Dubai’s best budget brunches

Secret garden

Toko

Exceptional Asian fusion at Vida Downtown

This popular weekend hotspot, located in the boutique Vida Downtown hotel, hosts a laidback al fresco brunch with an Asian-inspired sharing menu that always impresses. For the best setting, walk through Toko’s main entrance and head to the restaurant’s serene outdoor back garden where canopied tables are surrounded by lush greenery. With a welcoming vibe, it’s easy to spend a leisurely Friday afternoon here with friends as you savour signature classics such as crispy duck salad, irresistible maki rolls, miso chilli salmon and barbecue Hoisin chicken.

Best for: Al fresco dining
When: Fridays, 12:30-4pm
Cost: AED190 with soft beverages

Parsi passion

Moombai & Co

A brunch that’s sure to impress at The H Dubai

If you have time to dine at only one Indian restaurant while in Dubai, it has to be Moombai & Co. Tucked away in The H Dubai, the restaurant is reminiscent of Mumbai’s famed Parsi café culture, complete with retro Bollywood posters and a soundtrack to match. Equally as impressive as the setting is the food. Book the Saturday ‘Auntie’s Brunch’ for a true taste of contemporary India, complete with a host of ‘tiffin’ snacks. Think eggs served with Indian naan bread and warm lentil salad, lamb biryani flavoured with saffron and masala tea.

Best for: Bold flavours
When: Saturdays, 11am-4pm
Cost: AED245 with soft beverages

Turkish delight

Rüya

Dine on fine Anatolian fare at the Grosvenor House

Rüya Dubai fits right in with the glamorous, five-star setting of Grosvenor House. This Anatolian restaurant features dazzling geometric motifs, luxe fabrics and dramatic artwork. Centrestage you’ll find a buzzing open kitchen, while the stylish outdoor terrace serves up stunning views of Dubai Marina. Ruya’s Friday brunch pulls out all the stops with live entertainment, a buzzing vibe and fabulous food. Elevating Turkish cuisine to new heights, you’ll love the soft cheese pides, grilled seabream and skewers of roasted lamb kebabs. Just make sure to save room for dessert!

Best for: Exotic fare
When: Fridays, 12-4pm
Cost: AED295 with soft beverages

Afternoon tea

Partea

Quintessential taste of Britain at Dukes Dubai

Tea-time never seemed so enticing. Dukes Dubai at Palm Jumeirah hosts its own brunch version of the English tradition at its stylish Tea Lounge, decorated in gold leaf and bright colours. The Partea brunch features endless dainty cucumber and cream cheese and roast beef and horseradish sandwiches, light sponge cakes, lemon meringue pie and freshly-baked homemade scones with dollops of clotted cream and strawberry jam. Exotic blends have been specially selected from the hotel’s designer tea company, Tchaba, so this is the place to try ‘silver tips’ white tea alongside traditional classics.

Best for: A light brunch alternative
When: Saturdays, 2 - 6pm
Cost: AED295 with soft beverages

Rise and shine

The Daily

A favourite with families at Rove Downtown

One of Dubai’s most Instagram-famous hotels, Rove Downtown never ceases to impress. Boasting a prime location overlooking the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, stop by the hotel’s gallery wall that features an eclectic range of local art, before making your way to The Daily. Every Friday, this expansive space presents a breakfast buffet, complete with freshly-baked pastries, a selection of cheeses and plenty of fresh fruit. Choose your mains from the menu and toast to a memorable start to the weekend with the perfect cup of coffee, expertly crafted by the restaurant barista.

Best for: Early starts
When: Fridays, 11am - 3pm
Cost: AED99 with soft beverages

Poolside BBQ

Purobeach Urban Oasis

The city’s best-kept brunch secret at Conrad Dubai

Combining the best of two worlds, Purobeach Urban Oasis presents a fantastic barbecue brunch where guests can lounge poolside. Located on the 6th floor of Conrad Dubai, this cool urban jungle is a sun-seeker’s dream come true with luxe white lounges, sparkling blue waters and landscaped gardens. Every Friday, the Miami BBQ Pool Party kicks the tempo up a notch with lively beats and an eclectic selection of barbecue fare, including freshly-grilled prawns, Arabic meat skewers and prime beef. Spend the rest of the day unwinding on a private cocoon bed. Trust us, this brunch will be the highlight of your holiday.

Best for: Poolside fun
When: Fridays, 12pm to sunset
Cost: AED199 with one soft drink

Fun and games

Qwerty

Rapid-fire brunch festivities at Media One

The Friday ‘BRNCH’ at Qwerty in Media One injects a little fun to your weekend. The restaurant’s quirky decor features pop icon paintings and impish monkey sculptures, setting the tone for an unconventional dining experience. There’s an endless supply of tasty sharing platters, piled high with prawns, cornish pasties and tandoori chicken samosas, but diners can also look forward to challenging their friends to tabletop games like mini Connect 4 and Atari classics. There’s even a Whatsapp broadcast group to receive silent text challenges for the chance to win exciting prizes, including weekend stays and invitations to Qwerty’s superb Saturday Roast.

Best for: Fun, Food and Friends
When: Fridays, 1 - 3pm
Cost: AED199 with soft beverages