Tableside tricks and theatrics are all part of the fun at this new brunch on the Palm Jumeirah…

Visiting the Waldorf Astoria is an experience in itself. The elegant resort is perched on the north-eastern tip of the Palm Jumeirah, quite far from the mainland, so it’s a good place to head on a Friday to leave your city troubles behind and enter weekend mode.

Their latest Friday brunch offering, The Great Waldorf Astoria Brunch, takes place in the hotel’s main dining restaurant, Mezzerie. Located on the lower ground floor, it’s a spacious, light-filled venue. We chose to sit indoors, but there is also plenty of outdoor seating – and the flow between both spaces works well.

Replacing the popular “Secret Garden Brunch”, this new brunch appears to be loosely themed around The Greatest Showman, if the marketing material is to be believed. But aside from a few waiters performing card tricks, we found the theme wasn’t particularly obvious. The promise of a juggler was never realised.

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There were some fun moments though, like when the chefs came around the tables bearing trolleys laden with scallops in little jars, and then used a smoke gun on them for dramatic effect. We also enjoyed the saxophonist, who did an impressive job of playing along to a Dua Lipa track.

Food wise, highlights included a whole lamb roasted on a spit, which we headed outside to visit on more than one occasion. Inside, the buffet was pleasingly overwhelming, with everything from sushi to sausages represented. The seafood station was our favourite – a mouth-watering line-up of oysters, king prawns, and lobster. The quality of it all was excellent, as one would expect from the Waldorf Astoria.

We were less blown away by the dessert spread. While it was all beautifully presented, we found everything tasted a bit samey; nothing quite had the “wow” factor. You’ve seen one chocolate fountain, you’ve seen them all, really.

But overall, this is a solid brunch in a location that doesn’t need to try too hard to impress – juggler or no juggler.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs375 soft, Dhs495 house (children under 6 free, children 6 to 12 half price). Tel: (04) 818 2222. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

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