5 new Dubai brunches to try this weekend

TIME OUT MARKET: For the first time, Dubai’s only editorially curated food and cultural market, Time Out Market in Souk Al Bahar opens for weekend breakfast/brunch kicking off this Friday, September 17 and Saturday September, 18 from 10am to 1pm – with over 25 brand-new dishes, the city’s best-value Champagne, and with reservations accepted. Moving away from package deals and embracing à la carte, over 25 brand-new, exclusive, breakfast inspired dishes across the 17 homegrown concepts from award-winning chefs and restaurateurs are on offer, priced from Dh32 to D75. Continuing the Market’s commitment to the city’s best-value bar offering, premium Champagne is available by the glass for only AED45 over breakfast, making it the most affordable glass of real French bubbles in Dubai. Live entertainment for the whole family, adults and children alike changes every weekend showcasing musical performances, and kids’ arts & crafts booths. Bespoke dishes include BB Social Dining’s twist on eggs Benedict with toasted bao buns and fresh black truffle, Local Fire by The Mattar Farm’s brisket burnt ends, and Pickl’s staggering breakfast bap. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in Long Teng’s creamy egg custard buns, Nightjar’s crème brûlée pancakes, and Scoopi’s banana and peanut butter waffles.

BELLA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE: Bella Restaurant & Lounge is known for its gorgeous Italian cuisine and cocktails, not to mention the incredible downtown views along the canal. After the success of their more chilled Friday brunch in the restaurant, the Lounge is taking centre stage as it announces the new party brunch, Bella Vita. Launching on Friday, September 17 this brunch promises a party like no other with top notch entertainment including singers, dancers and acrobatics, as well as a DJ. Italian food will be brought to the table with dishes including; Salmone Marinato (marinated salmon with beetroot, burnt bergamot mayo, cream and salmoriglio oil), Margherita pizza, Burrata, Calamari E Gamberi (fried calamari, prawns, homemade tartare mayonnaise) and Arancino Al Tartufo (deep fried rice ball, mushroom, truffle and Emmental cheese). The Italian way is to enjoy sharing tapas dishes, with a few dishes per person on the menu. Bella Vita focuses on entertainment and the state of the art sound system and acrobatic equipment will knock the socks off everyone through the door. Brunch is between 3pm and 6pm and is priced at Dh295 for the soft package, Dh395 for house beverages and Dh495 for sparkling.

LARTE: An Italian Family festival for all ages! Head down to Larte at Studio One hotel for live pizza and pasta stations, free flowing beverages, entertainment for the adults as well as the kids, and a games-room to keep the older kids entertained with foosball, board games and more! Pool access is also included and entertainment for the kids include a mime artist, singer and giant characters for the kiddies. Kids can also make use of the private screening room, where family movies will be played throughout the day. Brunch is priced at Dh175 including soft beverages, Dh299 including house beverages and Dh75 for kids under 12. There’s also a family ticker for Dh699 which includes two adults and two children.

TIPSY LION: This special edition of the British style pub brunch celebrates all things Prince Harry, who is turning 37! To celebrate, the cool, no frills venue are hosting a themed party with all of Harry’s faves, including roast chicken (yep, that’s his favourite food!), and lots of hops (his favourite beverage). The brunch begins with starters including; Prawn stars, Chicken Tikka and vegan “Buffalo” Wings. Moving on to the mains, platters of dishes are served to the table including Plant-based Sliders, Fish & Chips and Butter Chicken Pie. A special roast chicken is making an appearance to mark the occasion, as it’s Harry’s fave dinner. Finally, no British dinner is complete without a proper pudding with options including Sticky Toffee Pudding & Apple Crumble. Free-flowing beverages are served throughout the long four-hour brunch. Toes will be tapping to the live music provided by The Boxtones and Tipsy Lion’s resident DJ. For those looking to go that extra mile and get a cheeky brunch discount, guests dressed as a royal will be treated to a 2 for 1 on brunch. Brunch is priced at Dh279 for soft beverages, Dh349 for house beverages and Dh399 for sparkling.

CMP BAR & GRILL: Head to CMP Bar & Grill every Friday from 1pm to 5pm for a new Friday brunch. Meet, eat, drink, mix, repeat as CMP takes brunch to a whole new level. Expect sizzling grilled feasts with all the sides, free-flowing beverages and live music from DJ Duo. For appetizers guests choose one iconic dish from the delicious selection on offer. Meaty favourites include the ‘Short-rib Benedict’ with braised short-rib, homemade cheddar biscuit, baby greens, hollandaise and poached egg or the ‘Fillet Carpaccio’ with, crispy onion, caper berry, rocket and candied walnuts. For fish fans ‘Wild Caught Spanner Crab Cakes’ with corn salsa is on offer or the ‘Salmon Tartare’ with yuzu-sesame-soy vinaigrette. For those looking for a veggie appetizer the ‘Smoked Beets’ with roasted cherry tomato, chickpea caponata and arugula pesto is sure to delight! To kick off proceedings diners can also add Freshly Shucked Dibba Bay Oysters served with a selection of mignonettes to accompany their appetizer. From The Grill CMP has a feast of flavors on offer including ‘Chicken Brochettes’ with Moroccan spices and summer vegetables, ‘Angus Grain-Fed NY Striploin’, ‘Smoked Brisket Burger’ with purple summer slaw, ‘Peri-Peri Cauliflower Steak’, ‘Charred Octopus’ with cauliflower skordalia and salsa verde, ‘Grilled U10 Prawns’ with five spice and cayenne, ‘Boerewors Sausage’ with honey BBQ mustard, and ‘Mushroom Pinchos Morunos’ Moorish spiced oyster mushrooms. Brunch packages start from Dh250 for soft beverages and Dh350 including house beverages.