Best Friday brunches in Abu Dhabi

From gigantic buffets to a la carte cuisine and the most sumptuous dessert trolleys — the best Friday brunches in Abu Dhabi are a hit with residents, locals, expats and families alike. While Abu Dhabi restaurants tickle every gastronome’s fancy, brunch in this city is a memorable feast with the best cuisines and amazing all-inclusive deals.

From spectacular spreads to blowout menus and more, here are the top places that offer the best Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi 2019 along with locations and timings.

Tamba

Listed among one of the best Indian restaurants, this innovative eatery is well known for expansive menu, while its acclaimed Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi is no different. The dining experience at Tamba is exemplary too. Basically, all you have to do is sit back while the dishes you ordered are served. In other words, you get plenty of time to refresh your palate before the next course is served.

For beverages, choose any of the mocktails and cocktails on offer. When you are done, grab any of their main dishes to start off your culinary adventure. Vegan brunch lovers have reason to rejoice too considering that this place has different veggie options. Do try the Bombay Bhaji roll that is served with creamy Aampanna.

• Cuisine: Indian
• Cost: AED 195 with soft drinks, AED 295 with house beverages
• Location: Central Market Project – The Hub at The Mall (level 6) Abu Dhabi
• Contact: 02-672-8888
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm

Zuma

The list of best sushi restaurants in Abu Dhabi is incomplete without this one. For a Japanese start to your Fridays, head to Zuma. The concept is pretty simple — buffet starters followed by a la carte entrées after which you can tuck into the sinful desserts. Notable items on the menu include crispy fried squid, jumbo tiger prawns and more.

For mains, try their black cod or lobster. To indulge your sweet tooth, head on over to the dessert display of petit sweets. In the end, wash it all down with a steaming cup of Zuma’s green tea.

• Cuisine: Japanese
• Cost: AED 473 with soft drinks, AED 625 with house beverages
• Location: The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: 02-401-5900
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm

The Terrace on the Corniche

Indulge in an impressive spread of the freshest seafood, foi gras, sushi, fine grilled cuts, and an assortment of other culinary delights, many of which are prepared live at the Friday brunch at The Terrace on the Corniche. Located in The St. Regis, this high-end restaurant features plenty of buffet counters and live stations to satisfy the pickiest eaters.

For example, at the seafood counter, there are live oysters available and shucked right before you. Additionally, the roast section has a number of meaty options on offer and loads of vegetables. The place even has separate rooms for cheese and dessert items.

• Cuisine: Indian, Arabic, Middle Eastern, European, Continental
• Cost: AED 345 with soft drinks, AED 430 with selected cocktails, grapes and hops, AED 595 with cocktails, grapes, hops and bubbly
• Location: The St. Regis – Corniche Road – Al Khubeirah,
• Contact: 02-694-4553
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm

Sofra Bld

Sofra Bld has some good deals for Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi. It offers an assorted drinks menu, with packages that cater to everyone in the family. Expect the buffet to be laden with barbecue, chicken and seafood dishes along with a desserts section as well as a salad bar. With their line-up of amazing sweet delicacies has made way to the list of best desserts in Abu Dhabi.

However, it’s the seafood section that really comes into its own. For example, the chefs slice tuna in front of patrons and curl it into delicious ceviches that are fresh and full of flavour. Other seafood options on offer include scrumptious oysters, and shellfish like lobster, prawns, crab, and prawn.

• Cuisine: Arabian, Middle Eastern, Indian, Italian
• Cost: AED 279 with soft drinks, AED 349 with house beverages, AED 459 with bubbly
• Location: Level 1, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
• Contact: 02-509-8505
• Friday brunch timings: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm

Ingredients

As interesting as its name sounds, Ingredients is all about just that — the freshest ingredients to make your Friday brunches in Abu Dhabi truly memorable. Dubbed as the “ultimate Friday Brunch in Abu Dhabi”, this place has everything from barbecued seafood to organic greens, free-flowing drinks and more items to titillate your palate. The place features international dishes from up to five live kitchens and open stations along with tunes from a live music band.

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Asian
• Cost: AED 276 with soft drinks, AED 389 with house beverages, AED 489 with sparkling beverages
• Location: Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara, Eastern Ring Road, Salam Street
• Contact: 02-659-10000
• Friday Brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm

KOI Restaurant and Lounge

Next up on our list of best Friday brunches in Abu Dhabi is KOI. Expect nothing less than perfection from this contemporary Japanese restaurant. From a number of house beverages to an endless a la carte menu, KOI provides a truly superb dining experience for your Friday brunch. From elaborately named cocktails like Japanese Green Field and Grassy Morning to Wagyu Beef Tataki starters and assorted sashimi this restaurant truly exemplifies Japanese cuisine to the tee. We recommend the Baby Roasted Chicken and Miso Marinated Black Cod for your main course.

• Cuisine: Japanese
• Cost: AED 340 with soft drinks, AED 445 with selected house drinks, AED 495 with sparkling grape drink, AED 595 with French sparkling drink
• Location: The Collection at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
• Contact: 02-678-3334
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm

Rangoli

If you prefer curries for your brunch, you will love every second of the feast at Yas Island. Choose from a wide variety of authentic Indian dishes with sizzlers and grilled options. This brunch also comes with pool access which is a good idea; a swim is sure to get you and your family nice and hungry. From murgh malai tikkas featuring delectable pieces of chicken made in a soft cheese marinade and creamy cashew to 8 different curries with veggie options, Rangoli is sure to entice the spice lover in you. Plus it should definitely be on your list of best Friday brunches in Abu Dhabi.

• Cuisine: Indian
• Cost: AED 208 with soft drinks and AED 308 with selected house beverages
• Location: Yas Island Rotana
• Contact: 02-656-4000
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm

BOA Steakhouse

With a location mere meters from the waters of the Eastern Mangroves and a menu loaded with premium cuts of meats, BOA Steakhouse should be on your bucket list for Friday brunches in Abu Dhabi. The menu itself is divided into five stages which usually starts with a seafood tower followed by cold and then hot starters. Then comes the main course and finally a dessert platter.

The presentation of the food is something to behold. For example, the seafood platter comes in a plume of dry ice with options like prawns, rock lobster, oysters, mussels and more. However, it’s the main course— the steaks — that are the real stars of the show. Notable options include grain-fed cuts of tenderloin and the Black Angus ribeye.

• Cuisine: American
• Cost: AED 340 with soft drinks, AED 445 with a selection of house drinks, AED 495 with sparkling grape, AED 595 with French sparkling grape
• Location: Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Salam Street
• Contact: 02-641-1500
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm

CuiScene

Located in the Fairmont, Friday brunch at CuiScene is actually in the form of an international offering spanning the hotel’s many dining outlets. These outlets include Frankie’s Italian Restaurant and Bar, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill as well as others. So, you are sure to have a varied dining experience here. The buffet spread is updated according to seasonal changes each month too. Expect live cooking stations and an assortment of dining options from Arabian to Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Cuisine: Arabian, Asian, European, Middle Eastern
• Cost: AED 345 with soft drinks, AED 459 with house beverages, AED 645 with bubbly
• Location: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: 02-654-3238
• Friday brunch timings: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm

Cooper’s

An enjoyable weekend meal with roast meats and all the trimmings — that is what describes brunch at Cooper’s. Everything from the meat cuts and salads to a variety of American dishes are sure to make you keep coming back every Friday. Before you make a dash for the meat and potatoes, start off by accompanying your choice of beverage with something from the amazing spread of bar food. Once you have prepared your palate for the feast to come, be sure to grab some lamb chops and brisket from the meats section. Next, dine to your heart’s content with spectacular ocean views as a backdrop.

• Cuisine: British, European
• Cost: AED 165 with soft drinks, AED 235 with house beverages, AED 265 with premium beverages, AED 95 for kids aged 6-12. Free for kids under 6.
• Location: Park Rotana, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: 02-657-3325
• Friday brunch timings: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm

Filini Garden

The Friday Garden Brunch at Filini is hosted in a stunning spot at the Radisson Blu, overlooking the waters towards Al Raha beach and the golf course. Pizza and pasta courses are served at the table, which you can order at the respective live stations.

A selection of main courses follows, and after that, you get to indulge in a dessert buffet. Additionally, there is also a drinks area where you can make your own drinks. You can always make your selection from the drinks menu.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Cost: AED 200 with tax, AED 150 with tax (After party package), AED 455 with tax (Brunch and after party)
• Location: Radisson Blu, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: 02-656-2000
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm

Olea, Saadiyat Island

If you are looking for Abu Dhabi Friday brunches with variety, this one will definitely impress you. Encapsulating a sophisticated appeal, Olea is a modern Mediterranean eatery that offers a terrace view in The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Known as The St. Regis Epicurean Brunch, the brunch scene at Olea features an all-you-can-eat buffet with different stations dotted across the venue. Some of these include antipasti, foie grais, seafood, roasts, cheese and cocktail stations. You can also find multiple cuisines such as the Mongolian specialities, Asian street food, Italian Pentolo, Tandoori ovens, etc.

Olea lets you experience this epic brunch in Abu Dhabi with different packages. For AED 380, Silk Package includes non-alcoholic drinks. Pearl Package includes all house beverages for AED 495, while the Diamond Package features food and bubbly for AED 695. The package for kids of age six to 12 years is for AED 185. 

• Cuisine: International
• Cost: AED 380 – AED 695 (AED 185 for kids)
• Location: Level 1, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-498-8443
• Friday brunch timings: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm 

The Playroom Brunch & After Party at Stills

Indulge in an array of European foods that include a salad bar, quality meat cuts, liver barbeque and a dessert section. While you enjoy the lavish brunch spread, the music performance by Sweet Chilli Jam and DJ Richie D. gets you in a party mood. A bunch of exciting activities and entertainment takes this outdoor brunch experience to the next level. To experience Friday evening brunch in Abu Dhabi, visitors can join them at an after-brunch party.

• Cuisine: European
• Cost: AED 185 with soft beverages; AED 250 with house beverages; Full Brunch Package for AED 350; After Brunch Party Package for AED 185
• Location: Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-656-3066
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 07:00 pm 

Chamas Churrascaria & Bar

As the temperature drops in Abu Dhabi, the grills and ovens at Chamas Churrascaria fire up to present you a heart-warming Friday brunch with marina view. Families gather around a spread of sensational International cuisines that include BBQ Spitz, Italian delicacies, Pan-Asian dishes and Brazilian-style grilled meat cuts. Little ones enjoy as much as adults – there is a supervised kids’ play area while dining for one to six-year-olds is free. 

• Cuisine: Brazilian
• Cost: AED 245 with non-alcoholic drinks; AED 345 with alcoholic beverages; AED 99 for children of age 7-12 years
• Location: InterContinental Hotel, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Khubeirah – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-666-6888
• Friday brunch timings: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm 

Giornotte

One of the award-winning Friday brunches in Abu Dhabi returns with a dedicated section for vegans and a new bubbly package for champagne connoisseurs. Serving Wagyu beef, freshly shucked oysters and everything in between, multiple live cooking stations are perfectly curated on the ground floor of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi hotel. 

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Cost: AED 320 with food & drinks; AED 420 with house beverages; AED 520 with Prosecco & cocktails; AED 620 with champagne
• Location: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Al Maqtaa – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-818-8282; +971-2-818-8230
• Friday brunch timings: 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm 

Trader Vic’s

Bringing island specialities and tropical cocktails, the Polynesian restaurant called Trader Vic’s sprawls culinary extravaganza in an exotic atmosphere. But this time the eatery brings a lot more flavours with a Friday brunch scene. These include steaks, seafood, Italian, Indian barbeque and German cuisines. 

• Cuisine: Cuban and Latin American
• Cost: AED 270 with food & drinks; AED 380 with selected house beverages; AED 480 with selected house beverages and champagne; AED 135 for kids of age six to 12 (prices are exclusive of taxes)
• Location: Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah) – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-697-9011
• Friday brunch timings: 12:30 pm to 03:30 pm 

Hakkasan – Emirates Palace

We saw Hakkasan as one of the popular Chinese restaurants in Abu Dhabi. However, modern Cantonese cuisine and unique dining experience await Chinese food lovers its Friday Hakka brunch menu as well. Available in different packages with a set menu, the all-inclusive meal includes a main course, Peking duck, wontons, finger food, dessert and drinks. 

• Cuisine: Chinese
• Cost: AED 318 inclusive of soft drinks; AED 438 inclusive of house beverages; AED 638 inclusive of an unlimited selection of bubbly 
• Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-690-7739 
• Friday brunch timings: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm 

Pacifico TIKI Dining & Lounge

A bevvy of unlimited barbeque, salad, desserts and beverages sprawl at Pacifico TIKI’s Friday brunch extravaganza. Offering stunning waterfront views, this Polynesian dining and lounge restaurant is harboured at Al Bandar Marina. A perfect wind-down to a busy week, the colourful BBQ buffet includes not only meat choices but a hearty selection of vegetarian options as well 

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Cost: Soft package is for AED 155; House beverage package is for AED 225; 50% off for kids and nannies
• Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-556-6090
• Friday brunch timings: 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm

Can you Brunch with Kids in Abu Dhabi?

While you can brunch with kids, keep in mind that not all restaurants in the city offer kid-friendly menus or reduced prices for children below a certain age. Make sure that you check the pricing conventions for each place before you commit to any one of them.

That’s all for our top 10 picks for best Friday brunches in Abu Dhabi. Keep in mind, prices of Abu Dhabi brunch deals may be subject to change according to occasions or special events. So, it’s always a good idea to call and ask about brunch prices before making reservations. For your next food adventure, select any of our favourite picks for best Saturday brunches in Abu Dhabi. If you are an early bird, these must-visit breakfast places in Abu Dhabi will appeal you. 

If you live in Dubai or are planning to go there with family, head on over to any of our top picks for family-friendly brunches in Dubai or budget-friendly brunches in Dubai.