What’s on offer?
Splendido has moved away from the usual all-you-can-eat fare, and instead offers a sumptuous three-course, Italian-inspired set menu alongside a small buffet selection of salads and appetisers, a live sushi counter, vast and eclectic cheese selection and indulgent array of desserts. The meal is served with a selection of drinks packages, from soft drinks, to house beverages and premium bubbly. The set menu offers plenty of choice, and if you thought the à la carte option would help avoid over-eating, guess again, as portion sizes are satisfyingly hearty. Starters include traditional brunch favourites such as eggs Benedict, which is given an Italian twist with fragrant white truffle, as well as Mediterranean treats such as stuffed squid. The filling pasta course offers an array of traditional pasta and risotto dishes, while the main courses include a huge seafood platter, roasted lamb and a melt-in-the-mouth ossobucco.

The venue?
Taking over Splendido restaurant and a small portion of the lobby outside, this brunch is compact but perfectly formed. Much like the hotel, the restaurant is refined and elegant, with tasteful decor, pristine white tablecloths and floor-to-ceiling windows, with views over the hotel gardens.

It really comes into its own in the cooler months, when the large outdoor terrace is used.What sort of crowd turn out?
This is not a party brunch, but rather an elegant meal with friends – the atmosphere is relaxed and the music unobtrusive. There were a few family groups with kids, couples treating in-laws and (a good sign) plenty of Italians.

Room for improvement?
The maître d’ was helpful and friendly. Our only slight quibble was that some of the more junior waitstaff weren’t fully up to speed on the kids’ offerings.

Standout dish?
Definitely the ossobucco. Served with a bone marrow side and generous serving of saffron risotto, it was heavenly.

In one sentence…
A refined, classy brunch to which you'd take the in-laws.
Dhs275, including soft drinks; Dhs375, including sparkling grape, house beverages and soft drinks; Dhs695 including premium bubbly, sparkling grape, house beverages and soft drinks; Dhs135 children aged five-12. 12.30pm-3.30pm. Ritz-Carlton, The Walk, JBR (04 399 4000).