As Christmas nears, you can practically smell all the festive feasts that Dubai has to offer in the air. Unsure of where to go? The Gaggler has you covered, bringing you a guide to the best brunches and lunches to consider this season.
Americano
Are you looking for a relaxed Christmas brunch after the hectic year you’ve had? Then head over to Americano, where you can loosen up in its warm ambience that exudes speakeasy vibes. The place is renowned for its American dream theme, so here, history, mystique, and tradition collide to create an atmosphere of grandeur and luxury with a hint of rebellion. It even has a two-for-one happy hour that runs after brunch!
Americano, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, 04 584 6475, @americanodubai, brunch 12pm-3pm
Azure Beach
Ever heard of Christmas brunch by the pool? Well, it’s possible at Azure Beach, where you can enjoy a poolside brunch that will be brought to your sunbed. Not only will the restaurant serve signature dishes with a festive twist, but it’s also located near the brilliant blue seas of the Arabian Gulf, making for a once-in-a-lifetime festive meal.
Azure Beach, Rixos Premium JBR, 050 777 9472, @azurebeachdubai, lunch 1pm-4pm
Brasserie 2.0
Did you know that Brasserie 2.0 won ‘Winner of Best Buffet Brunch’ at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2020? Experience a traditional Christmas buffet and live cooking stations serving roast turkey and other fine cuts alongside a massive spread of culinary delights from around the globe for those looking for something different. You can also expect a live band and entertainment for the little ones.
Brasserie 2.0, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, 04 316 5550, www.brasserie2point0.com, lunch 1:30pm-4:30pm
Bread Street Kitchen and Bar
Coming to you straight from Gordon Ramsay himself, Bread Street Kitchen and Bar adds the celebrity chef’s spin to traditional Christmas favourites. This restaurant is famous for its turkey Wellington and Scottish smoked salmon with caviar accented, of course, by a variety of Christmas-themed sweets and desserts. So go ahead and brag to your friends and family because when else can you say you had Gordon Ramsay specials? Santa makes a grand appearance, too!
Atlantis, The Palm, 044261454, @breadstreetkitchendubai, brunch 12:30pm-4pm
Café Belge
This Christmas, Secret Parties is hosting one of its iconic brunches at Café Belge – an entirely 1920s themed restaurant located at The Ritz-Carlton. With unlimited drinks, music from international DJs, a live singer, a group of Gatsby-esque dancers, and live sax and percussion alongside one of the best roaming magicians in the city, it will be a Christmas brunch you’ll never forget.
Café Belge, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, www.secret-parties.com, brunch 1pm-4:30pm
Crowne Plaza
An outdoor Christmas picnic? Yes, please! Crowne Plaza is offering a fun-filled family day out at The Picnic Pantry. From a walk-in pantry to barbecue stations offering premium grills, the spread is decadent enough for Santa himself. Yes, he’ll be there. And yes, kids under six can eat for free.
Crowne Plaza, Dubai Festival City, 04 701 1111, www.thepicnicpantry.com, lunch 1pm-4:30pm
Buddha Bar
Mix things up this year and head over to Buddha Bar for a Christmas-themed Asian and Mediterranean feast. Indulge in delectable flavours from an innovative menu inspired by the cuisines of China, Japan, and Thailand in the Sodo dining room. The Christmas brunch includes three hours of unlimited servings of starters, mains, and desserts, accompanied by free-flowing select beverages alongside live music and entertainment. After you’re done, you can dance upstairs at the Dragon bar to music played by the DJ!
Buddha Bar, Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, 04 317 6000, www.buddhabar-dubai.com, lunch 1pm-4pm
Café Artois at Bridgewater
Café Artois at Bridgewater Tavern is a calm, al fresco location, perfect for those seeking a chilled afternoon in the sun. With casual barbecue meals, a large beer selection, and a mix of picnic tables and comfy lounge seating, you can settle back and take advantage of the wonderful canal views with a soundtrack of Christmas classics. Your inner Mariah Carey awaits!
Café Artois, W Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, 04 414 3000, lunch 1pm-4pm
El Sur
El Sur is one of the liveliest, most vibrant restaurants in Dubai. With a gorgeous outdoor terrace, earthy décor, and striking artwork, the Spanish restaurant exudes a mellow, yet sophisticated ambience. This winter, it’s hosting a Christmas brunch showcasing its innovative menu and contemporary Spanish cuisine.
El Sur, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, 04 511 7373, @elsurdubai, lunch 1pm-4pm
Garth
Garth is the Middle English word for a green yard enclosed by cloisters, which is the key concept to this sophisticated Southern European Neo-bistro. Celebrate Christmas at this classy restaurant with fantastic food and festive music played by a talented pianist indoors, and a DJ blasting groovy beats on the terrace. Win-win.
Garth, The 9 Lounge, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, 058 530 7499, @garthdubai, lunch 1pm-4pm
