Delicious dishes, unlimited drinks and some awesome entertainment…

Brunches are unquestionably a Dubai institution with unlimited drinks, delicious dishes and lively entertainment providing the backdrop to a brilliant Friday afternoon.

And Dubai’s party brunch scene is one of the city’s most varied and ever-evolving. We’re talking on-your-feet dancing, confetti showers, glitter, and becoming best friends with the table next to you.

Here’s the ultimate guide to Dubai’s party brunches…

Saffron at Atlantis The Palm

Brunch Price: Dhs535

We couldn’t make this list without mentioning one of the oldest and most established party brunches in Dubai. Saffron at Atlantis The Palm arguably created the mould for Dubai party brunches years ago and still remains one of the city’s most popular today. The food and drink offering is vast, with numerous stations fit to bursting with every cuisine you can imagine, from breathtaking seafood displays to hearty roast dinners. If you manage to make your way around all of the drinks stations – we applaud you. When the party kicks off, it kicks off, and you shouldn’t be surprised to see a whole crowd of strangers dancing in tandem to a well-known song, which is always entertaining whether you’re joining in or watching from the sidelines.

Saffron, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantis.com

ALSO READ: Ladies’ nights in Dubai: Our picks for every day of the week

We Brunch at Accents

Price: Dhs325 soft drinks, Dhs375 house drinks and Dhs425 for bubbles

When you’re looking for a party brunch with brilliant views, you need to book We Brunch, brought to you by Love Parties. It boasts an international buffet, a mix of table service and stations for drinks, and an almost guaranteed power hour of dancing by the end, with everything from cheesy pop to old-school anthems blasting out of the speakers. Expect balloons, bathtubs confetti and a whole lot of glitter. Now that the weather has cooled down, the outdoor terrace is open for brunching with incredible views right onto the Dubai Marina – so make sure you book in advance to bag a coveted spot out there.

After party deal: Six drinks for Dhs150, 4pm onwards at Marina Social Bar

We Brunch, Accents, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4pm, Fridays. Tel:(052) 798 7292. webrunchdxb.com

El Secreto Bruch at La Carnita

Price: Dhs299 soft, Dhs399 house, Dhs499 sparkling

Secret Parties bring El Secreto Brunch to La Carnita, every Friday, and it’s arguably the best new fiesta in town. From its mouthwatering dishes, tequila based drinks, lively dancers and even a multi-coloured pinata hanging above the energetic crowd, it ticks all the boxes. The food is served to your table sharing-style with all your favourite Mexican cusuine on the menu; from delicious soft-shell tacos bursting with things like fried chicken, salsa fresca and peanut lime hot sauce to fluffy churros. A big standout at this brunch is the staff, who don’t just do great table service but get up and join the party – bringing you right along with them if you’re sitting down.

After party deal: Four drinks for Dhs120, 4pm to 7pm, Cartel at Intercontinental Dubai Marina

El Secreto, La Carnita, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4pm, Fridays. Tel: (04) 425 4030. secret-parties.com

Secret Brunch at Emerald Palace Kempinski

Price: Dhs299 soft, Dhs399 house, Dhs499 sparkling, Dhs599 champagne

Also brought to you by the Secret Parties group, this brunch is perfect to visit if you’re looking for somewhere for that big birthday brunch. It takes place at miX by Alain Ducasse, and for those who love a good Instagram opportunity, the outdoor terrace with 360 degree views out across the Arabian Gulf lends itself to be a pretty unbeatable backdrop. Entertainment starts off with DJ’s playing the latest tunes, then as the party ramps up, out come the metallic dancers, a saxophonist, drummer and a vocalist, getting everyone on their feet. While it’s not the brunch for the ultimate foodie, it’ll definitely give you that classic Dubai party brunch you’re looking for.

After party deal: Three drinks for Dhs100, from 5pm, Skorpeus Bar

The Secret Brunch, Emerald Palace Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 5pm, Fridays. Tel: (04) 248 8860. secret-parties.com/secretbrunchpalace

Hidden Brunch at Treehouse

Price: Soft drinks Dhs325, house drinks Dhs375, Dhs425 sparkling

Treehouse is arguably one of the coolest terraces in the city, with unparalleled views of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa silhouetted against the sky. Their Hidden Brunch also from Love Parties has become a favourite amongst Dubai residents, and believe us, the party seriously gets going, with house favourites on the playlist all afternoon long. Food is served up from live cooking stations, with everything from BBQ to delectable bites of sushi, and there’s so many cocktails to make your way through as you feast too. Treehouse is officially the place of the afterparty, where the party hots up, with some cool drinks deals from 4pm to 9pm.

After party deal: Dhs150 for five drinks, 4pm to 9pm, Treehouse

Hidden Brunch, Tesoro and Treehouse, Taj Dubai, Downtown Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, every Friday. Tel: (052) 798 7292. hiddenbrunch.com

Secret Garden Brunch at Flair No.5

Price: Dhs299 soft drinks, Dhs399 house drinks, Dhs499 sparkling, Dhs599 champagne

When you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor party brunch spot, you really can’t go wrong with Secret Garden Brunch. Another string on the undeniably successful bow of the Secret Parties group, the setting of Flair No.5 is seriously cool. As the name of the brunch suggests, the ever-popular spot has a garden vibe, nestled at the centre of Downtown Dubai. Tables are set on different levels of the decking, surrounding an impressive central bar where expertly-crafted cocktails are served by the bar’s mixologists. It might take you a while to get there though as you stop and sample drinks from various stations serving up everything from Aperol spritz to martini’s or smokey old fashioned’s. Food is served sharing style, with influences from Asian and Mexico and the lively party kicks off pretty much from the moment you get there, with resident DJs on the decks all day.

After party deal: Three drinks for Dhs100, 5pm to 8pm, Flair No. 5

Secret Garden Party, Flair No. 5, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, 1pm to 5pm, every Friday. Tel: (04) 372 2323.  secret-parties.com

STK Downtown

Price: Dhs399 soft drinks, Dhs599 house drinks, Dhs649 sparkling

STK Downtown’s brunch is pretty legendary, with a waiting list that’s often booked up for six weeks – so make sure you plan well in advance. The food is a particular stand out so definitely one for those looking for food that’s as good as the party. The starters include dishes such as fresh burrata, prawn cocktail and beef tartare, but the absolute heroes are their lil brgs, which you will keep finding space for. You’ll then order from a choice of mains – but we recommend keeping it simple with their New York steak. Desserts are equally delicious with a decadent chocolate mousse, creamy cheesecake and light creme brulee. The entertainment is big and bold with metallic men dancers, massive tunes and a saxophonist that will, quite literally, have you dancing on the tables. Can’t make it from 1pm to 4pm on a Friday? No worries, another one kicks off from 8pm to 11pm.

STK Downtown Dubai, Address Downtown, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm or 8pm to 11pm, Fridays. Tel: (04) 425 3948. stksteakhouse.com

STK JBR

Price: Dhs399 soft drinks, Dhs599 house drinks, Dhs649 sparkling

Just like its sister restaurant STK Downtown, STK JBR can always be counted on to provide some delicious food and awesome entertainment. The deal is exactly the same, with unlimited starters including the infamous Lil Brgs and for mains, if you’re not trying the steak, go for their creamy risotto. The music is amped pretty much from your arrival and launches into a full scale party – complete with live sax, sparklers and dancing disco men – not too long after it’s started.

STK JBR, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Rixos Premium JBR, Fridays 1pm t0 4pm or 8pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 323 0061. stksteakhouse.com

Wanderlust

Price: Dhs395 house drinks

If you’re looking for an outside party brunch, Wanderlust is a stalwart on Dubai’s party brunch scene. The food is varied, with 10 international buffets and live cooking stations bursting with all different kinds of cuisine. Drinks stations range from classic mojitos to pina coladas encased in a coconut. Tunes are blasting all day so don’t be surprised to get up on your feet by the end.

Wanderlust, JW Marriot Marquis, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Fridays. Tel: (04) 414 0000. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

Dim Sum Disco

Price: Dhs450 house drinks including prosecco

The Candypants Dim Sum Disco brunch is a go-to for really great dishes coupled with a party restaurant. Taking place at the beautiful Maiden Shanghai in Dubai’s ultimate party hotel, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, the super-classy restaurant ranges over three floors with a rooftop terrace on the top tier that serves as their popular post-brunch party spot. The dishes are delicious, tunes are coupled with live entertainment that comes in the form of giant fans, a bongo drums player and even a Chinese dragon that’s paraded around the restaurant.

Candypants’ Dim Sum Disco, Five the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Fridays 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 455 9989. fivehotelsandresorts.com

Mr Miyagi’s

Price: Dhs299 house drinks, Dhs499 sparkling

Mr Miyagi’s is well known in Dubai for its lively entertainment, cheesy pop tracks and loads of uncapped fun. If that’s exactly what you’re looking for then you need to try out their epic Wok N Roll Brunch. There’s three sittings every weekend: Thursday from 8pm to 11pm and 2pm to 5pm or 7pm to 10pm on Friday. Their Asian dishes are simple and delicious, with the house drinks package priced at a wallet-friendly Dhs299. Expect karaoke, dancing and belting your heart out to some of your favourite old-school tunes.

After party deal: Power happy hour, Dhs45 for three Redbull-based cocktails, 4pm to 8pm

Mr Miyagi’s, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Thursday 8pm to 11pm, Friday 2pm to 5pm or 7pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 420 7489. mrmiyagisdubai.com

Lock, Stock & Barrel

Price: Dhs369 house drinks

Lock, Stock & Barrel is a bit of a Dubai institution and is especially popular with the Brits for its laid back pub-style vibes. If you want the crazy party brunch without donning your most fabulous of dresses, then give this one a go. Their Big Fat Brunch offers unlimited rounds of comforting international food and free-flowing bevvies. There’s loads of fun games, beating music and it’s a great option for a fuss-free afternoon.

Big Fat Brunch, Lock Stock & Barrel, Rixos Premium JBR, The Walk, JBR, Fridays 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 392 7120. lsbdubai.com

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