From breakfasts and brunches to pool days and summer menus, here’s our suggestions for an incredible weekend in the UAE
Dubai
L’ETO
Grab a healthy or indulgent breakfast at this chic all-day dining restaurant, that first started as a café in Soho, London. Tuck into fresh acai bowls; avocado toast topped with basil olive oil; lobster Benedict; a vegan platter with scrambled tofu, sumac and miso baby aubergines; or full-English with a choice of eggs, homemade fava beans, beef bacon, juicy sumac sausages and an assortment of veggies. Satisfy that sweet tooth with fluffy ricotta pancakes and caramel-crust French toast.
Call+9714 345 2209 (Citywalk), +9714 546 5971 (Mall of the Emirates), +9714 345 2211 (Dubai Mall) or +9714 238 2130 (City Centre Mirdif). Visit the website.
RIVA Ristorante, Bar & Beach Club
Whisk the family away to this relaxed and friendly venue sited on the Palm Jumeirah to avail of an unmissable pool and private beach access, day pass. Make the most of your weekend with sunny days and cool dips in the water, whilst taking in the panoramic views of the Dubai Marina skyline.
Ongoing from 7am-7pm. AED115 per person, AED210 per couple and AED45 per child (aged 5-12). Call +9714 430 9466 or email reservations@riva-beach.com.
Dolci by GIA
An exciting new pop-up by GIA has launched in the Dubai Mall and is serving Italian-style premium softies to diners for a limited time only. Beat the heat with soft-serve flavours such as a velvety tiramisu with coffee mascarpone, fine milk chocolate drizzled with a rich chocolate espresso sauce; a vanilla flavour with fresh mango and strawberry chunks, sprinkled with coconut flakes and a mango-passionfruit sauce; or a black pistachio ice-cream.
The Dubai Mall. May 20 to August 31 from 12pm-1am.
Brasserie Du Park, Park Hyatt Dubai
Visit this elegant French setting for their Traiteur Summer Edition offer featuring a sharing-style menu and complementing sips. The dining experience offers an array of gastronomic delights, such as the buttery and rich Kaluga caviar, hot and cold seafood platters and meat platters filled with succulent cuts.
Fridays from 1-4pm. AED375 per person (soft beverages), AED550 per person (house beverages) and AED650 per person (sparkling). Call +9714 602 1814.
McGettigan’s JLT
The Irish pub is celebrating the return of live music with a Mad Hatter’s themed brunch. Revel in energetic tunes played live and a menu filled with a selection of classics, paired with unlimited beverages. Expect a host of surprises on the day such as bespoke punchy sips, props, prizes and more.
May 21 from 1-4pm. AED249 per person (house beverages) and AED299 per person (premium beverages). Call +9714 356 0470.
Great British Restaurant, Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel
Make your way over to the Great British Restaurant at the luxurious Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel for a dinner of timeless British classics. The award-winning restaurant has launched an International Dinner Buffet filled with crowd-favourites such as fresh salads, sumptuous mains and delightful desserts.
Daily from 6:30-10:30pm. AED120 per person (food only), 50 per cent off for kids aged 6-12 and complimentary for kids aged 5 and below. Call +9714 455 1101 or email dukesthepalm.dining@royalhideaway.com.
Beluga Restaurant & Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Surprise a loved one with a delectable meal at this lavish restaurant. Tuck into a tempting menu featuring truffle linguine, seafood fettuccine, bresaola and burrata pizza, spiced octopus, angus beef tartare, grilled sea bass, California maki and salmon maki ikura. End your evening on a sweet note with an assortment of desserts such as crème brûlée and chocolate discovery. The menu also includes a raw bar section and caviar tasting.
6-11pm. Call +9714 340 8882 or email at reservations@belugabar.com.
Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr
Nestled along the idyllic waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, this restaurant is offering a three-course sharing style meal, complete with stunning sunset views. Designed for a minimum of two people, the Siam Summer offer comprises nine of Pai Thai’s signature dishes. Enjoy green papaya salad with cashew nuts and tamarind dressing; green chicken curry with Thai eggplant and sweet basil; wok-fried beef red curry with Thai eggplant, coconut shoot, red chilli and sweet basil; pandan crème brulee and more.
May 20 to 31 August from 6-11:30pm. AED195 per person. Call 800 666 353 or email restaurants@saroodhospitality.com.
Abu Dhabi
UDN
Abu Dhabi’s first udon house concept, UDN, has opened its doors and is serving up Japanese specialty dishes that include freshly made udon noodles, traditional ramen and a melt-in-your-mouth milk cake. Made in-house from scratch daily, the udon noodles are the star of the show on UDN’s menu. Diners can also enjoy bites such as gyoza, edamame, tempura shrimp and mochi balls. Weekend plans? We think so!
Old Airport Road. 12-11pm. Call +97150 6489 310, +9712 4413 037 or visit Instagram.
two.0, Cove Beach Makers District
Sited at Makers District at Al Reem Island, this lifestyle destination is hosting a seaside brunch at two.0. Indulge in a four-course set menu and sip on unlimited beverages, topped off with beach and pool access. Although the brunch starts in the afternoon, early birds arriving before 11am will receive a refreshing juice, a sun lounger and guaranteed beach and pool access to kick off the weekend!
Fridays from 1-4pm. AED249 per person (mocktails), AED349 per person (house beverages) and AED499 per person (house beverages and bubbles). Call +97156 398 7895 or email info@covebeachabudhabi.com.