Mum’s in town and you need to impress her. She’s heard about this thing called ‘brunch’ and she wants a piece of the action. Your mind fills with scenes of last week’s knees up at Saffron and you start to panic. That’s no place for a mother. Worry not, we’ve sorted through our extensive brunch experiences and picked out some that may be more suitable. Here’s our top 12 brunches to take your mum to…

12. The Ivy – Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Civilised, sophisticated, elegant…all of the words you should use to describe this brunch, and all of the reasons your mum would be suitably impressed. It’s got a distinctly British feel to it… minus the lager louts of course.

When? Friday 12:30pm – 4pm

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How much? AED 299 with soft drinks, AED 399 with selected beverages

11. Mezzerie, The Waldorf Astoria – The Palm

Be prepared to be impressed by this grand hotel with it’s incredible views of Dubai and the delicious food at the New York inspired brunch. Pick from dishes from the hotel’s variety of restaurants including Social by Heinz Beck, the three-star Michelin chef. That’s something mum will be telling her friends about for weeks.

When? Fridays 1pm – 4pm

How much? AED 345 with soft drinks, AED 465 with selected beverages

10. Rotisserie brunch, Caravan, The Ritz-Carlton – JBR

The quality of the food at this one is sure to impress even the most picky of mothers (especially the desserts). If that doesn’t do the trick, gently steer her in the direction of the ‘ginger root’, it’s the restaurant’s signature cocktail, a big crowd-pleaser and a personal Lovin’ favourite.

When? Fridays 1pm – 4pm

How much? AED 450 with soft drinks (inclusive of signature mocktails, fresh juices, infused ice teas), AED 560 per person with selected beverages.

9. Urban Picnic, Vida Downtown

This is a great chilled brunch and perfect for the weather right now. While you enjoy the brunch others are chilling by the pool nearby. Perfect for a long lazy Friday, be careful though, you can take your favourite bottles of white or red away to your tables in cute little picnic baskets… it’s great fun at the time but Saturday morning is a different story!

When? Friday 1pm – 5pm

How much? AED 265 with soft drinks, AED 295 with selected beverages

8. Pierchic – Madinat Jumeirah

Just walking along the pier to the restaurant will get you brownie points with mum. Reserve a seat on the terrace and you can be confident that you are enjoying one of the best views in Dubai. After a welcome drink and oysters, you’ll be seated for an amazing à la carte menu of seafood.

When? Friday 12pm – 3.30pm

How much? AED 550 with soft drinks, AED 695 with selected beverages

7. Geales’ Posh Nosh brunch, Le Royal Meredien

For brunch in a distinctly British setting head to Geales. From the red postbox as you enter, the union flags littered throughout to one of the best Yorkshire puddings in Dubai, this is a well-known hotspot for homesick Brits. As an added bonus, these guys do an unreal selection of seafood; king crab legs, lobster, sea bream and oysters (yes, it seems the Brits taste in fish has matured a bit since the good old days of fish and chips…although that, of course is available too).

When? Friday from 1pm – 4pm

How much? AED 350 with soft drinks, AED 500 with selected beverages,

6. La Cantine du Faubourg, Brunch 105 – Emirates Towers Hotel

There’s certainly nothing ‘canteen’ about this spot. Whether you’re sitting in the hip lounge or the outdoor terrace, the chic French theme runs throughout this place. Come here for a beautifully presented French breakfast – think oven-fresh pastries, piles of cheese and desserts that are definitely worth an extra mile or two on the treadmill.

When? Friday 11am – 4 pm

How much? AED 300 which includes one cocktail, a main from the à la carte menu and unlimited buffet

5. Al Qasr – Madinat Jumeirah

This brunch does class and fun all in one. It has an unreal drinks selection, a room just for cigars (we’re not massive fans of smoking but that’s kind of old-school cool) and a band that gets all ages dancing (the kind of great dancing that many of us are guilty of at weddings before things get out of hand). Basically, it’s the perfect spot for your mum to have a great time on the dance floor while you cower in you seat hoping no one realises you’re related.

When? 12.30pm – 3.30pm

How much? AED 525 including bubbles, cocktails and house and grape beverages.

4. Hola Hola Toro Toro – Grosvenor House

This is a classy brunch that serves up Latin American eats and drinks with style. It’s definitely one for the carnivores, think incredible cuts of meat with lashings of guac, braised beef and black beans on the side. This brunch is not over the top – so don’t expect chocolate fountains or those smoke effect drinks which are becoming so popular – but it makes up for that with a style and flair that many brunches seem to lack.

When? Friday 12.30pm – 4pm

How much? AED 500 inclusive of selected beverages

3. Café Belge, The Ritz-Carlton – DIFC

This elegant spot will definitely impress your mum. The decor is 1920’s old-school glamour so it’s a great excuse to get dressed up. Sit back and relax as a stream of classic dishes (including a seafood platter) are brought to the table, our one bit of advice is to save room for desserts.

When? Friday 12.30pm – 4pm

Prices: AED 295 with soft drinks, AED 395 with selected beverages

2. Moana, Sofitel – The Palm

Chill out in this pagoda-style building (that’s a really cool tiered wooden tower to you and me) surrounded by water for brunch at Sofitel-The Palm. This is definitely one for the seafood lovers, come here for the artfully created sushi, sashimi, and ceviche but stay for the unreal chocolate desserts.

When? Fri 12.30pm – 3pm

How much? AED 350 with soft drinks, AED 495 with selected beverages (pool and beach access with both)

1. Emperor’s brunch, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray – The Palm

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, this is definitely one to take you parents too. You won’t find too many shenanigans going on at this one but the unbelievable interior, service and food make up for it. Prepare yourself for some classical homemade and hearty French favourites as well as international cuisine.

When? Friday 1pm – 4pm

How much? AED 450 with grape and house beverages.

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