< Previous50 September 2023 timeoutdubai.com Food Reif Japanese Kushiyaki Brunch alert Nine brand-new brunches to spice up your weekends in September TO DXB_509_50-51_EO LEADER_12987564.indd 5024/08/2023 11:04timeoutdubai.com September 2023 51 1BUSSOLA Fan of Mediterranean cuisine? Then you’ll want to give this family brunch a go. Starters served to the table include burrata, golden-fried fritti, cured meats, oysters, salads and quiche. Next comes a trio of pizzas. A selection of pasta follows, before mains, desserts and gelato. Phew. O Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages), Dhs110 (children aged six to 13). Sun 1pm-4pm. Jumeirah Golf Estates, dubaigolf.com (04 586 7760). 2CARNIVAL BY TRÈSIND Brunching on a Sunday? Try Carnival by Trèsind’s new offering. Start with a tasty amuse-bouche before quirky plates such as pumpkin bao, brisket lettuce wrap with sour cream and crab tempura with coconut sambal appear. Mains include tandoori burrata and tikka masala. O Dhs289 (soft drinks), Dhs349 (house beverages), Dhs399 (bubbly). Sun noon-4pm. The Buildings by Damam, DIFC, carnivalbytresind.com (052 242 4262). 3FEBRUARY 30 A rst Saturday brunch for this seaside spot, the menu is lled with sharing plates. Think dishes such as crispy beef, California maki, quinoa and kale salad, mac and cheese, baklava cheesecake and assorted mochi. O Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs445 (premium beverages). Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, february30dubai.com (04 244 7200). 4RUMBA This Club Vista Mare spot has launched its Brunch in Plaza Vieja. Dine on dishes that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Plaza Vieja, right in the heart of Havana, such as tacos de carne asada and shrimp empanadas. Get ready to sway as Havana 6 Band will play live tunes. O Dhs230 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), Dhs350 (premium beverages). Sat 1pm-5pm.Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, rumba.ae (04 570 8111). 5THE COTERIE Brunching with the gang? This one comes with plates of comfort classics, such as Marmite roasties, glazed chicken poppers, grain-fed steak tartare and sh and chips. Prepare to be kept entertained as the venue turns into a Race Day Paddock with virtual horse races across its 19 HD screens. Guests use tokens (included in the price of the brunch) to win prizes. O Dhs225 (soft drinks), Dhs325 (house beverages), Dhs395 (sparkling and selected mixed drinks). Sat 1pm-4.30pm. Ibn Battuta Mall, coteriegroup.com (04 570 8072). DUBAI MAY BE a little quieter over the summer, but that hasn’t stopped restaurants bringing out new brunches just in time for the September season to come into full swing. Whether you’re looking for a lazy Saturday afternoon at the golf club with the fam, a sizzling Sunday lunch at one of the city’s quirkiest Indian restaurants, or a confetti- lled party brunch, we have you covered. Dig in. 6REIF JAPANESE KUSHIYAKI Fill your boots with unlimited plates of sashimi, nigiri, maki, gyoza, chicken kushi skewers, salads, and more at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki’s new brunch. The Buranchi brunch runs every Saturday and Sunday with over 30 all-time favourite dishes that are sure to impress. O Dhs238 (food only), Dhs128 (house beverages), half price (kids aged six to 12), free (kids under six). Sat noon-3pm, Sun 6pm-9pm. Dubai Hills Business Park, reifkushiyaki.com (050 235 7071). 7SUMOSAN This lively party brunch at trendy hotel The Dubai Edition is as much about the fun-loving vibe as about the food. Dig into Asian classics including crispy sushi rice pizza with salmon, chicken karaage, a selection of maki rolls and a choice of mains including black Angus llet with yakiniku sauce or wasabi prawns O Dhs390 (soft drinks), Dhs490 (house beverages), Dhs590 (premium beverages). Sat 3pm-7pm. The Dubai Edition, Downtown Dubai, sumosan.com (04 388 4540). 8WESLODGE SALOON Head to this sky- high restaurant for brunch with a view. The new Bad Bunnies Brunch at Weslodge Saloon is a confetti- throwing party taking place every Saturday from 6pm till 10pm followed by an after party at Weslodge’s secret speakeasy BTYD. Highlight dishes on the Canadian restaurant’s brunch menu include Dibba Bay oysters, baja sh tacos, pulled beef bone marrow with chargrilled sourdough and mushroom and truf e arancini. O Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs445 (sparkling). Sat 6pm-10pm. Weslodge Saloon, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, weslodge.ae (04 350 9288). 9THE NICE GUY Hip-hop beats and lots of food star at this Saturday afternoon brunch. Hailing from Los Angeles, The Nice Guy Dubai has a cool, stateside vibe and a brunch packed with breakfast-lunch options. Start with a welcome mixed drink before digging into ricotta pancakes with honeycomb and orange custard, scrambled eggs with truf e paste and fresh black truf es before diving into pizza, short ribs and risotto before ending with warm chocolate chip cookies with milk. O Dhs399 (soft drinks), Dhs499 (house beverages), Dhs699 (premium beverages). Sat 12.30pm-4pm. The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, jumeirah.com (04 276 9888). “Plates of comfort classics such as Marmite roasties, glazed chicken poppers and fish and chips” TO DXB_509_50-51_EO LEADER_12987564.indd 5124/08/2023 11:0352 September 2023 timeoutdubai.com FOR THE PAST decade, Japanese restaurants serving small plates have dominated Dubai’s ever- expanding dining scene. The cuisine is, without a doubt, one of the most well-loved in the city. Though ten years ago, full of novelty and creativity, these days restaurateurs seem to consult a widely shared checklist of popular dishes. And while innovation is crucial in the growth of any dining scene, sometimes that tried and tested familiarity does the job. Well-known Dubai chef, Izu Ani’s latest opening is all about serving familiar, crowd favourite dishes that are, as it turns out, reliably good. The chef is primarily known for his Mediterranean dishes at GAIA, carine and Alaya, but his venture into Japanese-Med cuisine features a similar style of cooking that Ani fans will recognise. Located on the rooftop of Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, the restaurant has a breathtaking glass roof, through which you can see stars on a clear night. A central bar steals the show with mixologists shaking drinks. Elegant interiors are juxtaposed with pumping deep house that adds a hint of cool to the neighbourhood restaurant but makes it a tad too loud if conversation is your priority. Kai Enzo’s menu is divided into small and large plates. Hokkaido scallops are served with a green apple ponzu that adds a sour and acidic punch. Scallops are fresh and meaty. Don’t miss the market sh karaage. While not the most elegantly presented dish, it will Kai Enzo O Open Sun-Thu, 6pm-1am, Fri-Sat, 6pm-2am. Licensed. Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, kaienzo.com (04 302 1275). WHAT IS IT... Japanese-inspired dining at Dubai’s La Mer from chef Izu Ani WHY GO... For familar dishes done well using top quality ingredients win you over with avour. It comes with the sh head and tail intact, both pointing upwards, while the rest of the body serves as a basket in which little pieces of crisp, panko-crusted fried sh llet can be picked out and dipped into a vinegary soy sauce. Of mains spanning land and sea, slow-cooked sticky-sweet short rib with shishito pepper and a tidy bouquet of micro greens, and that omnipresent miso- marinated black cod, stand out among them. Reservations at Kai Enzo aren’t exactly dif cult to come by. The restaurant is located in a property that stands alone in the relatively quiet La Mer, currently under redevelopment. So, while you will come across other diners, expect this to be a low-key dinner. For now. Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals TO DXB_509_52-55_Food Review 4pgs_12976423.indd 5224/08/2023 11:06timeoutdubai.com September 2023 53 WITH FLOOR-TO-CEILING windows looking into Atlantis The Palm’s aquarium, Ossiano oozes “will you marry me” vibes. And we’re not messing about. Because this is one of the city’s most popular proposal spots, particularly among visitors. And its swish setting isn’t let down by the food, with an extremely elegant menu charting some seriously ne dining, seafood-leaning plates. You’ll be led down a lavish spiral staircase to an enormous dining room facing Atlantis’ Ambassador Lagoon, lending a genuinely underwater ambience. Expect to be greeted with lemongrass-scented towels, stands to place your bags on and napkins even changed from white to black to match your attire. The service, attention-to-detail and luxe extras are second to none. Ossiano’s reputation depends entirely on context. Through the lens of anyone who last visited in 2021 or earlier, a spendy, kitsch resort restaurant facing an aquarium. Through the lens of a March 2022-onwards visit, a brilliant, ambitious, one-of-its- kind in the country experience that deserves every drop of the adulation it has swum in since the return of executive chef Grégoire Berger. And it’s fun. Ossiano’s menu changes seasonally – currently it is on it’s third edition titled ‘Escale: Tales and travels around the world’. Inspired by chef Berger’s trip to Tokoyo when he was 14 years old. Over approximately three hours and approximately ten set courses (with optional pairing), diners are guided through a carefully constructed sequence of mostly marine-inspired dishes, ranging from single mouthfuls to small plates. Each combination of ingredients, treatments and presentations is nothing short of elaborate, and even if not every dish is win for every diner, it’s hard not to appreciate and marvel at the overall execution. Great value doesn’t come easily when your bill is over Dhs1,000 a head, but Ossiano’s is never once in question. But for anyone who gets excited about creativity and storytelling in food, it is absolutely a restaurant to be tried at least once. WHAT IS IT... The pinnacle of Dubai’s chef-led dining experiences WHY GO... To try culinary storytelling at its best Bounty Beets You can get an unlimited breakfast deal at this pretty venue for Dhs129 on the weekend, with tea, coffee and juice. O Dhs129. Sat-Sun 8am-noon. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, bountybeets.com (04 702 2455). THREE OF THE BEST All-you-can-eat breakfast deals Circle Café Want to try over 25 dishes in one morning? Head to this popular eatery where you can for just Dhs69. O Dhs69. Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. Various locations. circle-cafe.com. Ella’s Eatery Choose from a selection of six dishes from the menu, as well as a steaming hot beverage or juice for Dhs89. O Dhs89. Daily 8am-noon. Palm View East, Palm Jumeirah (04 557 0984). RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR Ossiano O Open daily, 6pm-1am. Licensed. Lobby Level, East Tower, Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road (04 426 2626).). TO DXB_509_52-55_Food Review 4pgs_12976423.indd 5325/08/2023 09:4054 September 2023 timeoutdubai.com WHAT IS IT... Superb European offering from an acclaimed chef WHY GO... To try the signature dishes from the exciting new restaurant at a decent all- inclusive price The Social Brunch at City Social O Dhs495 (house beverages), Dhs550 (sparkling) Dhs750 (bubbly). Sat 12.30pm-4pm. Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai Marina, citysocialdubai.com (04 402 2222). BRUNCHES CAN BE many things – lively or low-key, food-focused or drinks-orientated. But when it comes to a ne-dining restaurant there is one thing that they very much should be – a showcase of what the kitchen can do and an exhibition of the most-loved dishes to entice diners back. And that’s exactly where City Social’s brunch shines. It’s not lesser dishes shoved on a menu as a box-ticking exercise, it’s a list of plates showing off the restaurant’s skills and soul. But that’s not to say the other sides of brunch at City Social are lacking – on the contrary. With stunning views, friendly service, free- owing drinks and a lively grown-up vibe there’s a lot to like. This venture from well-known British chef Jason Atherton opened in Grosvenor House earlier in 2023, perched high on the 43rd and 44th oors, which Dubai old-timers will remember as Embassy nightclub. A sister restaurant of Broad Street’s City Social in London, there’s a modern, urban vibe. Kick off brunch with a drink with a view before moving through to the dining room for lunch. Begin with a rich, classic beef tartare, elegant Scottish salmon with king crab and palate-popping fried spiced chicken. But pace yourself, there’s plenty to come. Larger plates include meaty roast cod with tangy piperade, indulgent aged Parmesan risotto and black Angus rib-eye with a fragrant, smoky butter. It’s all expertly cooked and moreish – though you’d be advised to save space for the desserts, especially the retro apple doughnuts, too. Service is excellent and there are charming touches throughout, such as an extravagant seafood trolley loaded with tiger prawns, scallop ceviche and oysters, plus a delightful rolling cheeseboard (which we’d be more than happy to see at all brunches). The Social Brunch is modern and fun, but with a traditional approach to serving quality dishes. Trust us, you’ll already be booking your return. And so with that, it’s mission accomplished. “The list of plates shows off City Social’s skills and soul” Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals À LA CARTE BRUNCH REVIEW TO DXB_509_52-55_Food Review 4pgs_12976423.indd 5424/08/2023 11:06FUNNY FILIPINOS DUBAI Sunday September 10, 7pm Stand-up comedians Imah Dumagay, Alex Calleja, and Andrew Orolfo share jokes on the Filipino experience in Dubai. From Dhs100. Radisson RED Hotel Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai. KISS Friday October 13, 7pm American rock legends KISS will return to Dubai this October for one last show. From Dhs295. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, Dubai. THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN Friday October 20, 7pm British boybands Blue, Boyz Life and Five are coming to Dubai for a special concert at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. From Dhs225. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Al Garhoud. FRIDA Y 13 TH OCT 2023 BLUE BOYZLIFE FIVE LOADED Saturday November 4, 7pm Four incredible bands, including Stereo MC’s, Fun Loving Criminals, Toploader, and Dodgy, come together for one night. From Dhs175. Irish Village, Al Gharhoud. IAN BAGG Saturday September 23, 7.30pm Canadian comedian Ian Bagg is bringing his quick wit to the Theatre by QE2, along with two supporting comedians. From Dhs50. Theatre by QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai. SANJAY SABHA LIVE Saturday October 28, 7pm South Indian classical singer Sanjay Sabha will be performing a carnatic concert at the Zabeel Ladies Club. From Dhs65. Zabeel Ladies Club, Zabeel 1, Dubai. TO DXB_509_55_800 tickets_12986059.indd 5524/08/2023 11:0756 September 2023 timeoutdubai.com T he winter season for 2023 is shaping up to be a big one for music-lovers, with some world-class names coming to Dubai. From mega rock bands to pop bands, indie singers and house music festivals, there’s absolutely tonnes going on. And if that’s not enough, there’s plenty happening in the capital before the end of the year too, if you fancy a road trip. It’s time to turn up the music and get ready to dance / rock / party like you mean it. SEPTEMBER 9: INDIE VIBES Noughties hitmakers Jay Sean, Manj Musik, Juggy and Raghav are coming together for a one-off concert in Dubai on Saturday September 9. You’ll be able to see Jay Sean at Nightlife Seeing stars Winter 2023’s greatest hits: unmissable gigs in Dubai TO DXB_509_56-57_Nightlife_12987561.indd 5624/08/2023 11:08timeoutdubai.com September 2023 57 KISS noting success with four albums between 1997 and 1999. They also achieved platinum status more than 20 times in South East Asia, with chart success in the USA. It’s time to bop. O From Dhs95. Fri Sep 22. The Agenda, Media City, platinumlist.net. OCTOBER 13: KISS Legendary US rock band KISS is performing at the Coca-Cola Arena on Friday October 13 as part of the band’s nal world tour. The only Middle East date on the tour, you’ll be able to see the band’s original members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer. O From Dhs295. Fri Oct 13. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, 800tickets.com. the city’s biggest venue, the Coca-Cola Arena, along with the three other British artists in the concert titled Indie Vibes. Sharing a stage, the musicians will play a selection of their respective hits from 8pm. O From Dhs195. Sat Sep 9, 8pm. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, coca-cola-arena.com. SEPTEMBER 22: THROWBACK BOYBAND Ready for a blast from the past? A1 and 911 will feature on what looks set to be a big nostalgia trip at the Throwback Boyband event. A1 have numerous top ten hits to their name, including Caught in the Middle and Same Old Brand while their cover of A-Ha classic Take on Me is arguably their most famous. 911 also enjoyed several top ten hits, OCTOBER 13-15: DEFECTED DUBAI Attention house music-lovers, Defected Records is hosting a three-day house music festival in October. Currently, the line-up includes Dunmore Brothers, Groove Armada, Hannah Wants, Roger Sanchez and many more. DJs such as Alex Mills, Catz n Dogz and Syreeta will also feature. It’s going to be huge, so put it in your diary now. O From Dhs200. Fri Oct 13-Sun Oct 15. Various locations including Soul Beach, defecteddubai.com. OCTOBER 20: THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN Boyband fans can see three of the most popular ’90s boybands in Dubai this October. Blue, Five and Boyzlife (Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, who were previously members of Boyzone and Westlife respectively) will all be playing at The Irish Village in Garhoud. Get ready for a poptastic night out. O From Dhs225. Fri Oct 20, from 7pm. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, theirishvillage.com. OCTOVER 28: DIZZEE RASCAL Fix Up, Look Sharp – you can see Dizzee Rascal in Dubai on Saturday October 28 at Emirates Golf Club. A standing-only concert, the crowd will be able to dance to Dizzee Rascal’s bangers including Dance Wiv Me, Holiday and Bonkers. Known for his lively stage presence, the gig should be a fun one. O From Dhs225. Sat Oct 28, 8pm (gig starts at 9pm). Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, dubai.platinumlist.net. NOVEMBER 4: BRYAN ADAMS The one and only Bryan Adams is coming to Dubai later this year as part of his world tour. One of the biggest-selling musicians of all time, the Canadian singer-songwriter will perform at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday November 4, so don’t miss out on what will be a cracker of a show. O Ticket prices TBC. Sat Nov 4. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk, coca-cola-arena.com. ROAD TRIP! OCTOBER 1: CHARLIE PUTH Famed for We Don’t Talk Anymore and Light Switch, the American singer is coming to the capital in October. O Tickets TBC. Sun Oct 1. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, livenation.ae. OCTOBER 18: ROBBIE WILLIAMS Expect massive hits from the British megastar when he plays at Yas Island. O From Dhs395. Wed Oct 18. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, livenation.me. NOVEMBER 26: FOO FIGHTERS The legendary US rock band, fronted by Dave Grohl, will be headlining at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November. O From Dhs450. Sun Nov 26. Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, yasmarinacircuit.com. Bryan Adams TO DXB_509_56-57_Nightlife_12987561.indd 5724/08/2023 16:0558 September 2023 timeoutdubai.com NEW NIGHTSPOTS ARE a dime a dozen in Dubai but with most being like for like, when a club opens dedicated to a speci c music scene, it’s a welcome addition. Lekki, with its own dedicated entrance on the side of Millennium Central Downtown has made a name for itself as an Afrobeats and amapiano (a subgenre of house music that emerged in South Africa in the 2010s) club. Open Thursdays to Sundays from 10pm until the early hours, Lekki dubs itself an underground urban nightclub (it’s actually on the ground oor, and as for urban, it’s in Business Bay), nevertheless the vibe inside manages to ful l the brief. Lekki has all the regular club mod cons – lasers, LED screens and Instagrammable ops (graf ti walls, neon signage). Live dancers parade around, while clubbers are either dutty wining on the dance oor or huddled around the bar. The mood is fun and free. There’s no need to book if you aren’t after a table as you’ll generally be able to get in on the door, with entry free for women and Dhs250 for men. Drinks are fairly standard for the scene, and you can expect to part with Dhs55 for hops or Dhs70 for a something-and- tonic. Though there’s not a focus on mixed drinks and premium bottles (stuffed with sparklers) are reserved for those on tables. For those whose perfect night out is a swish mixed drink paired with pumping EDM and pop, the club is unlikely to appeal. But if all you want from a night out is to bump and grind to the latest Afrobeats tunes (or take part in a twerking contest), a trip to Lekki is a hard yes. WHAT IS IT... Buzzing Business Bay nightclub dedicated to Afrobeats and amapiano WHY GO... To dance the night away in good company CLUB OF THE MONTH Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals Lekki Dubai O Open Thu-Sun 10am-4am. Licensed. Millennium Central Downtown, Business Bay, @lekkidubai (050 840 1501) TO DXB_509_58-59_BAR REVIEWS_12991577.indd 5824/08/2023 11:17timeoutdubai.com September 2023 59 WHAT IS IT... A Levantine- leaning restaurant by two of Dubai’s most established restaurateurs WHY GO... To dine like Dubai royalty Bad Bunny brunch at Weslodge O Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs445 (sparkling). Sat, 6pm-10pm. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, weslodge.ae (04 560 1700). IT MAY SOUND like a rooting-tooting watering hole, prime for boot- wearing, and Stetson-tipping patrons, but what you’ll nd at Weslodge Saloon’s Bad Bunny brunch is an altogether wild party brunch with a well-thought out food menu. Perched on the 68th oor of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the restaurant shows off stunning views across the Gulf, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay – although we can’t help but feel that the vistas aren’t fully showcased, hidden slightly behind high-backed sofas and the like. But the vantage point still impresses and it’s a top place to take a date or a group of friends to show off a real Dubai party brunch experience. A DJ spins the tunes, all reggaeton, Afrobeats and old- school hip-hop, (think Bad Bunny, Burna Boy, Missy Elliott and more) keeping the atmosphere lively and making it dif cult to sit still. When it comes to the food, the standard is as high as the lofty venue. Start with Dibba Bay oysters paired with a mignonette sauce (yes, a party brunch with oysters), along with a zesty portion of tuna tartare, and a creamy wagyu beef tartare. It all feels very high-end for the reasonable starting from Dhs295. The main course is presented as a ‘Weslodge Block’ board which features wagyu sliders, braised short ribs, chargrilled baby chicken and jumbo tiger prawns. Great for sharing, each course delivers on avour. By the time dessert arrives, women dressed in black leather bunny out ts dance around the venue to get the diners off their feet. Complimentary short drinks are passed around and the ante is upped. As you enjoy your warm chocolate chip cookie skillet and an absolutely divine banoffee pie, the DJ plays all of the right songs to get everyone up and dancing. There’s even a conga line or two. With a lively party atmosphere and top-notch food, the Saturday evening brunch could be spurred well along on its way to causing a stampede. “The DJ plays all the right songs to get everyone up and dancing” WHAT IS IT... A lively, sky-high party brunch with top-notch North American food WHY GO... For great food and party vibes TO DXB_509_58-59_BAR REVIEWS_12991577.indd 5924/08/2023 16:05Next >