Banana and Chocolate Sauce, Breakfast Pizza with Tomato, Egg and Crispy Beef Bacon and the super cute Fresh Fruit Rubik’s Cube. Based in the lush surrounds of the Els Club, the Pangolin also features an extensive outdoor terrace and kids’ play area, making it a great spot to spend a weekend morning with your minis. DETAILS: New kids’ menu at The El’s Club, Dubai Sports City, Sunday to Saturday; Weekdays 8am – 12am, Weekends 8am – 1am, 054 4438 288 or email to hello@thepangolindubai.com.

LAKEVIEW, DUBAI CREEK GOLF CLUB: Have brekkie with a view at the stunning Lakeview restaurant, nestled in Dubai Creek Golf Club. Boasting beautiful panoramas of Old Dubai, as well as one of the UAE’s most indulgent traditional English fry ups (Dh72), it also opens from 6.30am, making it perfect for early risers. It also has a dedicated children’s menu and – perhaps best of all for families - a newly opened kids’ club too. DETAILS: Dubai Creek Golf Club (Clubhouse), Daily, 6.30am to Midnight, call 04 295 6000.

BOUNTY BEETS, LE MERIDIEN MINA SEYAHI: Super-pretty Bounty Beets features an extensive menu of plant-based and gluten-free dishes that children will have no idea are so healthy for them. With traditional favourites like Avo Toast and Chocolate Crepe, all the way to Plant-Based Scramble, vegan Hot Cakes, the veggie breakfast Vurger and decadent almond Waffle, the food is indulgent yet nutritious, and the venue boasts an extensive open-air terrace, as well as a huge lawn just outside, so kids can have a run around when they get antsy. Every Friday and Saturday from 8am to 12 noon it also offers an all-you-can-eat brekkie deal, inclusive of unlimited selected menu items plus coffees and juices for Dh99. Bountybeets.com

BISTRO DES ARTS, DUBAI MARINA: This cosy Parisienne-style French bistro boasts a pretty outdoor terrace for alfresco breakfasts right in the heart of Dubai Marina, as well as a small children’s play area complete with play kitchen and toys, for when little ones need something extra to keep them occupied. Every Friday and Saturday it also features the Brunch Le Weekend offer, which sees you enjoying its spread of crisp and buttery French pastries, breads and other breakfast buffet items, plus one main course, one crepe and unlimited hot beverages for just Dh119 or Dh40 for children (served 10am to 3pm, 1 hour 30 mins seating per table). Bistrodesarts.ae.

THE FARM, AL BARARI: This pristine and picturesque restaurant in eco development Al Barari is a lush, verdant hideaway that feels like you’re stepping into the pages of a fairy-tale picture book. Set on a tranquil, lily-pad-studded pod and ensconced between musically babbling water features and cascading greenery, the breakfast menu is as wholesome as it is tantalising, and features everything from Organic Shakshuka to Boerewors Special, Thai Omelette and English breakfasts. While there’s plenty of lawn and open air for children to play in, be warned that the crowd here can be quite smart, and there’s no specific playground for children, so come prepared with other activities. Breakfast served from 8am to 12pm, Thefarmdubai.ae.