Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi is on everyone’s mind at the end of the working week. As the sun sets, the city comes to life with those looking to unwind after a long work week.
Luckily for residents and tourists alike, there are plenty of ‘brunches’ or ‘drunches’ for a genuinely spectacular Friday evening.
Foodies will be delighted to know the capital city offers mouth-watering dishes, good vibes and plenty of opportunities to have a great time.
From fine dining oriental cuisine to laid-back bar food and just about everything in between, the options are endless!
Whether it’s a post-work get-together, a catch-up with friends or a night out with that special someone, we’ve been searching for the best Friday evening brunch in Abu Dhabi, so you don’t have to!
From classy 1920s-inspired evenings to something more budget-friendly, we’ve covered all the bases in this ultimate guide to Friday evening brunch Abu Dhabi style!
* Please note that we are updating this post to ensure you have all the most recent and current Friday Brunch information! Stop by again soon and discover the location for your next Friday’s Brunch outing!
Best Friday Brunch Abu Dhabi
1. All’ Italiana at Filini Garden – Radisson Blu Yas Island
If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian flavours, the All’ Italiana brunch at Filini Garden is where you want to be.
This elegant Friday evening brunch turns your weekend into an Italian getaway, serving everything from artisanal antipasti to soul-warming pasta. Every dish celebrates Italy’s finest culinary traditions.
With family-style sharing plates, you’ll feel transported straight to a charming Italian villa. Pair your meal with fine Italian wines or a signature cocktail, and enjoy the relaxed elegance of la dolce vita as the evening unfolds.
Timings: Fridays | 7PM – 11PM
Packages: Soft Drinks AED 169 | House Beverages AED 269
Reservations: 055 594 1795 | filini@yasplazahotels.com
Location: Raddison Blu- Yas Island- Yas Plaza- Abu Dhabi- UAE
2. The Grape Escape, Ray’s Bar
Welcome the weekend in style, at The Grape Escape, a Wine Lovers’ Cheese night. Friday nights at Rays Bar feature fine wine, artisnal cheese pairings, live music and breath taking city vistas.
Jump into elegance on the 62nd floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and be transported to good times with the ultimate glitz and glamour.
The brunch oozes sophistication and elegance as it seeks inspiration from the worlds front running wine and cheese merchants.
As beverages flow freely, mouthwatering cheeses are savoured, and the night is danced away. Guests are guaranteed a night to remember within one of the city’s landmarks, Conrad Etihad Towers.
Settle in for a night of sophistication with a charcuterie board and either the wine selection package, or the Sommelier selection package. We suggest trying the Kapuka, Savingon Blanc, from New Zealeand or the Château Le Vieux Fort, Médoc, from France.
The Grape Escape brunch at Rays Bar owns a deserving place on the list of the best Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi.
Timings: Fridays 8 pm to 11 pm
Pricing: AED 190 for charcuterie and wine selection. AED 250 for chartuterie and sommelier selection.
Location: Rays Bar, 62nd Floor, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi.
Book: +97128115555
3. Live Saxophone Duo, Stratos
Friday nights just got better with Stratos’ Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi. Soulful tunes and rhythm and blue will send you into the ‘stratos’phere every Friday from 8 pm with a live saxophone duo.
Stratos is known for its spectacular panoramic view of the city with the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. That’s not all; this particular restaurant revolves around the top of the Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi.
Yes, you heard it correctly! 360-degree views of the city and the ocean slowly changing as you enjoy supper club.
Make it a magnificent evening and catch the sunset before it becomes the twinkling city skyline.
Stratos has a soave interior. Coupled with exceptional views, it makes for one of the most romantic spots in Abu Dhabi.
Timings: 8 pm to 10:45 pm
Location: Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, AE, Abu Dhabi
4. Hakkasan Friday Night Brunch
Another deserving spot on this list is the supreme brunch at Michelin-star restaurant Hakkasan, which is based inside the landmark Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
It is a little pricier, and for good reason! The fine-dining Chinese restaurant holds multiple awards for its delectable food.
Start the night and enjoy a delicious beverage at the sophisticated bar. Thereafter, indulge in signature small bites with free-flowing drinks. Savour each mouthful of the culinary journey poised to wow guests.
Kick-off brunch with XO edamame and Peking duck. Dim sum takes centre stage at this Friday night affair. The lineup includes lobster lychee yuzu pearl, abalone puff, har gau and Seabass dumpling.
The exquisite brunch impresses further with jasmine tea smoked wagyu beef ribs, Szechuan style wonton, almond soft shell crab, crispy butter prawns and Farm Mango Chicken.
The chefs’ selection of delicious desserts rounds off the perfect evening at this Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi.
Timings: Fridays 8 pm until 11 pm
Pricing: AED 488 for set menu and free flow cocktails, sparkling, wine, beer and house spirits.
AED 728 for set menu and free flow Champagne, cocktails, wine, beer and house spirits.
Location: Hakkasan Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental- West Corniche Road-Al Rat Al Akhdar- Abu Dhabi
Book: +97126907739
5. Cyan Brasserie, Andaz Capital Gate
The iconic landmark of Abu Dhabi has a few fantastic events and happenings including Friday night ‘Bubble Drunch at Cyan Brasserie’. The fantastic Franco-Arab-inspired restaurant is on the 18th floor, providing magnificent views of the Emirate.
The Bubble Drunch event features indulgent dishes such as lobster, freshly shucked oysters, artisan Seabass en Papillote, and Veal and foie Gras Pithivier.
Live raclette and crepe stations will also serve delicious dishes that pair perfectly with the finest champagne and sparkling wines.
Being Friday evening, ‘Bubble Drunch’ will also feature live music and entertainment to ring in the weekend!
This event will occur between 630 PM and 9 PM on Friday, starting from the 15th of September. Prices range from 200 AED to 350 AED with non-alcoholic, house beverages and champagne add-ons.
Timings: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Pricing: AED 225 Soft package AED 325 Sparkling package AED 395 Champagne package
Location: Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi – Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street – 6 Al Multaqa St – Al Rawdah – Abu Dhabi
Book: Call +971507656435
Find out more about Bubbly Drunch here.
6. Throwback Friday Night Brunch
Atlon Bar & Bistro
One of the most well-known and fun nightlife venues in the city has to be Atlon. Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi doesn’t get much more fun than this.
Get a blast from the past with tunes belted out from the ’80s & ’90s. A DJ Billy Schokman supplies the soundtrack of old school rnb, hiphop and all the good stuff, turning out sing-along anthems.
Atlon Bar & Bistro
Whilst the food and drinks costs AED 199. Beverages include house hop, grape and spirits with mixers.
The delicious menu brings wiseguy pizzas, beef sliders, chicken wings, cauliflower wings and salt & pepper fries.
Alton is guaranteed to be a night to remember and is open until 6 am with the addition of the after-party.
Timings: Fridays 8 pm until 11 pm
Pricing: AED 199 for beverage and food package.
Location: Atlon Bar & Bistro Souq Qaryat Al Beri- Abu Dhabi
Book: +971 585 753414
7. Mykonos Restaurant & Lounge
Mykonos is the perfect Friday evening getaway from the hustle & bustle. It’s tucked away in the Le Meridien Village on the waterfront. Mykonos is renowned throughout the city for its outstanding fresh seafood.
The buffet-style brunch has a variety of delicious food. The salad section is scrumptious, along with hummus, muttabal and other Arabic dips.
Live cooking stations include grilled seafood, koftas, lamb and other succulent meats. The Greek-inspired brunch fuses with Arabic cuisine. An impressive sushi display with crustaceans and other shellfish is on offer.
This brunch has fun beats and attracts a crowd looking to unwind to mark the weekend.
Don’t forget to grab a photo at the iconic flower arch outside by the waterfront. It’s undoubtedly one of the most instagrammable spots in the city.
Prices: AED 199 for soft beverages and AED 299 for house beverages.
Timings: 7 pm to 11 pm
Location: Le Méridien– Al Zahyiah Street- Abu Dhabi- UAE
Book: +971 50 785 2320
8. The Skylit Brunch, Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar
Head to one of the best rooftop bars for a Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi. The Aloft Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy boasts impressive panoramic city views.
The vibe is laid-back and is in the heart of the capital centre. Unsurprisingly, it attracts many working in the area looking to start the weekend with a bang.
Aloft is known for the famous 800-degree ovens that flame grill most food in cedarwood. From brick oven to table, there are a number of delicious dishes at this Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi.
The sourdough bread is smothered in caramelised roasted onion butter and makes for a great starter to share.
Brick prawns come in garlic, lemon and piri flavours. Order the mixed platter and indulge in shish tawook, beef kebab, lamb kofta and roasted vegetables.
Cedar plank Norwegian salmon with garlic aioli, caramelized lemon, and mixed greens is a highly recommended dish.
Check out the sweet section if all that savoury goodness was not enough. Fudge brownies and smores with melted chocolate, graham biscuits and marshmallows round off a perfect evening at this brunch.
Not to mention, an impressive range of house beverages!
Pricing: AED 255 soft drinks package, AED 355 house drinks package, AED 400 cocktail package
Timings: 7 pm to 10 pm
Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre- Aloft Hotel-Abu Dhabi-UAE
Book: +97126545000
9. Writers Block, Library Bar
The library bar has all the hallmarks of class. The chef and barman have studied at this library, so the guests don’t have to.
This upmarket spot serves literature-inspired drinks and four scrumptious bites to share. Kick off the evening with cold cuts and cheese. Lobster tacos, beef tartar cones, and Ceasar salad are some of the most incredible dishes served at this Friday brunch in Abu Dhabi.
Beef burger sliders, wagyu skewers, and spicy beef pizza close the chapter of savoury treats. The final chapter brings smoked chocolate truffles to round off a brilliant night.
Timings: 7 pm to 11 pm
Pricing: AED 195 Soft beverages AED 295 Cocktails & House beverages AED 395 Bubbly package
Location: The Abu Dhabi Edition-Al Bateen Marina- Abu Dhabi- UAE
Book: +9712080000
10. Tradtional Friday Brunch, Giornotte
Giornotte, resembling a classic Italian villa, is an all-day dining restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
With an outdoor brick patio and wooden deck overlooking the gardens, it offers a serene dining experience. Serving light Mediterranean dishes with Middle Eastern influences, it is known for its live cooking stations and traditional Friday Brunch.
Many consider Giornotte’s offerings to be among the best brunch in Abu Dhabi.
Timings: 6:30 am to 11 pm
Location: Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal – Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi
Book: +971 2 8188282
Frequently asked questions about brunch on Fridays in Abu Dhabi
Is brunch still on Friday in Abu Dhabi?
On January 1st 2022, UAE decided to change the weekend from Friday & Saturday to Saturday & Sunday.
As a result, daytime brunches on Friday were moved to Saturday as most people would be in the workplace during the day on Fridays.
That being said, Friday evening brunch has since become a thing in the Emirate.
What time does brunch start in Abu Dhabi?
The earliest brunch kicks off at 5 pm in Fillini Garden Yas Island, but don’t worry, as it is a brunch that can be booked for any three hours in the evening.
Many brunches have a start time on Fridays in Abu Dhabi, but that doesn’t mean you have to start at that time.
Check with each outlet, but some offer three hours of experience throughout the evening. This can be perfect for those finishing work later or people who like to have later evening plans.
It would be best to call ahead and check the last ordering time for these kinds of brunches.
Some brunches do have fixed times and typically start from 7 pm onwards.
How much is brunch in Abu Dhabi?
Some brunches in Abu Dhabi have very reasonable prices. There are a few variables that will determine how much it will cost. The main factor is whether it will include soft drinks or house beverages.
Packages at most brunches are typically tiered in three price brackets. The most affordable package is the soft drinks, followed by the house beverages package, and premium packages tend to include bubbly.
The cheapest soft drinks package we could find was AED 90. The cheapest house drinks package we could find was AED 150. The most expensive package we could find was AED 728.
Check out hotel loyalty programs and the Entertainer App for 2 for 1 offer or percentage discounts off the bill. Groupon is another great option to find deals.
What day is brunch in Abu Dhabi?
Typically, brunches occur on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the capital. Friday brunches are on throughout the evening in Abu Dhabi as the working week comes to an end.
There are tonnes of Saturday brunches in Abu Dhabi. There is so much to choose from, from pool party brunches to buffet-style table service.
Brunches can be found at most hotels, beach clubs and stand-alone restaurants throughout the city.
On a Saturday, brunches typically start at 1 pm. There are many family-style brunches with entertainment for children, meaning the adults can relax a little. Some brunches include pool access.
Sunday in Abu Dhabi has some brunches to choose from. Typically, they start at 1 pm. Some of the most popular brunches on Sunday include roast dinner, barbeque, Italian and Chinese-styled brunches.
What is Brunch in Abu Dhabi?
If you are new to the city or are a tourist visiting, it is worth knowing brunch may not be what you are used to back home!
In Abu Dhabi and the broader Middle East region, the concept of brunch may differ from the traditional Western idea of combining breakfast and lunch.
Instead, brunch in Abu Dhabi is often a leisurely, extended meal that takes place later in the day and is more focused on a social gathering and indulgence in a wide variety of foods and beverages. Here’s a description of brunch in Abu Dhabi with this understanding:
Brunch in Abu Dhabi
- Timing: Brunch in Abu Dhabi typically occurs on the first day of the weekend in the UAE. It usually begins around midday or in the early afternoon and can extend well into the late afternoon or early evening.
- Social Gathering: Brunch in Abu Dhabi is where friends and family gather to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and savour delicious food and drinks. It’s a time for leisure and conversation.
- Food Variety: Similar to the Western concept of brunch, a wide variety of food options are available at Abu Dhabi brunches. However, these brunches often feature an array of Middle Eastern and international dishes, including Arabic mezze, grilled meats, seafood, and more.
- Buffet Style: Many brunches in Abu Dhabi are buffet-style, allowing guests to sample diverse dishes. These can range from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to global culinary offerings.
- Beverage Packages: Like in the previous description, many brunches offer beverage packages, which may include alcoholic drinks like wine, champagne, and cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.
- Entertainment: Live music, DJs, and other forms of entertainment are often featured at brunch venues in Abu Dhabi, enhancing the overall experience.
- Family-Friendly: Some brunches are family-friendly and may offer activities for children to ensure that everyone in the family can enjoy the occasion. These brunches sometimes offer table service, making it a little easier for parents.
- Casual Atmosphere: While there may be dress codes at some upscale venues, brunch in Abu Dhabi generally has a relaxed and informal atmosphere, encouraging guests to unwind and enjoy themselves.
In summary ….
In summary, brunch in Abu Dhabi is more about a relaxed, social gathering with a diverse culinary spread, often featuring Middle Eastern and international dishes. It’s a popular weekend activity for residents and visitors, allowing them to savour good food and/or drinks.
Friday night brunch is a relatively new concept since the change of the weekend in the UAE and tends to have a slight party vibe.
The term brunch has been somewhat changed into ‘drunch’ sometimes, a combination of the words lunch and dinner. It is probably more appropriate given the time of day.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the Friday evening brunches in Abu Dhabi. Did you try any? Leave a comment. We would love to hear from you!