30 Christmas Day brunches and dinners in Dubai
Whether you’re after a traditional turkey dinner or a waterside BBQ feast, there are options aplenty for December 25. Here are our tops spots for a celebration with family and friends…
1. Bistro Des Arts
This new licensed French bistro right on the water near Marina Mall is offering a four-course menu from December 24 to 26. The Provençal feast will include Escargots en Persillade (snails cooked in garlic butter), Chapon aux Marrons (a succulent chicken dish served with honey roasted winter vegetables) and a traditional French sponge cake or a chestnut iced parfait.
The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, available for dinner on 24 and 26 December and for lunch or dinner on 25 December, Dhs295 food only, Dhs450 with selected beverages. Tel: +971 4 551 1576. bistrodesarts.ae
2. Zheng He’s
One of the best Chinese restaurants in Dubai, the Christmas Day Brunch at Zheng He’s is one foodies will love. Their Chinese interpretations on traditional festive favourites will include Roasted Turkey Leg, Wok Fried Sliced Beef Flat Rice Noodles and Turkey Breast in black pepper sauce, Wok-Fried Canadian Lobster and the Passion-Coconut Snowball Tart, and even Duck Egg Crème Brulée.
Mina Al Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, 12pm to 4pm, December 25, Dhs650 with drinks, Dhs550 with soft drinks, Dhs450 for 12-20 year olds, Dhs275 for 4-11 year olds and children under three free. Tel: +971 4 432 3232, jumeirah.com.
3. Kitchen6
Winner of Best International Restaurant at this year’s What’s On Awards, the Christmas buffet at Kitchen6 is sure to be lavish (and yet family friendly). You can opt for Christmas lunch or dinner, depending on which meal you prioritise on the day.
JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 6pm to 11pm, December 24 to 26. Dhs500 per person including house beverages. Tel: +971 4 414 0000. Metro: Business Bay. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com/dining/kitchen6
4. Casa de Tapas
Enjoy Christmas with a Spanish flavour at Casa de Tapas’ Felice Fiestas brunch, which will feature a range of classic regional delicacies. There’ll be live flamenco performances to encourage the party spirit, and there’s a Christmas Eve evening brunch on offer too.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Garhoud, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs299 with house drinks and Dhs349 with cava. Tel: +971 4 416 1800. Taxi: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. casadetapas.ae
5. Perry & Blackwelder’s
This American BBQ joint is the place to head if you want to sample a deep-fried turkey, injected with a heart-stopping creole butter to make it extra tender (and calorific). The sides are also served Southern style, with cornbread stuffing, candied yams and black-eyed beans on offer.
Madinat Jumeirah, Beach Road, Dubai, 12.30pm until midnight, Dhs250 with soft drinks. Tel: +971 4 432 3232. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. jumeirah.com
6. D&A
D&A’s delicious burger
The British favourite formerly known as the Dhow And Anchor is a great spot for Brits seeking a taste of home this Christmas, minus the chilly weather. The gastropub’s three-course festive menu features a host of UK favourites, from Scottish salmon to sirloin with bubble and squeak in addition to the ubiquitous turkey. There’s sherry trifle and custard for the traditionalists too.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs250 with soft driks. Tel: +971 4 432 3232. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel. jumeirah.com
7. The Croft
The Croft’s delicious Peanut Choc Ice
Darren Velvick’s Christmas set menu is sure to be rustic and hearty – the chef, who has worked with Gordon Ramsay and formerly ran the kitchen at Table 9, has devised a four-course set menu featuring everything from traditional roast turkey to Christmas pudding. If you’re going to miss your mum’s home cooking while in Dubai this Christmas, this may be your perfect option.
Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Dubai Marina. 1pm to 7pm, December 25, Dhs299 per person, Dhs100 for children aged 6 to 12. Tel: +971 4 319 4794. Taxi: Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites. thecroftdubai.com
8. The Ivy
Flexibility is the key at The Ivy this year, with three sittings being held on Christmas Day and a Boxing Day brunch to boot. With a three-course menu that runs the gamut from shellfish cocktail and a traditional roast through to foie gras and roasted monkfish, there’s something for everyone. The surroundings are suitably chic for a celebration too.
The Ivy, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, 11.30am to 3pm, 4pm to 7.30pm, 8.30pm to midnight, Dhs599 with soft drinks, Dhs849 with house drinks, Dhs949 with champagne. Tel: +971 4 432 3232. Metro: Emirates Towers. jumeirah.com
9. Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire
This Dubai Festival City outpost’s Christmas Day lunch is likely to be one of the classiest in Dubai, with a four-course menu designed by the Michelin-starred man himself. While the final choices are yet to be revealed, if Gagnaire’s usual dishes are anything to go by, you’d be wise to expect the unexpected…
InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3pm, Dhs790 for four courses, food only. Tel: Tel: +971 4 701 1127. Taxi: InterContinental Dubai Festival City. diningdfc.com
10. Andiamo
If you’re looking to veer away from turkey and trimmings this Christmas, Italian favourite Andiamo has you covered. Its festive brunch features a huge antipasti selection, including cured breast of goose, alongside fresh pizzas and a carvery station.
Grand Hyatt Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks. Tel: +971 4 317 2222. Taxi: Grand Hyatt Dubai. dubai.grand.hyatt.com
11. Flavours on Two
This is an all-day-dining Dubai classic, and their affordable Christmas lunch will be perfect for families. With activities for kids, a visit from Santa and classic Christmas fare on offer, a relaxed lunch here beats cooking yourself and then having to do all the washing up.
Towers Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road, 12.30pm to 4pm, December 25, Dhs249 (Dhs120 for children). Tel:+971 4 312 2201. Metro: Financial Centre. rotana.com
12. Flow Kitchen
Fairmont The Palm’s Flow Kitchen will play host to a huge Christmas buffet brunch, with traditional roast turkey and carvery stations, as well as an extensive dessert selection. Which to try: the pannetone bread pudding or the eggnog crème brûlée?
Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, noon until 3.30pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks. Tel: +971 4 457 3388. Taxi: Fairmont The Palm. fairmont.com
13. Hoi An
For a Christmas celebration with a far eastern twist, Hoi An’s ‘50 Festive Flavours’ Vietnamese brunch is just the ticket. Featuring all you can eat, made-to-order Asian tapas, from crispy lobster ravioli to golden garlic prawns, this promises to be a deliciously different festive feast.
Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs220 food only, Dhs350 with house drinks, Dhs595 with champagne. Tel: +971 4 405 2703. Taxi: Shangri-La Dubai. shangri-la.com/dubai
14. Blades
The perfect place for large family gatherings and those dining with little ones, this picnic-themed Christmas brunch features outdoor cooking stations, live acoustic music and plenty of activities to keep the children entertained. For those with guests wanting a sun-soaked Christmas celebration, the relaxed vibe is sure to please.
Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, noon until 4pm, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks. Tel: +971 4 701 1127. Taxi: Al Badia. diningdfc.com
15. Imperium
Renowned for having one of Dubai’s most lavish spreads, Imperium’s Christmas Day brunch is bound to be impressive. It’s offering all your festive favourites, as well as French and international cooking stations, and there’ll be a live band and a visit from Santa to keep the crowd entertained.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs425 with soft drinks, Dhs575 with house drinks, Dhs775 with champagne. Tel: +971 4 453 0444. Taxi: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. jumeirah.com
16. Gaucho
For Christmas with a little splash of South America, head to Gaucho, which will be dishing up a five-course feast featuring asado beef and grilled chorizo, a signature Christmas pudding and artisan cheeses. Served to be shared, this is a meal to feed the hungry hordes.
Gate Village 05, DIFC, Dubai, noon until 4pm, Dhs650. Tel: +971 4 422 7898. Taxi: DIFC. gauchorestaurants.ae
17. Reform Social & Grill
A firm favourite with families, this Lakes Club institution is starting the day with a full English Christmas breakfast, before hosting a four-course brunch fit for every age. From roasts to festive specials, a special children’s menu making use of the on-site ice cream parlour and a visit from Santa, this is a great spot for parents to relax and unwind in the knowledge that the little ones are enjoying themselves.
The Lakes Club, The Lakes, Dubai, noon until 3pm, Dhs415 with soft drinks, Dhs465 with house drinks, Dhs615 with prosecco. Tel: +971 4 454 2638. Taxi: The Lakes Club. reformsocialgrill.ae
18. Sea Fu
Stylish seafood restaurant Sea Fu has you covered for everything from informal lunches to blow the diet brunches. For Christmas Day, the kitchen is offering a choice of either a festive paella with cava pairing or a four-course set menu, available as lunch or dinner.
Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Beach Road, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs350 for lunch, Dhs450 for dinner, Dhs300 optional wine pairing. Tel: +971 4 270 7802. Taxi: Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach. seafudubai.com
19. Fogueira
The restaurant may be Brazilian, but that doesn’t mean you have to do away with tradition altogether – there’s a turkey carving station to accompany the 15 other unlimited cuts of meat served, alongside salad, sides and dessert buffets. Children aren’t just welcome, they’ll be treated to a visit from Santa too.
Ramada Plaza JBR, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs315 with soft drinks, Dhs425 with house drinks, Dhs875 with champagne. Tel: +971 4 439 8888. Taxi: Ramada Plaza JBR. ramadaplazajbr.com
20. Mistral
This night brunch has a dedicated turkey station as well as a lot of seafood and a live band (dancing encouraged). There will be live cooking stations and Christmas dishes from around the world (because, after all, Dubai is a global city).
Movenpick Hotel, Ibn Battuta Gate, Discovery Gardens, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, December 24 and 25, Dhs199 with soft beverages, Dhs299 with house beverages. Tel: +971 4 444 5613. movenpick.com.
21. Bubbalicious
Winner of the What’s On Best Brunch 2015 Award, Bubbalicious plans to put on a huge celebration, with food from Hunter’s, Spice Emporium and Blue Orange vying for attention. With lavish entertainment and drinks, this is set to be one of the biggest lunchtime parties in the city come Christmas.
The Westin Mina Seyahi, Beach Road, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs590 with soft drinks, Dhs850 with champagne. Tel: +971 4 511 7139. Taxi: The Westin Mina Seyahi. westinminaseyahi.com
22. Ewaan
This picturesque poolside restaurant is serving up a chic brunch for all the family this Christmas, with turkey taking pride of place alongside the restaurant’s delicious brunch spread of carvery, caviar and fresh seafood. There’ll be a visit from Santa and a live band to keep things feeling festive.
The Palace Downtown, Old Town Island, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs550 with soft drinks, Dhs700 with house drinks and Dhs850 with champagne. Tel: +971 4 428 7888. Taxi: The Palace Downtown Dubai. theaddress.com
23. Raffles
Held both in the ballroom and the hotel’s garden, this is our pick to be one of the city’s more magical festive feasts. Raffles Executive Chet Tuomas will be personally preparing his favourite dish: Finnish Hot Smoked Salmon cooked over an open fire pit. There will be magical decorations, Christmas carols and bouncy castles, as well as a visit from Santa himself (busy man).
Raffles Dubai, Oud Metha, 12.30pm to 4pm, December 25. Dhs645 with house beverages, Dhs450 for soft drinks, Dhs250 for those under 12 and children under 6 (two per couple) dine for free. Tel: +971 4 324 8888. raffles.com.
24. 3in1
If you’re looking for a laidback, outdoor setting for Christmas lunch, Vida Downtown’s Urban Picnic could be the answer. Spend the day relaxing by the pool on the hotel’s pretty terrace, with a renowned international DJ spinning the tunes and delicious food served to your cabana.
Vida Downtown Dubai, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs365 with champagne. Tel: +971 4 428 6888. Taxi: Vida Downtown. vida-hotels.com
25. The Talk
Live carving stations, a jazz singer, a saxophonist, Christmas carols – if this sounds like you, then the Christmas Day Brunch at this poolside buffet restaurant will be a good option. You could even take a stroll along The Beach post-lunch.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, December 25, Dhs299 with soft drinks, Dhs399 with alcoholic beverages, kids under 6 free, kids from 6 to 12 get a 50 per cent discount. Tel: 449 8888. movenpick.com
26. McGettigan’s
If you’re craving a home-style roast ham this Christmas, Irish favourite McGettigan’s is the place to head. It’ll be served up alongside turkey, classic sides and a host of other a la carte dishes, while there’ll be live entertainment to encourage a party atmosphere too.
McGettigan’s JLT, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, noon until 4pm, Dhs399 with house drinks. Tel:+971 4 378 0800. Taxi: McGettigan’s JLT. mcgettigans.com. Also: McGettigan’s DWTC, beside Trade Centre Arena
27. Catch
This cool New York-style eatery is reliably lively, and their special Christmas dinner deal (running over December 24 and 25) includes a delicious starter of Grapefruit Hamachi Tartare followed by “Duck Duck Goose” for your main course and the eclectic Egg Nog Mason Jar for dessert.
Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 7pm to 2am, Dhs490 per person for the menu. Tel: +971 4 357 1755. Metro: Trade Centre. catch.ae
28. nosh Restaurant
Traditional roasts – including a delicious lamb option, a seafood bar on ice, holiday pies and desserts – this all-day dining Christmas lunch also has a dedicated kids’ area.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster A, JLT, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs205 per person with soft drinks, Dhs315 per person with selected beverages, Dhs535 per person with bubbly. Kids under six free, kids from 6 to 12 half price. Book before December 15 and get a 30 per cent discount for up to 10 guests. Tel: +971 4 438 0000. Metro: JLT. movenpick.com
29. A La Turca
Drive all the way down to the far end of the Palm for a festive brunch with live music, a Santa’s Grotto for kids and sure-to-be-succulent meats (the Turkish grills here are particularly good). Definitely book a table on the terrace.
Rixos The Palm, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 4pm, December 25, Dhs300 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house beverages and sparkling, Dhs600 with premium drinks (children under four free, children up to 14 50 per cent off). Tel: +971 4 457 5454. thepalmdubai.rixos.com.
30. Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo
This fine-dining Italian restaurant has swoony views over Dubai Creek and serves fantastic Italian food (beyond pizza and pasta). Their three-course Christmas dinner menu is a particularly good deal – you’ll leave full, but not all-you-can-eat uncomfortable.
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Deira, 7pm to 11pm, December 25, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs300 with house beverages. Tel:+971 04 207 1717. vivaldidubai.com
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