In Dubai, brunch isn't just a weekend lunch — it's a institution, and increasingly it happens after dark. Friday evening brunches have become the city's preferred way to start the weekend, blending long dinners with free-flowing drinks, DJs and dancefloors. Here's where to book.
For a Greek-flavoured night out, you're spoiled for choice. Ammos at Rixos Premium JBR runs its Thalassa Brunch from 8pm to 11pm (Dhs295–395), with shared starters, à la carte mains and live music from Gavin and the Supernovas. Over at Palm West Beach, Gallery 7/40 hosts Secret Parties' Big Fat Greek Brunch, a regularly sold-out 7pm–10.30pm affair (Dhs395–575) that tends to tip into an afterparty.
If Pan-Asian is more your thing, BA Boldly Asian at Fairmont The Palm has reopened and brought back its Friday spread — Thai pomelo and crab salad, maki rolls, beef rendang and miso caramel chocolate tart — from Dhs250 for the soft package. Party-seekers should look to The Penthouse at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, where Dhs299 gets you three hours with DJs SKINNYLOOP and Jax from 8.30pm, or Santé Ria in JVC, whose Latin-fuelled Azucar Brunch runs latest of all, 9pm to midnight, and is the budget pick at Dhs199–399.
Prefer low-key? The Black Sheep in JLT keeps it simple: a proper main like fish and chips or the daily pie, three hours of house drinks and live music for Dhs265. Ula at Dukes The Palm does candlelit and bohemian, with a slow three-course Mediterranean menu (Dhs375–550) that stays deliberately unhurried.
For views, Zeta Seventy Seven at Address Beach Resort stacks three separate slots — afternoon, sunset and night — around its record-breaking infinity pool, priced Dhs327–527. One catch: pool access isn't included with the soft package and isn't guaranteed on the house package, so check when booking.
The appeal for travellers is obvious: Dubai's Friday evening brunch folds dinner, drinks and entertainment into one booking, often at better value than paying à la carte at hotel venues. Book ahead — the popular ones, especially Gallery 7/40 and the penthouse parties, fill fast.
