Six fresh ways to brunch in Abu Dhabi

What’s On reviews six new brunches in Abu Dhabi, including Flooka, St Regis, Safina, Biscotti, Market Kitchen, Zuma, launched in Nov 2014.

Tired of the same old weekend feasts? Here’s six recently-opened banquets to sink your teeth into…

Flooka
This Lebanese seafood restaurant began its brunch last month. On the menu is seafood paella, fish taouk, grilled fish shawarma and traditional Arabic desserts. The views of the mangroves are an ideal backdrop for a leisurely munch and there’s a bar serving cocktails on the terrace, plus a face painter to keep children occupied. Live Arabic tunes are provided by Talal Kontar and his band.

Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat noon to 5pm, Dhs215 with soft drinks, Dhs315 with house drinks. Tel: (02) 4418244. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. flooka.com

St Regis Abu Dhabi
Here’s a bit of trivia for you. The Bloody Mary cocktail was created in The St Regis New York King Cole Bar 80 years ago. St Regis Abu Dhabi is marking this event with the Bloody Mary Brunch, held in its elegant restaurant The Terrace. You get post-brunch access to the hotel’s Nation Riviera Beach Club for a reduced rate of Dhs100.

St Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs425 with house drinks, Dhs525 with champagne. Tel: (02) 6944444. Taxi: St Regis Nation Towers. stregisabudhabi.com

Biscotti
Sevilo’s in the Millennium Corniche Hotel is no more. In its place is Biscotti, an Italian outlet like its predecessor. Children eat for free at the family Friday brunch. Expect plenty of salads, pasta, risotto and pizza.

Millennium Corniche Hotel, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri noon to 4pm, Dhs170 with soft drinks and Dhs210 with house drinks. Tel: (02) 6146000. Taxi: Millennium Hotel. millenniumhotels.ae

Safina
This restaurant at Saadiyat Beach Club used to be called Le Deck – and its a la carte brunch was a bit special. The rebranding means a new menu that, while not as intricate as it was, is still very good. There’s a massive barbecue section outside serving steak and lamb, a seafood station, a pasta station and an extensive area filled with desserts. Dining alfresco is essential, as it grants you fantastic views of the beach at Saadiyat and the club’s spectacular pool. DJs Darko de Jan and Ejaz supply the tunes and there’s a children’s corner as well.

Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri noon to 4pm, Dhs275 with soft drinks, Dhs375 with house drinks, Dhs475 with house champagne, Dhs999 with Dom Perignon. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. saadiyatbeachclub.ae

Market Kitchen
The Americas-influenced restaurant in the revamped Le Royal Méridien is a slick and contemporary setting, and its brunch menu is a tad different to the usual buffet. The a la carte four-course sharing menu starts with a platter of Maine lobster, Normandy oysters and jumbo shrimp. Round two consists of tomato salad or sweet pea soup and beef short rib hash or smoked salmon pizza. Mains include rib of beef, lamb chops, or hammour with a lemon crumb and sweet chili glaze. Try sides such as truffle macaroni and cheese or roast potatoes in garlic and jalapeno. And for pud there’s the Market cheesecake with sour cherries.

Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 4pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks, Dhs450 with champagne. Tel: (02) 6950300. Taxi: Le Royal Meridien. marketkitchen-abudhabi.com

Zuma
The high-end Japanese restaurant in Sowwah Square (recently named Best Newcomer at the What’s On Awards) has launched its Baikingu brunch. Diners choose from sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, black cod, spicy beef and desserts. It’s child-friendly too, with highchairs on hand and colouring books dished out on arrival.

Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs345 with soft drinks, Dhs445 with house drinks, Dhs555 with champagne and sake. Tel: (02) 4015900. Taxi: Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island. zumarestaurant.com