Ramadan is just around the corner, which means this Friday is one of your last opportunities to brunch and go wild. But with more than 450 hotels offering their own version of Dubai’s all-you-can-eat-and-drink tradition, it can be tricky to know which spots will offer the most memorable evening. And, let’s be honest, brunch is all about creating memories.

Like that time you and your boys started challenging other diners to one-handed push-ups, or when you jumped on the table and started dancing to oldies (you know, Green Day). Oh, wait… maybe that was us. You see, we wanted to make sure you have the best time possible this Friday, so we scoured every brunch in town to find the most exciting spots. While our memories are a little hazy, we think we succeeded.

Glasshouse
Lively rating: 1/10

The setup: A roast just like mama used to make (if mama is Gordon Ramsay). There are several meat stations with veggies and gravy, plus free-flowing bubbly and cocktails.

The crowd: Given the price and drink options, the vibe is surprisingly upmarket and sophisticated. Expect older couples that want a break from messy outings.

Memorable moment: Tucking into a particularly good batch of Yorkshire pudding.
Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira (04 212 7551). Friday 12.30pm-3.30pm. Dhs200 with soft drinks, Dhs250 including selected beverages

Rock Bottom Café
Lively rating: 1/10

The setup: Rock Bottom could well pass for a garage, it’s so dark and gloomy. Still, there’s not a bad selection of dishes in the buffet, and the price includes two drinks.

The crowd: A Spartan assembly of folks opting for a little hair of the dog.

Memorable moment: One of the chefs falling asleep in his chair while a downbeat man – dressed as a giant vegetable – tried to liven up the crowd.
Regent Palace Hotel, Bur Dubai (04 396 3888). Friday 11.30am-3.30pm. Dhs79 with two drinks

Traiteur
Lively rating: 2/10

The setup: Food is the focus here: the buffet is located within the kitchen, and every area is basically a live cooking station. A jazz band and unlimited drinks deal livens things up.

The crowd: Older and sophisticated, with an array of couples and families.

Memorable moment: The succulent leg of pork in a reduction sauce will be on our mind for months to come.
Park Hyatt, Deira (04 317 2222). Friday 12.30pm-4pm. Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs425 with house beverages, Dhs550 with premium beverages and bubbly, Dhs1,500 with limo pick-up and a special gift. Closed until September 17

Mango Tree
Lively rating: 3/10

The setup: There’s an unlimited à la carte menu, though you have to buy drinks separately.

The crowd: Mango Tree’s once-rowdy scene is no more. Now, in place of young, twentysomething singles, you’re more likely to find Mrs Robinson fresh from her manicure session wearing killer heels, accompanied by a sleek Mr Braddock.

Memorable moment: Feeling decidedly underdressed as Mrs Robinson snubbed us for another diner.
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Burj Dubai (04 426 7313). Friday noon-4pm. Dhs175 with soft drinks

Belgian Beer Café
Lively rating: 4/10

The setup: There are free-flowing drinks on offer, plus a buffet and à la carte options, including several traditional mussel dishes and divine Belgian waffles for dessert.

The crowd: Mainly couples and small groups of friends.

Memorable moment: Watching the table fill up with brews as everyone in the group ordered as many drinks as they possibly could before last call.
Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City (04 701 2222). Friday 1pm-4pm. Dhs150 with soft drinks, Dhs199 with unlimited selected beverages, Dhs75 for kids under 12