Brunch at: Las Brisas, Emirates Palace

Las Brisas at Emirates Palace is set outdoors among the palms. Courtesy Emirates Palace
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The location

As the weather is (just about) cool enough to sit outdoors in the afternoons, at least with a sea breeze, the location at Las Brisas (which means breezes in Spanish) at the opulent East Wing Beach Club of Emirates Palace is hard to beat. The view is out onto the picturesque palace beach, pool and manicured lawns, all of which are not usually accessible to the public.

The atmosphere

The up-tempo jazz band are definite crowd-pleasers, and their talented female saxophonist ventures offstage to give diners lively solo renditions too. But the best thing about this brunch is the range of top-notch children’s entertainment. Kids can go pony riding, get decorated in body jewellery tattoos (plastic pearls and diamonds galore), play archery or tin can alley, create sand art, or race on ride on toys. There are even some rather impressive prizes given out for the winners.

The food

This brunch offering is truly palatial, with an array of gourmet food to suit every palette — with everything from a BBQ grill, traditional tandoori and shawarma stations to a pasta counter and tailor-made sushi. Highlights include a range of tasty dim suns, refreshing made-to-order mocktails, and nachos with mouthwatering guacamole. Then there’s the three-tier cheese fondue fountain — which may be an Abu Dhabi first when it comes to brunch decadence — to dunk your nachos under. If there’s still room for desert, the selection is just as varied, with a sweets bar, ice cream wagon and popcorn cart to indulge the kids and coffee and mascarpone mousse and green tea and pistachio cakes among the offerings for grown ups.

Who it is best for

A great brunch to impress any overseas visitors you might have, with a taste of Abu Dhabi luxury at its finest.

The verdict

A truly classy brunch, that’s worthy of ticking off any Abu Dhabi bucket list. The only snag is that gazing onto the swimmers lounging dreamily in their sunken pool hammocks might make you feel inclined to take a dip yourself — but alas, the brunch price doesn’t stretch to pool access.

The brunch at Las Brisas runs every Friday from 12.30pm — 4pm through to May 2017 and costs from Dh290 (excluding taxes). Until November 25, a non-alcoholic brunch automatically gets upgraded to Hops and Grapes Package. Children under 10 dine for free, children between 10-12 years cost Dh145 (excluding taxes). Call 02 690 7999 or email brunch@emiratespalace.ae

artslife@thenational.ae