24 to try: Dubai brunches
5 Comments 25 April 2012
Wow-Factor BrunchesAl Muntaha
The deal: A perfectly respectable variety of European and pan-Asian fare, cooked to a perfectly respectable standard. But for Dhs550 a head, you are entitled to expect more than just the (admittedly incredible) views. Food-wise, you get nothing you won't see at 20 other brunches across the city.
Atmosphere and setting: Set your face to stunned as you cross the Burj Al Arab's extravagant lobby, ascend the great tower's glass elevator up 27 floors and are led by huge windows displaying miles of blue sea below. If you are lucky to get a window seat overlooking the Palm and Dubai Marina, the views at night are equally spectacular. The views aside, however, and the dining room itself is more than a little underwhelming. Keep your fingers crossed your booking doesn't fall on a hazy day.
Make sure you try: A taster plate of caviar (you don't go to the Burj Al Arab for the mixed grill) and the foie gras live cooking station. Tempura and brioche baked salmon are excellent, as is the tiramisu.
What needs fine-tuning? Brunch food is displayed in quite a haphazard manner, dotted around wherever there is room for it. The buffet needs a centrepiece – something memorable that allows the food to live up to the setting. And Dhs50 for a litre of local water? Come on, guys, really?
What should you wear? Ladies should wear chic summer dresses, a short suit or smart trousers. A collared shirt for gentlemen. Jeans are fine, but no shorts.
Why you'll return? Al Muntaha and the Burj Al Arab should be experienced once, but at more than Dhs500, once is enough.
Dhs550 with juices, tea and coffee only. Fridays 10am-3pm. Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah (04 301 7600).
Click here for Time Out’s review of Al Muntaha.
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.
