24 to try: Dubai brunches
5 Comments 25 April 2012
Wow-Factor BrunchesAl Qasr
The deal: You know you’re in for an extravagant experience as you approach Al Qasr – golden prancing ponies adorn the lawn, while the driveway is packed full of Bentleys and other eye-wateringly expensive jalopies. The setting inside is equally grand, and guests are handed a glass of bubbly and a map (such is the size of the brunch) as they enter. The sprawling layout offers every imaginable international cuisine, as well as countless bars mixing up drinks and pouring ice-cold hops beverages.
Atmosphere and setting: As you’d perhaps expect from its price tag, the Al Qasr brunch is frequented by those celebrating an occasion or the kind of people who don’t blink at dropping over Dhs400 per person for a Friday meal – as such, an air of opulence and celebration pervades.
Make sure you try: The chocolate room is fantastic (those with a sweet tooth should be sure to save this until last or else they may never return). We’d also recommend the wagyu beef burgers.
What needs fine-tuning? On our last visit, we felt that the sheer size of the brunch, and the choice of dishes it offers, has diluted its quality. The seafood section is jammed in a corner where foot traffic bottlenecks, while the quality of the oysters (a quintessential brunch starter) is poor. We’d also like to see more dim sum options.
What should you wear? Smart-casual – gents tend to wear pastel-coloured shirts and chinos, while ladies are garbed in light, flowing dresses.
Why you’ll return? Despite a few (minor) shortcomings, this is a great place to bring out-of-town guests, as it's a real Dubai experience.
Dhs425 with soft drinks, Dhs525 with selected house beverages, mixed drinks and sparkling grape, Dhs250 for children aged four to 12, free for under fours. Fridays 12.30pm-4pm. Al Qasr Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah (04 366 6730).
Click here for Time Out’s review of Al Qasr.
User reviews:
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Posted by: TFC on 30 Apr ' 12 at 07:40
I still cant believe that Timeout keep on calling affordable 300dhs ++!!!!!
I think you guys should visit other options, less glamorous maybe, but if you are listing "group of friends" think about younger crowds and crisis time, just as a suggestion! -
Posted by: Andrew Hudson on 30 Apr ' 12 at 06:18
The annoying thing about these comments is that they attach to the whole article, rather than one particular page. Which location is Vicki disagreeing with the Timeout review team about?
Thanks. -
Posted by: jane on 30 Apr ' 12 at 05:07
Yes it is busy but it is one of the best in Dubai. Large, good quality and excellent band.
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Posted by: Jim on 30 Apr ' 12 at 04:54
C Taste Centro Rotana, Barsha. Hmm. Well we went there last Friday afternoon. It was all very pleasant. No busy at all and the food was lovely too. There was more of a selection for salad and starters than main course. They do need some more main course I believe. Although live station for chicken tandoori was much appreciated.
Well worth the money if you are driving (soft drinks option for 99 dhs). -
Posted by: Vicki on 27 Apr ' 12 at 12:52
I think the Timeout review team must have gone somewhere else???? What about the long queues to get in to the place, the bun fight for the food, the drunken parties getting completely out of hand within the first two hours, poor service and mediocre food (once you get to it) ??? How can you have missed it? Four hideous times now I have been there for various birthdays and events so not based on one experinece. Hideous, will not be going back again. Would rather pay the same amount to go somewhere civilised with an atmosphere.
