Dubai has a love/hate relationship with ‘brunch’.

… The term residents use to describe the Friday ritual which means forgoing a standard Friday afternoon to hit what’s usually an extensive all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink partayyyy, and with summer officially here we’re rounding up the best of the best to hit this summa-time.

Some old, some relatively new, this is a varied mix of prices and vibes for everyone above the age of 21.

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Image Credit: @Wanderlustbrunchdxb, @Lockstockdubai, @sevensistersdubai

How did Lovin Dubai choose the final list?

• Finalists were selected from all across Dubai
• Online reviews, previous media coverage and notable blogs were also included in the overall rating
• The final list is subjective – if we’ve missed out on any must-visit places across Dubai, please do let us know!
• The brand’s social media audience and engagement were considered

When they say dress casual for brunch

10. Seven Sisters, JW Marriott Marquis

Shout out to this brunch for its sociable 3pm start-time. This chic JW Marriott Marquis bar and lounge is a Lebanese import and the brunch is not your usual sit-down dinner affair. It’s lots of low couches and more sharing platters than main courses, giving this a more relaxed party vibe.

The best part about this brunch is come 4pm you’re not stuck looking for an after-party and you can stay here and party until the early hours.

When? Fridays, 3pm to 7pm

How much? AED199 soft drinks, AED359 house drinks

More info here

9. Hidden Brunch, Taj Hotel in Business Bay

Brought to you by LOVE parties, this indoor/outdoor brunch with Burj Khalifa views and more cooking stations to beat the band is a force to be reckoned with. A class combo of cocktails, house drinks, a playlist that includes everything from deep house to old school classics; this is the brunch you’ll party at.

More info here

8. STK, Downtown/JBR

Fine-dining restos where the party kicks off are all the rage, but STK was one of the originals. Serving up a fine-dining experience (the service in Downtown is second-to-none), that comes full circle with a barrage of entertainment including live sax, DJ and the electronic robo dancers you’ve probably already spotted on your ‘gram feed.

How much? AED399 with soft drinks, AED549 with house drinks (tip: both brunches are available on the Entertainer!)

More info here

7. UBK, Cluster A, JLT

Looking for a garden brunch without the sting of the rays glaring down at you? Then this is a brilliant shout. Fun in the form of karaoke tunes (any excuse to have some drinks and belt out Beyonce, AMIRITE?!), live music, flowing drinks and BBQ eats.

How much? AED225 for urban brunch BBQ with unlimited selected drinks

More info here

6. The Loft at Dubai Opera

When Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera closed its doors, it was up in the air whether a new opening could match up, however the The Loft at Dubai Opera, which opened to less fanfare than its predecessor is slowly but surely creating a sterling reputation… not least for its pretty exceptional Friday brunch offering. If caviar, truffle and oysters are your thing, this is they brunch for you.

This is a bright and beautiful restaurant with fine-dining and a lively atmosphere. Dress up and mark a special occasion with this brunch.

How much? AED395 with soft drinks, AED595 with house drinks, AED695 with sparkling, house drinks and caviar

When? Friday, 12pm to 4pm

More info here

5. Lock Stock Big Fat Brunch, JBR and Tecom

Lock Stock’s Big Fat Brunch is a stalwarth on the Dubai brunch scene.

It’s unlimited servings from a tasty bar menu (four courses) with a side of Sumo wrestling, Battle Ship, Jenga, Twister and so much more. Live tunes, a magician and arcade games in the bathroom take this brunch to the next level.

It’s not a brunch unless there’s an after-party: Get 2 for 1 drinks from 4pm-8pm

How much? AED369 for house drinks, AED269 with soft drinks

More info here

4. McGettigan’s, JLT/DTWC/ Souk Madinat

The old faithful: And there’s good reason this spot consistently pulls in a big crowd.

First off, the food is fantastic. Call me biased, (Like McGettigan’s, I’m Irish) but McGettigan’s pub grub is as good as you’d expect from a pub in Ireland and for brunch they take it one step further. If you’re in the mood for a roast, they’ve usually got two carverys on-the-go along with your choice of an a la carte, and desserts. This brunch is always brilliant value and the drinks FLOW.

Menu here and more info here

3. We Brunch, Intercontinental Dubai Marina

This is a party brunch through and through. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, this spot goes off, with slightly more of an emphasis on the drinks than the food, the drinks do flow and it’s got fab Dubai Marina views to match.

Post-brunch the entire party shifts to the after-party at The AFTERMATH, Marina Social Bar, which brings you happy hour from 4pm to 7pm.

When? Friday, 1pm to 4pm

How much? AED375 house drinks, AED325 soft drinks

More info here

2. Coya Dubai, Four Seasons Jumeirah

This is up there with the finest Peruvian food in town and the spread here which includes a fantastic mix of ceviche, tacos, maki rolls and more to start, a main of your choice served to your table choice and a de-lish dessert platter, is the ultimate proof of that.

Expect an impossibly stylish crowd to match the chic city-jungle decor. More information and sample menu here

When? Fridays, 12.30pm – 4pm

How much? Soft drinks from AED419, house drinks AED619

1. Wanderlust, JW Marriott Marquis

“Wanderlust is fully booked” is a phrase you can expect to hear if you try and book this one in last minute.

The 20 cooking stations, fab sushi selection and serious number of drinks stations are just some of the reasons you’ll love this brunch. This is the best combo of fancy-meets-fun, located in the swish JW Marriott Marquis, the all day DJ and after-party make this a brunch you need to hit.

When? Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, afterparty 4pm to 8pm

How much? AED425

More info here