There’s no doubt the brunch scene in Dubai has evolved in recent years. Gone are the days when a boozy drinking session is all that’s on offer. Now, venues are looking to entice a different sort of crowd, there’s still a booze package of course, but that’s not the main draw.

The brunch at La Cala, Ghantoot is one such option. The venue is a little bit out of Dubai, so it feels like an escape from the city.

Here’s lots of things we liked and one thing we didn’t:

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It’s got a slick layout that reminds you of the Mediterranean

It’s not called the Balearic brunch for nothing. Styled liked something you’d find on the Med, there’s a small verandah with about eight tables that’s perfectly sheltered for keeping you out of the midday sun and allowing you to get stuck into your lunch. Or you can chill out at one of the huge bean bags which over looks the inlet which is completely calm bar the odd speed boat whizzing past. The main bar is filled with big comfortable couches, perfect for shisha and the ideal spot to watch the sunset later on.

La Cala is about 30 minutes from the Marina (towards Abu Dhabi)…

So it’s not exactly next door, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. It’s super chilled, (you wouldn’t be out of place in flip flops) and the food is great. It also happens to be sitting next door to Blue Marlin, so you can enjoy a long lunch and some drinks before turning your day to night next door at BM…OR La Cala has got a late license, so when the partying is finished next door, you can pop in here for some shisha at the end of your night.

Light sharing starters and good quality mains are part of the package

There’s an a la carte menu too but we were there to sample the brunch. So we got an array of starters to share, we each picked a main, with a selection of sides, and then we shared a light fruit plate for dessert. Of the starters the burrata salad was excellent, for main course I chose the sirloin while my guests went for pizzas cooked in the big open ovens right next to us.

It’s a three hour brunch package…

Traditional brunches lasted for four hours, but now more often than not, we’re seeing three hour brunch packages. Seeing as this is meant to be a relaxing day brunch, and it’s location is not exactly central, three hours feels a bit rushed. Four hours would be more suited to the day.

What you need to know?

The Balearic Brunch runs Friday and Saturday from 1pm – 6pm (and the cost includes a three hour flowing beverage package)

Standard package 295

Sparkling package 349