Ahh, Brunch. The best meal of the day. Here at SquareMeal, we love being able to enjoy the best of breakfast and lunch at once, without having to wake up at the crack of dawn. The concept of brunch is inventive itself (certainly our great-great grandparents would’ve been up before 10am and would’ve had a day’s worth of work done by the time we are just digging into our eggs), so naturally, brunch is a time for inventive menus. Some brunch chefs have taken this opportunity to create new and exciting versions of the midday classics, but others have elevated our expectations to new heights.
In Abu Dhabi, weekend brunch is hardly a casual affair. It can be difficult picking which place to go when they all feature seemingly endless selections of good food and delicious drinks. Perhaps you want something casual, where you can enjoy some homecooked Italian and relax after a long night. Or maybe you’re an early-bird and want to get dressed up and enjoy the fanciest flavors of Peru while the sun shines over the Abu Dhabi skyline.
Luckily for you, we've prepared our favorite weekend brunch spots just for you. Prepare to feast your eyes on a dazzling selection of the best that Abu Dhabi has to offer—we've included everything from a concept-restaurant obsessed with family-style dining, to fresh fish on a private island, to an Instagrammable spot for those obsessed with your minimalist social media feed. We’ve got spots to take your kids, we’ve got spots you should not take your kids...we’ve got it all.
The Oak Room
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Why: Featuring classic British fare, the Oak Room has a stunning interior to match its menu. The Oak Room offers brunchers a choice from seven main options, including lamb rack and fish and chips, with homemade sides and sauces. Sit back and enjoy the team's creative cocktails while listening to a fantastic playlist of classic British rock 'n' roll.
Where: Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, PO BOX 127799
Book now: The Oak Room
Marco’s New York Italian
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Why: A perfect casual family vibe, Marco’s New York Italian is a sleek, modern restaurant with a menu full of the old classics. Dine on freshly baked pizzas and pastas, or start with one of their classic bubbly drinks. Marco’s is definitely the place to go if you want to carb-load before dinner - just make sure to make a reservation, it gets busy.
Where: Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, P.O. Box 114304
Book now: Marco's New York Italian
Aquarium
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Why: If the weather is nice, go check out Aquarium—it's located right outside Abu Dhabi on Yas Marina, and takes advantage of the ocean's bounty by providing you with unlimited seafood. There are plenty of options for the vegetarians or carnivores of your group, plus unlimited drinks. Sit back and watch the boats go by, and soak in the sun with your brunch.
Where: Yacht Club Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Book now: Aquarium
Market Kitchen by Jean-Georges
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Why: Market by Jean-Georges, located in the stunning Le Royal Meridien hotel, boasts of the best selection of Californian food from Napa Valley to the coast. Tuck into the restaurant's ceviche station, or perhaps try out the pan-seared scallops. This restaurant is dedicated to the concept of ‘hotel-as-home,' so if you’re in the mood for some comfortable family dining, make sure to check out Market.
Where: Sheikh Khalifa Street, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Book now: Market Kitchen Abu Dhabi
Grills at Chill’O
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Why: One of the classic brunch options in Abu Dhabi, Grills at Chill’o is the perfect family experience. Parents can enjoy the seafood or meat grill stations, while the kids can make their selection from the kid’s corner. Check out the Asian curry section, and wash it down with the house bubbly package.
Where: Corniche Road East, Capital Plaza Complex, Abu Dhabi, 44966
Book now: Grills at Chill’o
White
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Why: If you can’t choose what type of cuisine you’d like for Brunch, check out White - it offers an Italian station, a Levantine selection, and cuts of smoked-meats. However, White's interior is perhaps its biggest draw for the Instagram-obsessed—the restaurant has a completely white interior. Just make sure you don’t spill anything!
Where: Ground floor, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Book now: White
Frangipani at Zaya Nurai
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Why: For those who want adventure, check out Frangipani at Zaya Nurai Island. You have to get on a boat to get there, but once you arrive, you can enjoy the selection of Italian and Mediterranean food right on the beach, featuring beautiful and relaxing views. The seafood selection is to-die for, but this is definitely a spot for special occasions.
Where: Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi,
Book now: Frangipani at Zaya Nurai
Garage
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Why: Garage’s brunch is the perfect family spot when you want a whole bunch of food. There are five sections with different cuisines to choose from, plus 11 drinks taps. Enjoy a mezze spread, Asian flavors, and the great music selection. Garage is one of the more casual options on this list, but it’s certainly a good choice.
Where: W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Book now: Garage
Giornotte
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Why: Inspired by an Italian Villa, this restaurant has a beautiful brick patio in the garden and live cooking stations. Start your brunch off with some fresh bread, then chow down on seafood or Mediterranean dishes. It’s a chef’s brunch, so you’ll never know quite what to expect, but it will certainly taste good.
Where: Al Maqta Area, Abu Dhabi, PO Box 91888
Book now: Giornotte
Coya
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Why: Featuring perhaps the most stunning interior on this list, Coya is a contemporary Latin American restaurant cooking up traditional Peruvian food using Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish cooking techniques. There is an exciting menu with unbeatable views, so if you want a fresh new Brunch experience, make sure to check it out.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi
Book now: Coya
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