Professional food photography at QNCC by Gerry O’Leary
Having lived in Dubai for more than 15 years, I have not just photographed but also dined at some of the finest restaurants in the city. Although I travel regularly, it’s fun to enjoy a brunch with friends in my downtime. Here’s my take on the best brunches in the city.
Brunch is a meal that has become synonymous with Dubai. For those who aren’t familiar with it, Dubai residents (typically the expatriate community) don their finest attire and head out in the early afternoon on Saturdays to consume rich food and all kinds of beverages.
There is truly a brunch for everyone in Dubai – whether you prefer a full Irish breakfast with a pint of plain, or caviar and Champagne with a striking skyscraper view.
As I discussed in a previous post, the photographs of your food are an essential component in your restaurant marketing. At brunch, it’s vital to ensure that the presentation matches those images. Typically, when I get the opportunity to enjoy a brunch with friends, I leave the camera behind!
However, the taste is important too. I’ve picked my top four brunches in Dubai for different occasions.
1. Best Fine Dining Brunch – Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai
I’m lucky enough to have photographed at Park Hyatt Dubai a few times, and I love coming to Traiteur when I’m pulling out all the stops. This is for true foodies and those who want to experience exceptional French cuisine and seafood. Its setting is also spectacular, right beside Dubai Creek.
This brunch has been running for years, yet it seems to lie under the radar. That’s likely due to its location, Marina or Palm dwellers don’t venture to this part of town very often, but I firmly believe that you need to try this brunch.
I look forward to the next Saturday that I can while away Creekside with a glass of fine French wine to wash down oysters, charred octopus and fresh lobster. I’d recommend it to those looking for somewhere to bring their parents when they visit Dubai for one of the seldom seen perspectives of the city with sophisticated food.
2. Best Pan Asian Brunch – Asia Asia, Pier 7 and Grand Millenium Business Bay
Whether you choose the Pier 7 branch in Dubai Marina, or Asia Asia in Business Bay, you’ll enjoy captivating views over brunch. As an architectural photographer, I believe the devil is truly in the details, and Asia Asia gets them right every time.
The lights and music are low, though the volume rises as the mood does. From the hanging bird cages to the gold sofa-lined booths, there is a sumptuousness to the décor, and thankfully the food matches.
Brunch is a chef-curated four course affair that takes you along the Silk Road from dim sum to ceviche, and every mouthful is sensational. Asia Asia is surprisingly pocket-friendly for such an established brunch in Dubai and when I want to marvel at remarkable Dubai architecture over my food, it’s the perfect place.
3. Best Pub Brunch – McCafferty’s, Wafi Mall and Jumeirah Village Circle
McCafferty’s is a relatively recent addition to the Irish pub scene in Dubai, however there are now three branches across the city. When I fancy a reminder of home in Ireland, the brunch hits the spot.
On the menu there are pub classics such as fish and chips and a proper roast dinner, such as beef or ham. This is ordered off the menu and brought to your table so you can simply relax. Like a proper Irish pub, live music fills the air, and it might encourage a few to sing along after brunch is done!
Sometimes living in the desert can make me homesick, but an afternoon at McCafferty’s is a great way to go back to my roots. Not only that but it won Time Out’s Best Irish Bar for 2024, so it’s clearly won the hearts of many.
4. Best Mexican Brunch – Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights
While on a photography shoot at Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, I discovered the wonderfully quirky restaurant, La Tablita. Lured by the fresh Mexican flavours and the fact it’s not far from my Dubai home base, I made a point of trying brunch there. It has now become a go-to for the crunchiest tacos in the city!
The Saturday afternoon brunch is a lively yet leisurely affair. It’s particularly family-friendly and the staff are incredibly friendly. At this time of year, when the weather is not yet too hot (indeed we’ve been experiencing some unseasonal storms!) the terrace is a wonderful place to sample a margarita and some enchiladas.
Live entertainment runs through the afternoon with interactive games such as the Wheel of Mis-Fortune and traditional piñata. I couldn’t possibly comment on whether I’ve taken part in the games! I go purely for the Mexican mixed drinks and nachos.
Lately, it’s been all work and very little play, however I hope to fit in brunch over the summer months.
I offer commercial restaurant photography in the UAE, Saudia Arabia and across the globe. If you’d like to learn more about booking a project, please get in touch.
