Promising to ‘take brunch to the next level’ is a bold claim. But can Brasserie 2.0 deliver?

With al fresco brunching season in full swing, it’s the turn of Dubai’s top outdoor foodie feasts to take centre stage. One such is the brunch at Brasserie 2.0.

The brunch boasts indoor and outdoor seating, and while indoor tables give guests prime view of the buffet, we’d pick a table on the terrace every time.

The food is a lavish spread of buffet dishes and live cooking stations, and it’s practically impossible to identify a cuisine that’s not covered. Inside, you’ll find fresh seafood both cold and cooked-to-order, a salad bar complete with burrata station. The hot food has influences from around the world and a traditional carvery sits adjacent to a string of Indian dishes, Chinese favourites and a Mexican station. While outside, a BBQ area is brimming with live cooking stations where you can order everything from braised beef brisket to crab claws, prawns, kebabs and prime cuts of steak.

But save room for desserts, it’s one of the most extraordinary spreads we’ve ever seen at a Dubai brunch complete with decadent pastries, tiered cakes, crepes made-to-order and even a chocolate fountain.

Not much of a sweet tooth? Fear not, an entire station of cheeses is also available.

Two bars service the inside and outdoor tables, but there’s also pop up bars for wines, whiskey and cocktails served in coconuts. Table service is speedy, and drinks are never left to go empty.

A rotation of live performers cleverly reads the crowd and although it can be a little loud for those dining on the terrace in the beginning, by the end of brunch a crowd of dancers has formed centre stage while the live band belts out hits such as ‘I Will Survive’ and ‘Proud Mary’.

To encourage guests to head to head to the after-party at Le Deck, a free drink voucher is given to everyone as brunch draws to a close, which everyone recognises as a welcome touch, and keeps the party going into the evening.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen the slogan ‘taking brunch to the next level’. But it’s arguably the first time one has delivered. Bravo, Brasserie 2.0.

Brasserie 2.0, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, Fridays, Dhs450 soft, Dhs595 house, Dhs795 premium. Tel: (04) 316 5550. brasserie2point0.com

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