A Local's Guide to Finding the Best Brunch in Dubai

Dubai takes its brunch game very seriously. 
 

In this city, your average Sunday brunch is brought to a whole new level. Brunch in Dubai is an event and it comes in all sorts of different forms. You can drink and dance the night away at a night brunch, play Topgolf and dine on British comfort food at a family brunch, enjoy poolside cocktails and sushi at a pool brunch, or sip and socialise with incredible views at a high-rise brunch. 
 

Think of your ultimate dream brunch experience and chances are you can make it happen in Dubai. It doesn't matter what day it is or what time it may be, there are brunches happening in this city all the time. 
 

With so many unique options, you might not know where to start. This guide will give you a better understanding of Dubai's brunch culture and the types of brunches on offer, as well as a few local tips and tricks to help you make all of your brunch dreams come true.

Dubai is all about good views. So when it comes to having a bucket list brunch in Dubai with an iconic view, you're going to have loads of options to choose from. 

If you want to pair bird's-eye Palm Jumeirah views with a quintessential brunch in Dubai, make reservations for the AURA Night Brunch. You'll get three hours of free-flow drinks, a Pan-Asian set menu, and live beats courtesy of the resident DJ. 
 

This brunch takes place in the indoor lounge on the 50th Floor of The Palm Tower, but you will also have access to an outdoor area which offers unreal 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah. Seeing the Palm Jumeirah all lit up at night is something everyone should experience at least once.
 

Price: Starting at AED 550 per person

Time: Fridays from 8pm to 11pm

Dress code: "Embrace Island Chic" (smart casual) 

A weekend bunch at Alici will make you feel like you've been transported to the south of Italy. But the stellar views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Marina skyline will remind you that you're still in fact in Dubai. Enjoy the ocean views while indulging in Alici's elevated Italian-inspired brunch fare. This is Dubai, so there's always the option of adding bubbles to your brunch. 
 

Price: Starting at AED 395 per person
Time: Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm
Dress code: Smart casual

Looking for the best brunch in Dubai for a party? 

Taking place on Saturdays at Kaimana Restaurant and Beach at J1 Beach, Lost in Paradise is perfect if you're looking for a beach party brunch in Dubai. Expect island vibes, tiki cocktails, DJ beats, and fusion dishes like Wagyu Kushiyaki and Gambas al Ajillo. There's also a dedicated vegan menu, making this one of the best brunch places in Dubai for the plant-based party people in your crew.
 

Price: Starting at AED 475 per person
Time: Saturdays from 1 pm to 4:30 pm with an after party from 4:30pm to 7pm
Dress code: Smart casual

Looking for an epic night out? Then make reservations for Hutong's famous Dark Brunch. This late-night brunch in Dubai pairs free-flow drinks (boozy or not) and gourmet Northern Chinese cuisine with live music and extravagant entertainment. With elevated bites like Duck & Fois Gras Spring Rolls and Wagyu Beef & Black Truffle Dumplings, this nighttime party brunch is as fancy as it gets.
 

Price: Starting at AED 288 per person

Time: Thursdays from 9pm to 11:45pm

Dress code: Smart casual

This is Dubai, so it goes without saying that you're going to have plenty of poolside brunch places to choose from.

If you're looking for a poolside brunch in Dubai that has mellow party vibes, Bla Bla offers an awesome Sunday Brunch in JBR. Entry gets you a designated lounger, unlimited house drinks, and four dishes from the brunch menu. Options range from California Maki to Lentil & Avocado Salad to Crispy Belly Bites. Spend your afternoon splashing around Bla Bla's infinity and spa pools, sipping tropical cocktails, and taking in the epic views of the Ain Dubai (the world's tallest observation wheel).
 

Price: Starting at AED 399 per person
Time: Sundays from 4pm to 7pm
Dress code: "Casual yet stylish"

For more pool party and beach club vibes, make reservations for Zero Gravity's epic Tropical Brunch. As they put it, "it's more than a brunch." Expect international DJ sets, all-day pool and beach access, and unlimited food and drinks from 1 pm to 5 pm. The service here is top-notch and the beach club is one of the best in Dubai.
 

Price: Starting at AED 349 for ladies and AED 399 for guys
Time: Sundays from 1pm to 5pm
Dress code: Swimwear

Not all brunches have to be a party. There are plenty of options for a fun family brunch in Dubai that both adults and kids will love.

Novotel Dubai Al Barsha hosts an awesome Saturday Family Brunch in Dubai every weekend. While the whole family will love picking out their favourite breakfast foods from the international buffet, kids will be absolutely thrilled about the fun entertainment options. From face painting, arts and crafts stations, and even a petting zoo, they'll want to come back to this family brunch in Dubai every week.
 

Price: Starting at AED 149 per adult (kids under 12 dine for free)

Time: Saturdays from 12:30pm to 3:30pm

With this family-friendly Saturday brunch experience, you can play an hour of Topgolf with the kids before digging into a British-style brunch. Parents will love mingling with friends over a drink or two, while kids will love hanging out at the Tadpole Brunch Club. Don't worry, they'll be watched over by experts, who will entertain them with all sorts of fun activities. Think face painting, arcade games, PlayStations, and a “make-your-own-mocktail” station.
 

Price: Starting at AED 249 (adults) and AED 165 (kids aged 7-14)

Time: Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm

• Make reservations: As with everything in this city, spots for the best brunch places in Dubai will fill up fast. So if you have your heart set on a specific brunch, make reservations ASAP.
  
  
• Know the dress code: Most restaurants and beach clubs in Dubai have fairly strict dress codes. While the dress code for most of the best brunch places in Dubai is “smart casual,” you’ll want to double-check with the venue to avoid getting turned away.
  
  
• Research your package options: When it comes to brunch in Dubai, most venues offer a wide variety of package options. For example, the base price for many brunches does not include alcoholic drinks. You’ll want to double-check what’s included and which package is right for you. From VIP seating to premium drinks packages, you can go all out with your brunch in Dubai.
  
  
• Be aware of the location: Dubai is a sprawling city, and you probably don’t want to spend an hour in a taxi getting from your Dubai hotel to your brunch venue. For example, if you’re staying in the Dubai Marina, choose a brunch in either the Marina area, JBR, or Palm Jumeirah. Alternately, if you’re in Downtown Dubai, you’ll find plenty of brunch venues near you.
  
  
• Don’t drink and drive: Brunch in Dubai tends to be a boozy affair. If you and your group plan on imbibing, plan to take a taxi or Uber to and from the venue. Dubai has a very strict zero-tolerance policy, and you should never mess with drinking and driving.
   

There you have it, everything you need to know about finding the very best brunch in Dubai. Whether you're looking to sip bubbly and eat sushi by the pool or dress to impress at a fancy late-night extravaganza, you're sure to find the perfect brunch in Dubai.