10 to try: Budget brunch

Time Out picks out 10 top budget brunches. We might be skint, but we still love Fridays 3 Comments

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The Friday brunch is something of an institution in Dubai. Thousands of tourists and residents settle down every weekend and sit side-by-side to undergo an all you can eat consumption marathon.

But constant cravings can cause serious damage to your finances. With some brunch deals setting you back more than Dhs500 it is sometimes necessary to look for a budget option.

We’ve selected ten to try where your initial outlay will be less than Dhs100. Do you have any other suggestions? Leave a comment at the bottom of the page and share your tips for the best budget brunches in Dubai.

Beirut: With its pleasant street-side terrace, Beirut offers a prime people-watching spot on Al Dhiyafah Road. Every Friday it offers a buffet special from 1pm-4.30pm. The deal includes unlimited mezze, your choice of fresh fish (go for the snapper), sweets and fresh fruit for just Dhs57. Drinks are paid for separately. Brunch is served from 1-4pm on a Friday and costs Dhs57.

Cactus Jack’s: Cactus Jack’s has never exactly set the culinary world alight, but it does offer fairly decent Tex-Mex food at reasonable prices. Friday brunch is no exception. Dhs55 gets you unlimited soft drinks and juices, plus access to the buffet and the cooked-to-order fajitas, omelettes and enchiladas. A good choice for families, especially if you want to sit outside. Brunch is served from 12-3pm on a Friday and costs Dhs55 per person with soft drinks.

Coconut Grove: The Malabar food at Coconut Grove comes highly recommended by many Indian expats – always a good sign. The brunch buffet of chicken, mutton, fish and vegetarian options will cost you a bargain Dhs45 and is a great choice if you want a quick meal. Brunch is served from 12-3pm on a Friday and costs Dhs45 per person. Drinks not included.

Legends: Blessed with one of the most pleasant settings in Dubai, this eaterie is situated at the top end of the Creek; perfect for watching dhows and abras cruise and splutter by, while the gentle ping of golf clubs on the fairways outside resonates around the complex. The food impresses when it comes to range and style; cooked breakfasts share space with salads and exotic curries. Service is exemplary and combines well with the excellent views. Legends – if not quite living up to its name – offers panoramic value for money. Brunch is served from 11am-2.30pm on a Friday and costs Dhs95 per adult and DHs45 for children under 12. Soft drinks included.

More: If you fancy a civilised Friday with decent food, try brunch at the stylish More. From 11am until 4pm, Dhs89 gets you unlimited soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee, and a freshly made breakfast, including their famous eggs, followed by a buffet lunch. Brunch is served from 11-4pm on a Friday and costs Dhs89 per person. Includes soft drinks.

Planet Hollywood: Motorised games and rides will keep children entertained while adults get on with the serious business of stuffing themselves silly. It’s essential you end with a selection of syrupy sweets, delicious pastries, cakes and mousses, because, after all, you’re not fulfilling well established buffet rules if you don’t have dessert. If you can forget about your figure for one weekend, few places cater for your self-indulgence like Planet Hollywood. Staff are friendly without being overwhelmingly so. Brunch is served from 11.30-3pm on a Friday and costs Dhs85 per person (with one free child per paying adult). Includes soft drinks.

Player’s Lounge: Fantastic value for money and particularly good for families. There’s plenty for children to do, an entire room is dedicated to them where they can watch DVDs and play games. Graze from the breakfast counter, where you can choose pastries or a fry up, as well as the salad bar and hot food station (not great for vegetarians). There’s also a special buffet for children. Brunch is served from 12-4pm on a Friday and costs Dhs69 per person. Includes the option of two free alcoholic drinks.

Rock Bottom Café: An unconventional place to go for brunch. The buffet is actually in the hotel lobby, where the emphasis is on Indian food, but there’s also a bit of Arabic mezze and a salad bar. For children, RBC roll out face painting, but also make a bit more effort with a magic show. Kids will also be happy to know that they can take over the swimming pool upstairs. Brunch is served from 12-4pm on a Friday and costs Dhs59 per person. Includes the option of two free alcoholic drinks.

Waxy O’Conner’s: Brunch at Waxy’s is nothing short of legendary, but it is not an afternoon for the faint-hearted: Dhs65 buys you five drinks plus a breakfast buffet and carvery, and by 7pm most people are dancing on the tables. Live music is courtesy of a DJ. Brunch is served from 12-7.30pm on a Friday and costs Dhs65 per person. Includes the option of five free alcoholic drinks.

The Cellar: At The Cellar you’re more likely to be weaving your way through a lively crowd of media types on the pleasant terrace before pushing the huge Gothic wooden doors open into a busy, rather dark bar – an experience that might lead you to expect bar-snack-style bites served at a cracking pace. And yes, those potato wedges and satay skewers are available in the bar. But turn up on Brunch day and you can expect a series of a la carte treats. It is only a shade under Dhs100 and you will have to pay extra for more drinks but if you want good food and lots of it you can probably still turn a profit at this brunch.