< PreviousBRILLIANT BRUNCHES 20 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com COYA kicks off at 1pm, but you can also head to the Orchid Lounge for a welcome reception from noon if you’re an early bird. O Dhs299 (soft drinks), Dhs429 (house beverages), Dhs95 (kids). Sat 1pm-4pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Muroor Road (02 698 8137). TIME TO PARTY ANNEX We love to brunch, but sometimes we just can’t face the noon kick-off (or even 1pm, if we’re being honest with ourselves). Enter: ANNEX Animals. Running between 3pm and 6pm – the perfect time to enjoy the sunset over Al Bateen Marina from the rooftop bar – this brunch draws inspiration from the animal kingdom, with deep house beats and creative mixed drinks. Foodwise, bites include cold cuts and cheese, bao buns, beef sliders and chicken wings. O Dhs225 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), Dhs395 (bubbly). Sat 3pm-6pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0000). ATLON BAR & BISTRO The menu at Atlon Bar & Bistro’s brunch might change weekly, but what doesn’t is the lively atmosphere and the banging hip-hop beats. For Dhs249, you’ll enjoy unlimited house beverages along with chicken wings, Áatbreads, guac and more. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs249 (house beverages), Dhs299 (bubbly and hops), Dhs499 (premium beverages). Sat 3pm-7pm. The Souk Qaryat Al Beri (058 575 3414). COYA Peruvian restaurant COYA’s brunch might be one of the liveliest in town, but the menu will please even those with the most particular of palates. The brunch is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, with platters of sushi and ceviche, your choice of main, including miso salmon and baby chicken, ending with a dessert platter of churros, cheesecake and chocolate trufÁes. Make sure you have your cameras at the ready when the latter arrives at your table, complete with cascading dry ice. O Dhs298 (soft drinks), Dhs438 (house beverages), Dhs588 (premium beverages). Sat 12.30pm-4pm. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000). GARAGE If your policy is to go big or go home, we can’t think of a better brunch spot than Garage. The B.I.G. brunch (yes, we know the name is a bit like saying ATM machine, but we don’t care) features Àve culinary hubs, with mezze, Asian bites, meat cuts from the Vault and free- Áowing beverages. And before you go home, you can head to an after party at W Lounge. O Dhs320 (soft drinks), Dhs420 (house beverages), Dhs589 (sparkling). Sat 1pm-4pm. W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 0000). LEXX NEW Newly started in mid-January, the B Brunch at Lexx runs between 6pm and 9pm. What a way to kickstart your Saturday night out. O Dhs190 (soft drinks), Dhs290 (house beverages). Sat 6pm-9pm. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, West Corniche (02 510 1234). LITTLE SOHO When it comes to party brunches, Secret Parties is unrivalled. The brand launched the secret garden brunch at Little Soho in October, and you can expect a four-course Mediterranean menu alongside a live DJ and saxophonist. Stick around for the after party between 4.30pm and 8pm and you can grab four house beverages for Dhs150. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs250 (house beverages, ladies), Dhs375 (house beverages, gents), Dhs350 (premium beverages). Sat 1pm-4.30pm. Al Ain Palace Hotel, West Corniche Road (056 671 7320). SIDDHARTA LOUNGE The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar at Yas Bay Waterfront has three concepts: Bushra, Zeera and Siddharta Lounge. For those looking for a lively brunch, Siddharta Lounge is the place to be, with a sharing set menu and unlimited house beverages. O Dhs300 (soft drinks), Dhs450 (house beverages). Sat 7pm-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island (050 601 1194). STILLS Karaoke. Brunch. Two things we never knew we needed to experience together until now, but that’s exactly what you can do at the Stills evening brunch. BRILLIANT BRUNCHES timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 21 O Dhs99 (three-hour food package), Dhs99 (additional two-hour sparkling and house beverage package), Dhs50 (kids six to 12). Sat 8pm-11pm. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Yas Island (02 656 3000). UVA Grape bar UVA, which opened at Marriott Al Forsan back in September, offers up a three-hour evening brunch every Saturday. The price, Dhs249, including unlimited house beverages and three dishes of your choice. O Dhs249 (three-hour house beverage package). Sat 4pm-8pm. Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City (02 201 4131). VAKAVA The trip brunch at Vakava takes you on a journey, with diners exploring the best dishes from across South and Central America, before heading upstairs for sundowners on the roof. Expect dishes like guacamole, picanha steak, crispy prawns and lamb anticucho along with a number of South American mixed drinks. O Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs495 (house beverages). Sat 2pm-7pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche Road (02 811 5666). PUB GRUB COOPER’S British-style venue Cooper’s serves up pub grub classics including Àsh and chips and shepherd’s pie every Saturday. Head outside to the barbecue stations for unlimited cuts of meat, meat and more meat. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs279 (house beverages), Dhs329 (premium beverages). Sat noon-4pm. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa City (02 657 3325). MCGETTIGAN’S With burgers, wings, beef wellington and more, the big table brunch at McGettigan’s is a must for lovers of hearty pub grub. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs319 (house beverages). Sat 12.30pm-4pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Muroor Road (02 698 8137). PJ O’REILLY’S Irish pub PJ O’Reilly’s Saturday brunch is all about the barbecued meats. The menu changes weekly, with platters of marinated and smoked meats Ànished on the open Áame Àre pit and served with bread, grilled veggies, seafood and more. Sweet Chili Jam will be there to keep brunchers grooving, and your afternoon will end with ice cream or ice lollies. Want to kick it after-brunch? You can add on a three-hour beverage package for Dhs125, with entertainment from DJ Sonya Mac. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs225 (house beverages), Dhs275 (premium beverages). Sat 1pm-5pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Danah (02 695 0515). THE IRISH VICKER’S Another barbecue option, The Irish Vicker’s Saturday brunch includes beef burgers, ribs, chicken tikka skewers, pizzas and bratwurst potato wedges. Better still, the family brunch includes free use of the games room throughout the afternoon. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs299 (house beverages), free (kids under 16). Sat noon-4pm. The Hub Level 6, WTC Mall (052 343 4557). WITH A VIEW ACRES GRILL HOUSE Over at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, you can enjoy a view of the course along with live jazz music and food every Saturday afternoon. O Dhs99 (starters, salad and desert buffet), Dhs110 (main course), Dhs149 (two-hour house beverage package). Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm. Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Island (02 208 7331). ASIA ASIA Dubai-export Asia Asia has a fantastic view over the waters from Yas Bay Waterfront, and you can enjoy them during the Spice Route brunch every Saturday. The three-hour experience includes sushi, dim sum, noodles, bao buns and more. O Dhs275 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages), Dhs475 (bubbly). Sat 2pm-5pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island (02 235 8663). CAFE MILANO With a gorgeous view and fantastic Italian plates, Cafe Milano’s brunch is a must try at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. O Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs95 (kids Àve to 12). Sat noon-4pm. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2630). FILINI GARDEN Newly revamped venue Filini Garden offers a garden brunch every Saturday afternoon. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs299 (house beverages), Dhs399 (sparkling). Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island (02 656 2000). LA CARNITA Another option on the Yas Bay Waterfront, La Carnita brings the best of Mexico to Abu Dhabi. During brunch, that means dips and chips, tacos, quesadillas and churros along with unlimited house beverages. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs299 (house beverages), Dhs399 (bubbly). Sat 1pm-4pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island (050 185 8068). MYKONOS Get a taste of Greece in Abu Dhabi by heading to Mykonos for Saturday brunch. The venue offers a view over the water to the skyscrapers of Al Maryah Island for you to admire while ordering dishes from one of the ten live stations. Options include freshly shucked oysters, ceviche and other seafood alongside assorted mezze and stuffed vegetables. The enhanced soft drinks package, priced at Dhs249, includes anise-based beverages, or you can opt for the regular house beverage package for Dhs299. O Dhs249 (soft drinks with anise-based beverages), Dhs299 (house beverages). Every Sat 1pm-4pm. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (050 785 2320). RAYANA LATIN TAPAS BAR Soar up to the newly reopened Rayana Latin Tapas Bar for brunch with a view from the 19th Áoor. The Latin night menu includes either two hours of unlimited house beverages, or two pitches of Spanish mixed drinks with three tapas bites for Dhs199. O Dhs199 (two-hour house beverages package or two PJ O’Reilly’sBRILLIANT BRUNCHES 22 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com pitchers of Spanish mixed drinks and three tapas bites). Sat 7pm-midnight. Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi - a Concept by Hyatt (056 544 8158). WHITE Bag yourself a seat on the outdoor terrace of White and you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island’s pristine beach. This Saturday feast spans Arabic, Asian and international dishes, with live cooking stations and entertainment. O Dhs350 (soft beverages), Dhs475 (house beverages), Dhs600 (bubbly), Dhs175 (kids), free (kids under six). Sat 1pm-4pm. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 811 4342). AFTER-WORK AFFAIRS ANNEX Planning a Friday night out after work? There’s no better place to kick off your evening than the ANNEX rooftop. Every Friday, you can enjoy a three-hour package of house beverages along with three bites for just Dhs199 for ladies, or Dhs250 for gents. O Dhs199 (ladies), Dhs250 (gents). Fri 7pm-11pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0000). ATLON BAR & BISTRO The Friday brunch at Atlon Bar & Bistro features unlimited house beverages and pizzas, sliders, wings and fridays for just Dhs199 – an absolute bargain any way you look at it. Better still, this venue is open until 6am at the weekend. O Dhs149 (soft drinks), Dhs199 (house beverages), Dhs249 (bubbly and hops). Fri 8pm-11pm. The Souk Qaryat Al Beri (058 575 3414). B-LOUNGE NEW Take advantage of the winter weather by heading to B-Lounge for a barbecue feast. Your evening will kick off with hot and cold mezze or salad, before diving into kebabs, steaks and skewers. O Dhs165 (soft drinks), Dhs265 (house beverages). Every Sat 7pm-11pm. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Zahiya (02 697 0364). BRICK ROOFTOP KITCHEN & BAR Henry and Henriette, Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar’s brick ovens, work overtime every Friday during this tasty brunch. Dishes on offer include rustic sourdough bread, cheese pizza and a mixed grill platter. Our personal highlight has to be the eggplant rollatin, which is stuffed with ricotta cheese. Yum. O Dhs255 (soft drinks), Dhs325 (house beverages). Fri 7pm-10pm. Aloft Abu Dhabi, Capital Centre (02 654 5000). DAI PAI DONG We’re big fans of Dai Pai Dong, and the Friday brunch is the perfect opportunity to try it for yourself if you haven’t already. You’ll get to enjoy dim sum and barbecued dishes before cooking your own tofu, seafood and meats in the traditional Chinese hot pot. O Dhs298 (soft drinks), Dhs428 (hops and grape). Fri 6pm-11.30pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5588). EASY TIGER Finish off a long week with unlimited beverages and bites at Easy Tiger for just Dhs199 every Friday. O Dhs199. Fri 8pm-11pm. Al Ain Palace Hotel, West Corniche Road (050 593 7977). FILINI GARDEN Italian spot Filini Garden also offers up an evening brunch on Fridays, with three-hour packages starting from Dhs169. O Dhs169 (three-hour soft drinks package), Dhs269 (three-hour house beverages package). Fri 5pm onwards. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island (02 656 2000). HAKKASAN You can head to top Chinese restaurant Hakkasan every Friday for an introduction to signature dishes including peking duck and dim sum along with mixed drinks. O Dhs488 (house beverages), Dhs728 (bubbly). Fri 8pm-11pm. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 690 7739). LIBRARY BAR The writer’s block evening brunch naturally takes its inspiration from literature, with Brick Rooftop Kitchen & BarBRILLIANT BRUNCHES timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 23 B-LoungeBRILLIANT BRUNCHES 24 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com plenty of themed mixed drinks. Split into four chapters, you can expect cold cuts and cheese, lobster tacos and beef tartare, beef sliders and pizza before Ànishing with smoked chocolate trufÁe. You can book in for a three- hour experience at any time between 7pm and midnight. O Dhs175 (soft drinks), Dhs275 (house beverages), Dhs395 (bubbly). Fri 7pm-midnight. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0000). LITTLE SOHO The Friday brunch at Little Soho is priced at just Dhs199 for unlimited house beverages and drinks between 8pm and 11pm. Want to start earlier? You can grab a glass of Spanish or Italian mixed drink for just Dhs20 between noon and 6pm. O Dhs199. Fri 8pm-11pm. Al Ain Palace Hotel, West Corniche Road (056 671 7320). MARKET KITCHEN Modern American restaurant Market Kitchen also runs its de’vine table brunch every Friday, with both meaty and vegetarian options available. O Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs350 (house beverages), Dhs450 (bubbly). Fri 7pm-10pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Danah (800 101101). MYKONOS The outdoor buffet at Mykonos features stands dedicated to salads, cold cuts and seafood as well as a live grill station serving up your choice of beef, lamb or Àsh. O Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs299 (house beverages). Every Fri 7pm-11pm. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (050 785 2320). NASMA BEACHFRONT BAR This beachfront bar offers up a Latin American-themed brunch every Friday evening, complete with ceviche, tacos, churrasqueira and churros. O Dhs350 (soft drinks), Dhs475 (house beverages). Fri 7pm-10.30pm. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000). STRATOS It doesn’t matter where you pull up a chair at Stratos’ ratpack supperclub, because over the course of the evening you’ll enjoy 360 views over the city from the revolving restaurant. Friday evenings here involve endless bites and free-Áowing beverages for three hours. O Dhs395. Fri 6pm-11pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Danah (02 695 0490). BANISH THE SATURDAY SCARIES ANTOINA Held just once a month, Antonia’s beachfront brunch is the perfect way to end the weekend. The next edition is on February 19, and you can expect a four-course menu with Italian mussels in tomato sauce, nonna’s braised beef cheek pappardelle, pan-seared rib-eye and tiramisu or cannoli. O Dhs245 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), Dhs120 (bottle of pink sparkling). Once a month. Sun 3pm-6pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 667 2554). AQUA If Sundays just don’t feel right without a roast dinner, get yourself down to Aqua. Meats and carved tableside and served with all the trimmings. O Dhs155 (soft drinks), Dhs215 (hops and grape). Sun 12.30pm-4.30pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5575). DAI PAI DONG Wear your stretchiest pants for this Sunday brunch, because there’s lots to try. During the course of the yum cha brunch, you’ll enjoy soups, dim sum (both steamed and deep fried), roast duck, chicken skewers and more, followed by desserts. You’ll be looking forward to this all week. O Dhs298 (soft drinks), Dhs428 (house beverages). Sun noon-6pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5588). FLOOKA Seafood lovers, get yourself down to Flooka for a brunch of fresh Àsh and anise-based beverages with a view out to the Eastern Mangroves. O Dhs185 (soft drinks), Dhs275 (house beverages). Sun noon-5pm. Eastern Mangroves promenade (02 441 8244). LITTLE SOHO Sundays are fun days at Little Soho, with a family-friendly brunch featuring unlimited pizza or a roast dinner. Your little ones can make their own pizzas and enjoy unlimited soft drinks for just Dhs40. O Dhs199 (adults), Dhs40 (kids). Sun 1pm-4pm. Al Ain Palace Hotel, West Corniche Road (056 671 7320). OAK ROOM Chef Tom Aikens is behind the menu at steakhouse Oak Room, and if you head down on Sundays for the roast dinner, you’ll get to indulge in salads and a salmon wellington followed by your choice or beef or lamb with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire puds and cauliÁower cheese. Save room for dessert, with sticky toffee pudding (our personal favourite), apple and blackberry crumble and a selection of cheeses. The three-hour experience includes classic brunch mixed drinks. O Dhs285 (soft drinks), Dhs385 (house beverages), Dhs485 (bubbly). Sun 12.30pm-5pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0000). SHANG PALACE Explore the best the Schezuan region has to offer with this brunch at Shang Palace. Your afternoon will begin with traditional dim sum such as har gow and chicken siu mai, followed by hot and sour soup, wok-fried meats and veg, and desserts including baked egg tart. O Dhs198 (soft drinks), Dhs298 (house beverages). Sun noon-3pm. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8555). TING IRIE At Ting Irie on Sundays, you can opt for a brunch menu featuring oxtail sandwiches, chicken Àngers, roasted plantain and more along with three house beverages for Dhs165, or opt for unlimited drinks for Dhs215. O Dhs165 (with three house beverages), Dhs215 (house beverages). Sun 1pm-7pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat (02 886 7786). VERSO NEW The family brunch at Verso features classic Italian plates bound to please even the pickiest eaters. O Dhs180 (soft drinks), Dhs280 (house beverages), Dhs90 (kids six to 12). Sun 1pm-4pm. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, West Corniche (02 510 1234). YAS LINKS You can expect a Sunday carvery with all the trimmings at Yas Links’ brunch. O Dhs120 (soft drinks), Dhs220 (house beverages), Dhs60 (kids seven to 12). Sun 12.30pm-3.30pm. Yas Island (02 404 3077). “Wear your stretchiest pants for this brunch which features soups, dim sum, roast duck and more every Sunday”There’s no such thing. That’s why Time Out has been reviewing Abu Dhabi restaurants anonymously since 2002. LUNCH? FREE Head to timeoutabudhabi.com/food-drink for the latest and greatest eats in town26 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com ON THETRENDING TRAVEL Stays that make sustainability the star, wildlife-led experiences, off-grid adventures, cultural marvels and more: these are the travel destinations and trends set to shape the way we vacation in 2023. Prepare to experience some serious wanderlust… TV TOURISM THE COUNTRY TO EXPERIENCE IT: ITALY Are you a set-jetter? According to the experts, streamed television shows are now not just our top source of nightly escapism, they provide us with vacation inspiration, too. And while the destinations are as varied as the NetÁix menu, thanks to TV tourism all eyes are on Italy to enjoy something of a renaissance (sorry) as 2023’s European travel destination of choice. Here’s why. This year culinary darling of the moment Stanley Tucci took viewers on a tasting tour of the country with his Searching for Italy series, while NetÁix’s Chef’s Table: Pizza delivered delicious content and a deep- dive (no deep dish numbers allowed) into the art of artisan pizza prep with episodes dedicated to Italian legends Franco Pepe and Gabrielle Bonci (aka the Michelangelo of pizza). Both shows gave viewers a serious appetite for Italian food and travel. More mouthwatering screen time of the scenic rather than edible variety came courtesy of the second series of The White Lotus. While the storyline captivated attention, so too did the show’s stunning Sicily location and eponymously named hotel with its swanky The hotspots, holiday styles and hard-to-reach sites destined for your bucket list E UPFebruary 15 – March 14 2023 27 TRENDING TRAVEL mood, breathtaking views and Mount Etna backdrop. The long-awaited TV adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend meanwhile shone a light on the alluring city of Naples. Where to stay: If you’re willing to splash some cash in return for an ultra-luxe stay, you too can check into the Four Seasons-owned San Domenico Palace, which doubles as The White Lotus hotel. O Fly direct to Rome with Etihad from Dhs3,080, etihad.com. Rooms from Dhs6,000 (per night). Piazza San Domenico, Taormina, fourseasons.com/taormina. REVENGE TRAVEL THE COUNTRY TO EXPERIENCE IT: JAPAN A direct result of the restrictions imposed on all of us over the last few years, the desire to seek vacation vengeance (i.e take ‘revenge’ on COVID-19 for putting previous plans on hold by going travelling) is not just here to stay, it’s only going to get stronger. Experts are predicting that having found our travel feet again many of us will be dipping our toes in waters further aÀeld, seeking out once-in-a-lifetime, one-of-a-kind expeditions. This means different things to different people, but from taking long-dreamed about, ultra-exclusive cruises to embarking on self- drive tours of New Zealand, visiting elusive world landmarks, scaling perilous mountains and the like, revenge travel trips all tend to promise memorable, life-afÀrming experiences that go well beyond a conventional holiday. Seeking inspiration? Japan is the destination on every traveller’s 2023 hit list. Whether you immerse yourself in the hustle, bustle and culinary delights of Tokyo, seek serenity on the island of Naoshima, take a road trip through the volcanoes of Kyushu or go hiking in the Japanese Alps, the extraordinary experiences are abundant. Where to stay: Set in a renovated former 1920s bank, the 20-room K5 Hotel boasts a great location as well as artisan coffee shop, plant shop, beer hall, library-bar and celebrated restaurant, Caveman. O Fly direct to Tokyo with Etihad from Dhs5,700, etihad.com; Rooms from Dhs1,775 (per night). Chuo City, Tokyo, k5-tokyo.com. EXPECTED BUT UNEXPECTED THE COUNTRY TO EXPERIENCE IT: MALTA This trend is inspired by the cautious traveller who wants to ensure that when passports 28 February 15 – March 14 2023TRENDING TRAVEL MaltaNext >