sunset to watch the sky change colour – but
not earlier; the bar doesn’t pick up until
later. There’s a good menu of mezze in case
you’re feeling peckish. Views of the Palm
Jumeirah, and the romantic vibe, make this
an ideal spot for couples.bice sKy bar bar
Map p220 (hilton Dubai Jumeirah, The Walk at Jbr,
Dubai Marina; h6.15pm-2.30am) It may not beas much on the hipster radar as Neos or Bar
44 but, when it comes to glor ious views, this
quiet, chic lounge on the 10th floor of the
beachfront Hilton can definitely compete.
In this case, it’s the sparkling Palm Jumei-
rah and glistening Gulf waters that will
make you want to order that second cock-
tail. Soft piano music and comfy leather
chairs help create a relaxed, romantic mood.leT’s do brunch...The working week in Dubai runs from Sunday to Thursday, which means (nearly)
everyone is off on Friday� An expat institution, Friday brunch is a major element of
the Dubai social scene – particularly among bacchanalian revellers – and every
hotel-restaurant in town sets up an all-you-can-eat buffet with an option for unlimited
champagne or wine� Some smaller, independent restaurants also serve brunch, but
without alcohol, making them popular with local families� Here’s our shortlist for top
brunches in town�
al-qasr (Map p218; %04-366 6730; al-qasr, Madinat Jumeirah; without/with drinks
Dh425/525; h12.30-4pm Fri) Come here hungry to enjoy this unbelievable cornucopia
of delectables – meats, sushi, seafood, foie gras, beautiful salads, mezze, all sorts of
hot dishes, etc� It’s one of the more expensive brunch feasts in town but the quality
and range justifies the price tag�
aquara (p108; with soft/house/premium drinks Dh220/290/350; h12.30-3.30pm Fri)
Seafood lovers rejoice over this fishy bonanza of sushi, sashimi, crabs, oysters, clams
and cooked-to-order lobster, all artistically presented� Don’t forget to hit the dessert
room� This brunch is extremely good value�
iranian club (Map p214; %04-336 7700; oud Metha rd; brunches Dh79; h1-4pm Fri)
Feast at this Persian-cuisine showcase owned by the Iranian government� Start by
rolling cheese and mint in hot bread, then sample soups and marinated salads,
followed by tender kebabs and stews from an enormous buffet� Pace yourself�
Women must wear headscarves, men long trousers, and there’s no alcohol, but it’s
worth altering your habits for a culturally rich afternoon�
sezzam (p109; without alcohol Dh150; h12.30-3pm Fri; c) This giant food court has
superb views of the ski slopes, children’s entertainment, including a bouncy castle,
and several food stations with plenty of choice�
spectrum on one (p85; with soft/house/premium drinks Dh295/395/550; hnoon-3pm
Fri) This top brunch pick features free-flowing champagne, eight buffets with six dif-
ferent cuisines and an entire room full of port and cheeses�
spice island (p55; with soft/house/premium drinks Dh159/209/279; hnoon-3pm Fri; c)
The oldest brunch buffet in town, Spice Island offers seven cuisines and six live cook-
ing stations� Great value and especially popular with families�
splendido (p108; with alcohol Dh375; h12.30-3pm Fri) This Friday champagne brunch
has a constant league of fans with its ample choice, including a sushi bar, Middle
Eastern dishes and lavish cheese board, plus desserts�
Thai Kitchen (p56; with soft drinks/beer & wine Dh195/245; hnoon-4pm Fri) Sample
an enormous repertoire of Thai cooking, served tapas-style� Mellow scene, good for
nondrinkers�
yalumba (Map p208; %04-217 0000; le Meridien Dubai, airport rd; champagne
brunches Dh499; h12.30-3.30pm Fri) One of the few to offer an à la carte menu so you
won’t have to schlep plates� Great roasts� Go the whole hog with vintage Bollinger
champagne� The raucous atmosphere gives it an edge with party people�n
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