Brunch is back, but it’s practising social distancing…

If we were to rattle off a list of things we missed most during lockdown, brunch would be right up there with friends, family and fresh air. This weekend sees the return of some old favourites, with a few key differences. As buffets are still off the menu for now, expect full table service – and group sizes are capped at four to six per table, so be sure to book ahead.

For more brunch action, check out our list of Dubai brunches that are back in business.

Coya

Coya brunch

This standout Latin American brunch is now an entirely a la carte affair, with an array of starters, mains, sides and desserts brought to you. Expect a full line-up of Coya highlights, including croquetas, ceviches and arroz nikkei, followed by a decadent dessert platter.

Coya, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah 2, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs490 with house drinks, Dhs590 with Champagne and pisco sours, Dhs390 soft drinks. coyarestaurant.com

Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai - Hell's Kitchen 16 (1)

Brunch is now twice as nice at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. The popular restaurant at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai will be welcoming diners for the Hellicious Brunch on Fridays and Saturdays. Indulge in unlimited starters and desserts, plus your choice of main course from a list that includes the legendary beef Wellington, roast beef or chicken, or crisp-skinned salmon.

Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Sat 1pm to 4pm. Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs445 with sparkling, Dhs295 with soft drinks. Tel: (04) 5566466. caesars.com/dubai/restaurants/gordon-ramsay-hells-kitchen/

 Lah Lah

lah lah

Old-school R’n’B and mod-Asian flavours are the order of the day at Lah Lah, the lively alfresco eatery at Zabeel House. This Friday brunch is now served across two sessions, offering you the choice of afternoon or evening affair. Signature tastes include barbecue ribs, dim sum and Thai chilli chicken with cashew nuts.

Lah Lah, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, Fri 2pm to 5pm or 7pm to 10pm. Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs375 with house drinks, Dhs450 sparkling. Tel: (04) 5191111. Email: contactgreens@jumeirah.com. zabeelhouse.com/restaurants

El Secreto at La Carnita

el-secreto-brunch-la-carnita

Secret Parties is bringing the good vibes and guac to La Carnita this Friday, with the return of El Secreto brunch. The four-course Mexican feast will be served at your table, including a hit list of starters, tacos and mains, paired with cocktails and party-ready tunes. If you want to kick on after brunch, ladies can buy three drinks for Dhs100; gents get four for Dhs150. Read our review of the El Secreto brunch here.

La Carnita, InterContinental Dubai Marina, Fri 1pm to 4pm. Dhs275 with soft drinks, Dhs375 house drinks, Dhs475 sparkling, Dhs599 Champagne. secret-parties.com

Cé La Vi

If you didn’t manage to nab a table at Cé La Vi during its brief opening window pre-pandemic, now’s your chance. Brunch returns this weekend, with innovative Asian flavours and a side order of va-va-voom views. Get the lowdown on Cé La Vi’s new menu here.

Cé La Vi Dubai, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai. Fri 1pm to 4pm. Dhs290 with soft drinks, Dhs490 with house beverages and Dhs690 with Champagne. Tel: (056) 515 4001. @celavidubai

The Social Distancing Brunch at garden on 8

gardenon8brunch media one

This laid-back alfresco brunch in Media One Hotel is all set to emerge from its Covid hibernation this Friday. Take your pick of two slots for the Social Distancing Brunch: noon to 3pm, or 4pm to 7pm. There’s a maximum group size of four people per table, and it’s table-service only.

Garden on 8, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Fri noon to 3pm or 4pm to 7pm. First session, Dhs229 with house drinks, Dhs299 premium package; second session, Dhs269 house drinks, Dhs339 premium package. Tel: (04) 427 1000. mediaonehotel.com/venues/garden-on-8

Sunkissed Beach Brunch at White Beach

Pack your swimsuit and shades for this seaside brunch, at White Beach, the Balearic-inspired beach club at Atlantis, The Palm. Take a dip in the sea or the infinity pool (fingers crossed it will be open in time for the weekend. Then, cool off in the air-conditioned restaurant, where a procession of Med-accented dishes will be delivered to your table. Read more weekly highlights from White Beach here.

White Beach, Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah. Sat 1pm to 5pm. Entry 21+. Dhs249 with soft drinks; Dhs299 with house drinks for ladies; Dhs349 with house drinks for men. Tel: (0)55 2004321. Email: whitebeach@atlantisthepalm.com. atlantis.com/dubai/bars-and-nightlife/white-beach-club

Secret Jungle Party at Mama Zonia

mama zonia brunch

The Secret Parties team made their return last weekend, with the relaunch of Secret Jungle Party at Mama Zonia. Enjoy Latin American menu, cocktails and live music throughout the afternoon, with drinks packages available once brunch wraps.

Mama Zonia, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, Fri 1pm to 4pm. Dhs275 with soft drinks, Dhs375 house drinks, Dhs475 sparkling, Dhs599 Champagne. secret-parties.com

Images: Supplied