6 of Dubai’s best new brunches

When a new venue opens it’s not long until the new brunch follows. For places like La Residence, that means a low key Saturday affair. However, some of the city’s hardened favourites are adding brunches to their repertoire, and there’s nothing low key about them. With a “mega brunch”, a “house party” and a show-stopping theatre brunch, here’s our ShortList of the newbies you need to know about.

For the party animal
Candypants X-Loco MEGA Brunch & Brunch After party 
What: The first event of its kind in Dubai, this brunch is mega in every sense of the word. The purpose built venue will hold a whopping 600 brunchers, with three hours of free flowing drinks (and food, or course) and an after party to rival the best. Local and international DJs will be behind the decks throughout the day, including a special appearance from turntable heavyweight Paul Oakenfold. See you there.
Where: XL Dubai, Habtoor Grand Hotel
When: Friday. Brunch, 1pm to 4pm. After party, 4pm to 9pm
Price: AED350 for brunch and free entry to after party with guest list.
Details:

For the evening bruncher
Zero Gravity House Party
What: Zero Gravity is adding a serious evening brunch contender into the mix with its Thursday evening house party. The canapé-style dishes all have a home cooked theme, so expect cottage pie, beef sliders, chicken tortilla wraps, and quinoa salad in nibble form. Drinks are served from pop-up bars and serving stations adding to the house party vibe.
Where: Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai Drop Zone
Price: AED295 inclusive of food and drinks.
Time: Thursday, 8pm to 11pm
Details: +971 4 399 0009,

For the showgirls (and boys)
The Brunch Club at The Act
What: This is a first for The Act, who have never done a brunch before. The Peruvian supper club are rolling out a special brunch on July 31, which only runs for a limited time so get your booking in early. Local DJs and the occasional stage performance will continue from brunch through to the after party, for those who want to stay out until the bitter end.
Where: The Act, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
Price: AED450 for ladies and AED550 for gents including house beverages. AED350 for bar package.
When: Friday. Brunch, 2pm to 5pm. After party, 5pm to 8pm.
Details: +971 4 355 1116 or

For the sophisticated Saturday bruncher
La Residence
What: Fast becoming a favourite amongst Dubai foodies, French restaurant La Residence’s new brunch is for the more sophisticated bruncher. For a start, it’s on a Saturday, which makes it appeal less to the partiers and more to those looking to enjoy the exquisite food. Celebrity chef Frederic Vardon’s signature dishes make up the 14 sharing plates on offer.
Where: La Residence, Raffles Hotel
When: Saturday, 12pm to 4pm
Price: AED250 drinks, AED300 for drinks and food, AED350 for sparkling package.
Details: +971 4 396 2211

For the Indian fine diner
Mint Leaf of London
What: We’re big fans of Mint Leaf’s haute Indian cuisine here at ShortList. The modern restaurant has fantastic views of Downtown, including the Burj Khalifa, and the cocktails on offer are top of the range. Expect classic Indian street food with a five-star twist.
Where: Mint Leaf of London, Emirates Financial Towers
When: Friday, 1pm to 4.30pm.
Price: AED195 for soft drinks, AED295 for house beverages, AED345 for sparkling and AED435 for bubbly.
Details: +971 4 706 0900,

For the oriental foodie
Asia Asia Spice Route Brunch
What: As the name suggests, this brunch is a journey through the flavours of the Far East. A relatively new addition to Dubai’s brunching scene, and a welcome one given the slightly later starting time of 2pm. This is one for those who actually want to eat.
Where: Asia Asia, Pier 7, Dubai
When: Friday, 2pm to 5pm
Price: AED295 for soft drinks, AED395 for house beverages and AED449 for sparkling.
Details: +971 4 276 5900,