The city’s sweltering heat won’t put us off our favourite Friday pastime…

Summer is here, and that means sadly, we’ve said goodbye to our al fresco feasting, but it’s hello to a fresh new season of indoor summer brunches. This month, we bring you a guide to Dubai’s best new indoor brunches.

Here are 23 indoor Friday brunches to stay cool at all summer.

Brand new

Tasca

If you haven’t been to this Portuguese eatery yet, trust us when we say the terrace is stunning. A calm infinity pool casually sits in-front of an endless sea view, but inside is equally as beautiful, with views of Downtown Dubai from the other side. Aiming to transport guests to the shores of a balmy Portuguese summer, Tasca’s new Friday brunch runs from 12.30pm to 4pm, serving up an extensive tasting menu designed to be shared including a variety of seafood,  grilled meats and decadent desserts

Tasca, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeriah, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs400. Tel: (04) 777 2222. mandarinoriental.com

Barasti

The Barasti summer tent has gone up, and with it arrived a concept which will run throughout the warmer months. House of Whatever is the spontaneous theme which will have guests guessing and ready to ‘expect the unexpected’. The new Friday brunch costs just Dhs199 for three hours of unlimited bites and beverages. On the menu, expect to find classic Barasti dishes including wings, dim sum and dumplings, mini steaks, peri-peri chicken and pizza. Surprise giveaways will be distributed throughout the brunch, as well as tunes provided by a live band.

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs199. Tel: (04) 399 3333. barastibeach.com

Ammos

Fancy an indoor brunch that still has those mesmerising beachy views? Legasea at Ammos Greek is the new Friday evening brunch by the beach. It offers up traditional Greek dishes including homemade tzatziki, Greek salad, octopus ksidato and fried kalamarakia as well as platters of fresh meat or seafood. The scene is set by the resident DJ spinning a series of ‘island tunes’ while guests mentally transport to their favourite European destination.

Ammos Greek Restaurant, Rixos Premium, JBR, 7pm to 10pm, every Friday, Dhs270 soft, Dhs445 house, Dhs595 bubbly. Tel: (052) 777 9473. ammosgreek.com

Burj Al Arab

The luxury Burj Al Arab is bringing the traditional meaning of ‘brunch’ with Le Grand Petit Dejeuner, or ‘The Grand Breakfast’, every Friday at Al Muntaha. Suspended 200 metres in the sky on the 27th floor of the iconic hotel, the brunch is served up every Friday from 10am to 3.30pm. It begins with freshly prepared egg dishes brought to each guest’s table, with fancy choices such as quail eggs Florentine garnished with black truffle, a fluffy omelet of Portobello mushroom and aged Pecorino, and the menu’s signature dish, ‘L’Oeuf Benedicte’, which is eggs benedict with blue lobster. Also on the menu will be quintessential breakfast items including traditional breads and pastries served with homemade jam, followed by a number of main courses such as turbot with cauliflower puree and truffled corn-fed chicken.

Le Grand Petit Déjeuner, Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab, 10am to 3.30pm, Fridays, Dhs595. Tel: (04) 301 7600. jumeirah.com

Verve

Once Upon a Brunch is the brand new brunch at Verve Bar & Brasserie, the Media City restaurant by famed local chefs Nick Alvis and Scott Price. Diners can enjoy an array of European dishes such as Dibba Bay oysters, beef carpaccio and chicken liver pate to start, followed by a choice of a la carte main that includes a traditional roast dinner or truffle risotto and a selection of signature desserts. Best of all, it’s 2-for-1 on the house package this summer, making it Dhs399 for two.

Verve Bar & Brasserie, Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City, Dubai Media City, 1pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs299 soft, Dhs399 house, Dhs599. vervebrasserie.com/

The London Project

Shaking things up on Bluewaters island is The London Project, with its new ‘The Queen’s Brunch’ every Friday. Described as an ‘immersive brunch experience’ guests can expect an array of signature dishes served to the table alongside live performances throughout the day.

The London Project, Bluewaters, off JBR, Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs495. Tel: (054) 306 1822. Facebook.com/TheLondonProject

Firelake Grill

For a brand new brunch in Business Bay, check out the Friday sharing feast at Firelake Grill. On the menu, guests can expect a menu inspired by the Mid-West and North America, with dishes such as Smoked Beef Brisket, Guacamole with Spicy Crab and Corn Chips, and Chargrilled Prawns with Green Onions and Garlic Butter Sauce all brought to the table to share. Plates can be ordered as many times as you like, and it’s all served up to free flowing drinks and live music from soul duo Down Home Tunes.

The Backyard Brunch, Firelake Grill, Radisson Blu Waterfront, Business Bay, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs250 soft, Dhs395 house, Dhs450 sparkling. Tel: (04) 249 7800. radissonblu.com

Foodie favourites

The Loft at Dubai Opera

For a lavish brunch with a brilliant view, check out the new Caviar Brunch at The Loft at Dubai Opera. Now taking place inside new Dubai Opera restaurant, guests can expect a feast of interactive cooking stations like the oyster counter, barbecue counter, pasta & risotto counter – and of course a caviar bar. It’s all washed down with free flowing beverages, mixed drinks and bubbly spun to the sounds of a resident DJ and live sax.

The Loft at Dubai Opera, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 12pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs395 soft, Dhs495 house, Dhs595 sparkling. Tel: (04) 362 7312. Facebook.com/Theloftatopera

Hell’s Kitchen

Inspired by the TV show of the same name, Hell’s Kitchen hellicious brunch sees teams of chefs divided into red and blue teams as they man an extensive buffet of hot and cold starters. It’s an impressive choice, with something to suit all tastes. But, don’t fill up on starters – an a la carte main course is available from a selection of signatures which include the famous Beef Wellington, followed by another extensive buffet selection for dessert. Don’t miss the Eton Mess making competition at the end – which sees four brunch goers battle it out to produce the best Eton Mess.

Hellicious Brunch, Hell’s Kitchen, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters, off JBR, Dubai Marina, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs350 soft, Dhs450 house, Dhs600 champagne. Tel: (04) 556 6466. caesars.com/dubai

Morimoto Dubai

At Morimoto, Dubai, Japanese foodie fans can sink their chopsticks into a celebration of top quality food and drink at the self-titled restaurant by acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto. The brunch kicks off at 12.30pm where pre-drinks are served up to a lively and eclectic mix of house beats before making their way to their table to tuck into some top quality Japanese dishes. It’s a mix of dishes served to the table as well as live cooking stations where you can help yourself from the open kitchen and an unlimited sushi bar. It’s all served up to free flowing drinks such as zodiac cocktails, house beverages and a selection of sake as well as Japanese-themed entertainment and live DJs.

Morimoto, Dubai, Friday Brunch, Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, Business Bay, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs350 soft, Dhs499 house, Dhs650 premium. renaissancedubailife.com/brunch

Akira Back

Back at Brunch is the high-end brunch offering from sleek Japanese Korean restaurant Akira Back at W Dubai – The Palm. It promises an extenisve menu of dishes served to the table sharing style, such as the Hirame Carpaccio, Grilled Octopus, and Tuna Tataki. Diving into the mains, guests can select one option from options including black cod, Wagyu don and Jidori chicken. Completing the menu is a sharing platter of salted popcorn and coconut sorbet, mochi, yuzu citrus and black and white sesame cake.

Akira Back, W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs445 soft, Dhs545 house. Tel: (04) 245 5555. marriott.com

Hakkasan

Already established as a leading destination for modern Cantonese cuisine in the city, Brunch at Hakkasan, features signature favourites every Friday with free flowing drinks from Dhs328. It kicks off with a welcome cocktail, followed by dim sum dishes designed to share, then the Hakkasan signature Peking duck as well as the celebrated crispy duck salad and stir-fried vegetable and pine-nut lettuce wraps. Guests can then choose one main course from the brunch menu, which features a number of house favourites including the wok-fried beef rib eye with chilli and cashew nuts, the black cod with XO sauce or the wok-seared tiger prawns served with lemongrass and chilli. The dining experience will end with the chef’s selection of desserts.

Hakkasan, Atlantis The Palm, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs328 soft, Dhs488 house, Dhs650 premium. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantisthepalm.com

Party brunches

Babiole

Al Habtoor City hotspot Babiole is back with a brand new look, and thankfully, it’s bringing back its popular party brunch ‘Let’s Babiole’ too. Promising a bigger and better experience than before, expect a lively party vibe, and don’t be surprised to find yourself dancing on the table by the time last orders are called.

Babiole, Hilton Dubai, Al Habtoor City, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs395 house, Dhs495 sparkling. Tel: 056 515 4665. facebook.com/babioledubai

We Brunch

Having undergone a bit of a makeover, We Brunch is now bigger and better than ever with upgraded food and live cooking stations, a glitter bar, donut wall and bathtub filled with bottles. The Love Parties team are on hand to make sure each table has a memorable afternoon, while the DJ spins hit after hit sure to get you on the dance floor come 4.30pm. This is one brunch party people won’t want to miss.

We Brunch by Love Parties, Accents, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs325 soft, Dhs375 house, Dhs425 bubbles. webrunchdxb.com

Miss Lily’s

Back by popular demand, Miss Lily’s has recently relaunched its summer Blazin’ Brunch. The intimate spot serves up a party vibe from the moment you arrive, with catch tunes sure to turn toe tapping to table dancing by the end of the afternoon. On the menu, you’ll find both breakfast style options (the pancakes are a must try), as well as more classic Miss Lily dishes such as the famous Jerk chicken and Jamaican breakfast.

Miss Lily’s, 5^th Floor, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, 12pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs230 soft, Dhs350 house. Tel: (04) 3562900. misslilys.com

Mr Miyagi’s

Mr Miyagi’s, the Asian hotspot in Media City, is now running two servings of its lively ‘Wok and Roll’ brunch every Friday. It’s a three hour package of five courses of Asian dishes, which also includes a help yourself sushi station. The stars of the show are Mr Miyagi’s live singers – who get crowds going early with their pass-around karaoke of cheesy hits. But they’ve also introduced laugh-out-loud games that get everyone involved.

Mr Miyagi’s, Level 9, Media One Hotel, 3pm to 6pm and 8pm to 11pm, Dhs290 house, Dhs390 sparkling. Tel:(04) 420 7489. mrmiyagisdubai.com

Dim Sum Disco at Maiden Shanghai

The Dim Sum Disco powered by Candypants takes over upscale Asian restaurant Maiden Shanghai, every Friday. It’s a high-end, high-energy dining experience, serving a sleek a la carte offering of sharing dishes paired with an array of beverages which includes cocktails and bubbles, and an up-tempo soundtrack of vocal house and commercial tracks. After brunch, a ‘Drunch Disco’ offers three drinks for Dhs100 from 4pm to 6pm.

Dim Sum Disco by Candypants, Maiden Shanghai, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs450. Tel: (050) 220 4638. Facebook.com/candypantsevents

Saffron

Saffron brunch at Atlantis The Palm is one of the city’s most well-known party brunches. Not only does it take place at the wow-worthy location of Atlantis The Palm, it also serves up more than 220 dishes, live entertainment and the largest array of drinks imaginable.

Saffron, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays,, Dhs535. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantisthepalm.com

STK

The US export that’s part steakhouse part party palace books up its Friday brunch weeks in advance at both it’s JBR and Downtown locations, and it’s easy to see why. The lively three-hour brunch package runs both in the afternoon and evening, and serves up signature STK dishes such as beef tartare alongside fancy Dubai dishes like oysters and Burrata, a choice of fillet or striploin stake for main (there’s veggie options too) with their famed mac n cheese and a choice of dessert. It’s washed down with free-flowing beverages and plenty of party hits.

STK Dubai JBR, Rixos Premium, and STK Downtown, Address Downtown, 1pm to 4pm and 8pm to 11pm, Fridays, Dhs399 soft, Dhs599 house, Dhs699 sparkling. Tel: (04) 323 0061. facebook.com/STKDubaiJBR

Secret Brunch at the Palace

While the sellout Secret Garden brunch is on a summer hiatus, Secret Parties have set up a new party brunch at Emerald Palace Kempinski. At the buffet you’ll find plenty of seafood and a DIY salad station, plus a selection of hot dishes are accessed via a window to the kitchen. Your main course will be made-to-order and there’s a choice of either black rice risotto, pan seared salmon or corn-fed chicken with roast potatoes. To finish the meal, its back to the buffet table where you’ll find a selection of patisseries to indulge in, served up alongside plenty of sparklers, napkin-waving and music that’s sure to have you on your feet.

The Secret Brunch, Emerald Palace Kempinski, Palm Jumeirah, 1pm to 5pm, Fridays, Dhs299 soft, Dhs399 house, Dhs499 sparkling, Dhs599 champagne. Tel: (04) 248 8860. secret-parties.com/secretbrunchpalace

Family-friendly

Crescendo

Experience a Friday family feast that’s all about the food at the Fork and Cork Brunch at Anantara. There are food stations, dishes made to order in front of you and themed buffets.

Lido at QE2

Fancy dining where royalty would once make their way through lavish menus? Book yourself a table at the Lido brunch. The buffet selection is brilliant, with everything from seafood and salads to made to order pasta, Asian dishes and a live carving station. The dishes are constantly being stocked up by dozens of chefs, and the layout is clear enough that you can move around everything with ease. Service is faultless – staff are friendly and a team of waiters and waitresses are always on hand to clear away plates and top up glasses. The live entertainment is a bit hit and miss, with one singer stronger than the second. But, song choices are popular with brunch goers and many are dancing along with little ones by the time the third set kicks in. It’s a brilliant option for families, with a huge play area adjacent to the restaurant housing all the toys and playhouses little ones could need for a fun-filled afternoon.

Lido restaurant, QE2 Dubai, Port Rashid, Dubai, Fridays 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs225 soft, Dhs395 house. qe2.com

Kitchen Connection

Created with ladies in mind, Kitchen Connection’s Friday feast is the perfect weekend catch up with the girls. You can create pasta dishes, watch the art of sushi making, or build your own salad jar in truly up-to-the-minute style. There’s a glitter make-up artist on hand to add a touch of sparkle, and photobooth for snapping those memorable brunch pics. A supervised children’s area in the restaurant is available for all brunch goers, so mums can enjoy a child-free afternoon without a worry. Best of all, ladies receive an upgraded package, so order the soft drinks deal and you’ll be given the house drinks package, which includes house beverages and sparkling.

Friday 1pm to 3.30pm, Dhs415 soft drinks, Dhs520 house drinks, Dhs695 bubbly. Tel: (04) 4323232. jumeirah.com

— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.