36 great Christmas dinners to try in Dubai

Fairmont The Palm
The Exchange, the hotel’s premier steakhouse, is putting on a three-course meal of the highest order to celebrate Christmas Day. Choose either the turkey with chestnuts and all the usual trimmings, or a superb cut of beef.
When: 7pm-12am, December 25
Where: Fairmont The Palm
Price: AED250 (excluding beverages), AED399 (with a grape pairing)
Contact: +971 4 311 8316,

Mezzerie at The Waldorf Astoria
We’re being promised a Christmas Day brunch that’s rich with culinary delights from all corners of the globe at Mezzerie. Holiday classics will feature, too, alongside the restaurant’s famous red velvet cake and Waldorf salad. The resident guitarist will provide the live music before Santa shows up at 4pm. We tried this in 2015 and it comes highly recommended.
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Waldorf Astoria
Price: AED490 (with soft drinks), AED650 (with house beverages), AED750 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 818 2222,

Social by Heinz Beck
If you want to add a touch of class with an extra dash of exclusivity to your Christmas celebrations, then head to Social in the Waldorf Astoria for a specially curated six-course Italian festive menu by Heinz Beck himself.
When: 7pm-11pm, December 25
Where: Waldorf Astoria
Price: AED650 (food only), AED950 (with grape pairings)
Contact: +971 4 818 2222,

Crescendo
It’s not just the little ones who will be surprised by gifts from Santa Claus at Crescendo, as the main man will hand out goodies to the not-so-young, too. Of course, there’s a massive feast to be had, with festive fare coming together from all over the world. This will be all about refined relaxation in this corner of The Palm.
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Anantara Dubai
Price: AED445 (with soft drinks), AED655 (with house beverages), AED750 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 567 8310, website

West 14th 
There may be a BBQ theme at West 14th at Dukes Hotel this year, which isn’t exactly traditional for a supposedly British-based venue. But they’re still putting turkey on their sizzling grills and there will, we’re assured, also be plenty of stuffing, lamb roasts and much more.
When: 2pm-6pm, December 25
Where: West 14th, Dukes Hotel
Price: AED175 (with soft drinks)
Contact: +971 4 455 1111,

Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
Gordon Ramsay’s rightly lauded Bread Street Kitchen will bring a little slice of festive London to Dubai as it goes all-out for its Christmas spread. The selection has been put together by Chef Ramsay himself and will feature modern interpretations of a classic Christmas feast. Expect turkey and much, much more.
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Atlantis The Palm
Price: AED395 (with house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 426 2626, website

Ossiano
We’ll hazard a guess and say you’ve never had Christmas dinner under the sea… not unless you’ve worked on a submarine. But that’s the promise of the amazing Ossiano this year, where you can enjoy a set menu of classics as a plethora of sea-life swims around.
When: 6.30pm-11.30pm, December 25
Where: Atlantis The Palm
Price: AED995
Contact: +971 4 426 2626, website

Celebrities
Make the long drive out to the One & Only resort for a festive set menu that will have you licking your lips. Celebrities’ plush surroundings will provide the best backdrop for all those selfies with your plate of turkey or tasty selection of desserts. This is always an exclusive one.
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Where: The One & Only The Palm
Price: AED460 (soft drinks) or AED740 (with house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 399 999, website

Imperium Brunch
For a refined approach to Christmas Day, look no further than the exquisite Imperium restaurant. It’s going all out with its quality foods in what is being billed as the ultimate international buffet. There ought to be something for everyone, then, at a classy venue that will add a stylish edge to your celebrations.
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Price: AED475 (with soft drinks), AED595 (with house beverages), AED795 (with French bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 453 0444, website

Saffron
Among the 200-plus dishes to choose from at this festive brunch is a live turkey carving station. A resident DJ will keep the party vibes pumping after the plates have gone.
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Saffron, Atlantis The Palm
Price: AED595 (selected beverages)
Contact: +971 4 426 2626, website

Al Sufouh/ Madinat Jumeirah/ Jumeirah

Trader Vic’s
A special Christmas menu will be served at one of Dubai’s favourite Polynesian joints. It’s great for family and friends alike, and includes a different type of feast including smoked salmon, pan-seared foie gras and lamb shank. And of course there’s the traditional rolled stuffed turkey, too.
When: 12pm-2am, December 25
Where: Madinat Jumeirah
Price: AED198 (set menu) or AED298 (three-course dinner)
Contact: +971 4 366 5646,

The Rib Room
As you’d expect, The Rib Room’s festive menu offers an exquisite selection of succulent grilled meats, prepared to your exact preference. A classy affair awaits you and your close ones this season.
When: 6.30pm-11.30pm, December 24; 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Price: December 24: AED350 (three-course dinner with hot grape beverage), December 25: AED350 (three-course lunch with a hot grape beverage)
Contact: +971 4 432 3232, website

Pierchic
With what has to be one of the most picturesque venues for a Christmas dinner, Pierchic is offering a festive brunch for friends and families. Its four-course set menu deal includes favourites such as turkey and Christmas pudding.
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Pierchic, Madinat Jumeirah
Price: AED650 (with soft drinks), AED750 (with house beverages), AED850 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 432 3232,

Bubbalicious
One of Dubai’s most iconic brunches is doing it the festive way on Christmas Day. Expect the usual party atmosphere, only this time with a whole host of festive treats from across the planet.
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi
Price: AED595 (with soft drinks), AED750 (with French bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 511 7373,

Al Qasr Christmas Brunch
A hearty trio of eateries, The Hide, Arboretum and Al Hambra, are joining forces to deliver a Christmas Day brunch to remember. As well as traditional turkey and associated trimmings, the restaurants will offer their most notable dishes to help guests break up their Christmas feasting.
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah
Price: AED850 (with house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 366 8888, website

Suq Restaurant
A big, bold affair at the palatial Four Season Resort’s main restaurant, with all the usual stations but with a little extra quality that the brand is known for. Plenty of things to keep smaller guests entertained, too.
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Four Seasons Resort
Price: AED495 (with soft drinks), AED650 (with house beverages), AED850 (with French bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 270 7803,

Dubai Marina

The Scene
There are five courses of traditional festive fare and three hours of free-flowing beverages at The Scene this year. We’re being promised the type of home-cooked spread of Christmas delicacies that your mum would be proud of. The exact same deal and menu is available at Jekyll & Hyde in DIFC.
When: From 12pm, December 25
Where: Pier 7
Price: AED375 (with soft drinks), AED550 (with house beverages), AED650 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 422 2328,

Winter Wonderland at Address Dubai Marina
The Constellation Ballroom at Address Dubai Marina will transform into an enchanting festive village for brunch with themed décor and live stations, complete with a traditional roast and all the trimmings. A visit from the man in red and white will be accompanied by a magician and a live band.
When: 12.30pm-3.30pm, December 25
Where: Address Dubai Marina
Price: AED345 (with soft drinks), AED495 (with house beverages), AED625 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 436 7777, website

Sloane’s Christmas Brunch
The Grosvenor House venue will welcome families this Christmas Day with a festive lunch containing seafood, salads and, of course, roast turkey. It also includes a dessert selection that comes with a classic Christmas pudding. A DJ, kids activities and a visit from Father Christmas will also feature.
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Grosvenor House
Price: AED490 (with soft drinks), AED640 (with house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 399 8888,

Downtown/ Business Bay

Ewaan
Mark the season of celebration with a lively brunch experience at Ewaan. With a backdrop that takes in views of the Burj Khalifa, Ewaan is a picturesque place to spend Christmas Day. There’s a gourmet brunch featuring traditional and contemporary cuisine that’s complemented by the tunes of the live band. There’s also gingerbread making and, of course, a visit from you-know-who.
When: 1pm-4.30pm, December 25
Where: Address Palace Downtown
Price: AED550 (with soft beverages), AED700 (with house beverages), AED850 (with premium bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 888 3444, website

Cabana
Cooking stations filled with festive culinary delights, a range of mulled beverages, and the main event, the roast turkey with all the trimmings come together to make Cabana’s seasonal brunch a great choice on Christmas Day. Get outdoors by the pool and grab a private cabana for a Christmas you won’t forget.
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Address Dubai Mall
Price: AED295 (soft drinks) or AED395 (house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 438 8888, website

The Enchanted Courtyard 
A decent spot in Downtown to gather with friends and family this holiday, where a large and lavish brunch will be served and a load of festive games played. The food offers a blend of regional cuisine alongside Christmas classics.
When: 1pm-5pm, December 25
Where: Manzil Downtown
Price: AED225 (with soft drinks), AED295 (with house beverages)
Contact: 800 DINING, website

Wanderlust Brunch
There’s a whole host of festive celebrations taking place at the JW Marriott Marquis on the December 25, but it’s the Wanderlust Brunch that we’re drawn to most. Guests can enjoy a culinary adventure with cuisines from around the world with 11 stations providing 360 dishes – that’s a veritable feast even Santa Claus might struggle with.
Where: JW Marriott Marquis
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Price: AED425 (house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 414 3000,

DIFC

Café Belge
The Belgian eatery is transforming into a winter wonderland this Christmas as it serves up a festive Grand Brunch. The Christmas cheer will be supplied by a live band and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
When: 12pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Ritz-Carlton DIFC
Price: AED390 (with soft drinks), AED590 (with house beverages), AED640 (with Italian bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 372 2323,

Gaucho
The Argentinian steak specialists have created a Christmas brunch menu of favourites such as slow braised back ribs, grass-fed beef and warming winter desserts, as well as a slow roasted turkey. The perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy some fine Argentine hospitality.
When: 12pm-6pm, December 25
Where: DIFC
Price: AED430 (with soft drinks), AED495 (with house beverages), AED595 (with house beverages and grape), AED695 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 422 7898, website

Creek/ Oud Metha/ Garhoud

Giardino 
A Christmas Day brunch is the offering from Giardino this season. Set inside the palatial surroundings of the Plazzo Versace, the restaurant is serving up a tantalising selection of food, and a guest appearance from the big man in red, too.
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Giardino, Palazzo Versace
Price: AED350 (with soft drinks), AED550 (with house beverages), AED690 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 422 2328, website

Park Hyatt 
With a wide array of live cooking stations preparing festive favourites, the Christmas Day brunch at Park Hyatt is a good option this year. There’ll be a saxophonist and DJ on-hand to create a cheery, festive atmosphere before the kids are surprised by a visit from Santa.
When: 1pm-5pm, December 25
Where: Park Hyatt
Price: AED595 (with soft drinks), AED895 (with bubbles), AED1,295 (with premium bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 602 1234, website

Lakeview
Sit overlooking the incredible views of Dubai Creek as you tuck into a festive brunch. There are two options: standard brunch or the Christmas Dinner brunch which comes with all the trimmings.
When: 11am-6.30pm and 7pm-11pm, December 25
Where: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira
Price: AED275 (with soft drinks), AED395 (with house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 295 6000, website

Yalumba
An eclectic line-up of international foods will be available at Yalumba’s Christmas Day brunch. The venue will be hosting festivities in both its indoor and outdoor areas for the ultimate party brunch. Brilliantly, once the brunch is over there’s a happy hour on beverages from 4pm-7pm.
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Le Royal Meridien
Price: AED549 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 702 2455,

Barsha Heights

Sheraton Mall of the Emirates
The plush hotel tucked away in the Mall of the Emirates will be filled with Christmas cheer from carol singers, the tempting aromas of turkey and gingerbread, and a visit from Santa. Live entertainment will also be on hand to keep the party going.
When: 1pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Mall of the Emirates
Price: AED299 (with soft drinks), AED329 (with house beverages), AED429 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 377 2353,

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
Olea is the setting for this special Christmas Eve brunch. There’s seating inside and out, a children’s play area to keep smaller guests occupied, and there’s also a visit from Santa.
When: 7pm-11pm, December 24
Where: Mall of the Emirates
Price: AED295 (with soft drinks), AED495 (with house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 341 0000,

South Dubai/Communities

Mövenpick Ibn Battuta 
Al Bahou is famed for its varied and superb quality brunches, and this Christmas the restaurant at Ibn Battuta Gate will put on a cracker of a festive spread. Get your traditional turkey with all the trimmings, or get stuck into a range of equally succulent meats such as roast beef or lamb. The party atmosphere will be lifted by a soundtrack of classic Christmas songs.
Where: Al Bahou, Ibn Battuta
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Price: AED449 (with soft drinks), AED599 (with house beverages), AED799 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 444 5613, website

Lapita Hotel
Bring your appetite to Kalea this Christmas Day as the restaurant delivers a festive buffet of epic proportions. Christmas staples such as a turkey carving station and a magnificent spread of desserts including homemade Basler Läckerli (Swiss spice biscuits), mince pies and baked stuffed apples. The brunch is accompanied by live entertainment, a dedicated buffet for kids and a live s’mores station.
Where: Dubai Parks and Resorts
When: 1pm-5pm, December 25
Price: AED295 (soft drinks), AED395 (house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 810 9999,

Maison Mathis
The luxury Belgian venue in the heart of Arabian Ranches is hosting a Christmas brunch for the whole family, offering a spread that will include a range of delectable European dishes and festive beverages – all of which overlooks the lush views of the golf course. There will be entertainers, including magicians for kids, live music and prizes for the best Christmas jumper.
When: 12pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Arabian Ranches
Price: AED299 (with soft drinks), AED385 (with house beverages), AED495 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 450 1313,

Reform Social & Grill
There are Christmas meals for every taste at this popular gastropub in the heart of The Lakes. While traditionalists can tuck into roast turkey, there’s also a baked squash and chestnut Wellington for the vegetarians. The four-course brunch is punctuated with mince pies, yule logs and a great cheese board.
When: 12pm-4pm, December 25
Where: The Lakes
Price: AED400 (with soft drinks), AED530 (with house beverages), AED660 (with bubbles)
Contact: +971 4 454 2638,

Links @ Address Montgomerie
Lots of family focused fun and fabulous food awaits at this popular spot in Emirates Hills. Youngsters will enjoy face painting, bouncy castles, pony rides and, of course, a visit from Santa. All of which means the adults can sit back and relax.
When: 12.30pm-4pm, December 25
Where: Emirates Hills
Price: AED450 (with soft drinks), AED590 (with house beverages)
Contact: +971 4 888 3444, website