Few topics divide opinion amongst UAE residents more than the age-old ‘buffet vs table service brunch’ debate.
So, it’s refreshing to discover a venue that has managed to combine the best of both.
The Venue
After firmly establishing itself as one of the liveliest Asian hotspots in Dubai, the ultra-trendy BB Social Dining made its way to Abu Dhabi just under a year ago, and the buzz around the Al Maryah Island venue is still going strong.
As we enter the gorgeous, retro-chic dining room, we can feel the excitement and anticipation in the air as the Saturday brunch kicks off.
Filled with natural light, greenery and elegant booths and furnishings, and offering a beautiful waterfront terrace that offers views over towards downtown, we think of few more picturesque places for an afternoon of feasting and celebrating.
The Food Highlights
Offering a unique brunch concept unlike any other city, appetisers are served sharing style to the table, hot bites and mains can be ordered
from the set menu, and salads, sushi and desserts are found on the buffet spread.
Unlike some of the bigger buffet brunches, we love that we can just relax, order a drink, and wait for our opening bites to appear before us without stressing about what to choose first.
Creative, interesting and immensely high-quality, the crispy sprouts, cauliflower popcorn, salt and pepper calamari, and vibrant ‘super green’ hummus strike just the right balance between healthy and tasty. It’s all superb, and the perfect grazing food as we watch the stylish venue fill up around us.
It gives us the energy to meander over to the live stations, where we are treated to a glorious selection of colourful maki rolls, fresh oysters, and dim sum.
For us, the customisable temaki handrolls are the clear high highlight. Far from your average brunch dish, you can choose between salmon or beef, and pick out all the toppings you want, too.
The melt-in-the-mouth wagyu katsu burger, served in toasted bite-sized sandos, is then almost certainly the best burger we’ve ever tried, while the two variations of bao bun are explosively flavoursome.
All of this is even before we even move on to mains, but thankfully the portions are not too huge and ideal for sharing between two.
The grilled tenderloin features more succulent beef slices with fabulous sweet corn, while the chicken shashuka is a nice twist on the classic breakfast special, and the prawn skewers are coated in a sensational garlic chill sauce that we wish we could bottle and take home.
Finally, the dessert spread provides a vast array of dainty cakes, cookies and fresh fruit. Mixing Asian flavours with international recipes, we’re pleasantly surprised by the incredible green tea tiramisu. Light and refreshing, it really, really works.
The house package drinks menu is just as impressive as the food. Including draft hops, grapes, and expertly made mixed drinks, the value for money is undeniable.
The Verdict
Concluded with a last drink out to the terrace, it offers all the makings of a perfect brunch: delectable bites, upbeat bites, flawless service, and amazing views.
We’ll be finding an excuse to return very soon.
Contact: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Tel: 02 236 2600
