Here in the UAE, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to spectacular brunch settings.
However, while many venues offer beachside views and chic pools, only one place lets you dine, unwind, and take a dip next to the biggest and longest man made wave pool in the world.
Since it opened last year, the record-breaking Surf Abu Dhabi has continued to be one of the most talked about attractions in the region.
Earlier this month, it brought together the planet’s top surfers for the first ever World Surf League championship to ever be held in the Middle East. An event that made international headlines, the sporting attraction is putting Abu Dhabi on the map as a key surfing hotspot.
But, it’s not just a place for keen surfers and adrenaline junkies.
The Venue
Nestled on the banks of the spectacular Surf Abu Dhabi wave pool, Grecian-inspired Ilios Abu Dhabi is blessed with one of the most unique settings imaginable.
Ideal for pool days, intimate dinners, and leisurely lunches, it recently launched the Sunday Aegean Brunch.
Completed with full pool access, and a set menu of delicious Mediterranean style specialties, it invites you to end the weekend with an unforgettable afternoon of feasting, sunbathing and relaxing.
Set to beats from a live DJ and front seat views of the surfers, the vibe is upbeat yet sophisticated, and the friendly service is flawless, too.
The Food
Keen to work up an appetite, we started our Aegean Brunch experience with a quick swim, before drying off and taking a seat on one of the pretty shaded waterside tables.
Including six sharing-style appetisers, one main and a sharing desert, everything presented to us was creative, flavoursome, and exceptionally tasty.
Interestingly, none of the starters contained any meat at all, and this ensured the spread remained light and delicate.
Ideal for seafood enthusiasts and keen foodies, we loved the fusion of classic Greek recipes and unique curated dishes. Amongst the highlights of the appetisers wre the grilled octopus with Santorini fava puree and pickled onion, the florinis with marinated sweet peppers with caper berries and garlic, and of course the Greek salad with juicy red tomatoes and salty crumbled feta.
Easily as tasty and authentic as any Greek salad served in Athens, the fun zucchini tempura strips with creamy tzatziki was yet another fabulous favourite amongst our party.
Moving to the mains, we all went for the sea bass fillet with Mediterranean vegetables. A gorgeous chunk of meaty white fish, it was absolutely superb, and it went perfectly with a glass or two of crisp white wine.
For something a bit heartier, you could also opt for slow-cooked veal cheeks or wild mushroom risotto. But, considering the generous portions of the starters, we felt that a fish main course was just what we wanted.
Finally, dessert was a spectacular citrus eclair. Filled with incredible sweet and zesty lemon curd and coated in light golden pastry, we savoured every bite paired with cups of exceptionally good strong coffee.
The house package included all the best classic cocktails along with wines, beers, mocktails, teas, and more, and the efficient servers made sure our glasses were kept topped up throughout.
The Verdict
Abu Dhabi was in need of another sizzling pool brunch, and Ilios has answered in the best possible way.
With the Aegean Brunch to look forward to, Sunday blues are a thing of the past.
Including pool access and truly excellent food and drink all for AED 450 for house beverages and AED 325 for soft drinks, this exciting brunch is definitely one to add to your wish list. Visit: @ilios.abudhabi.
