Enjoy Saturday with a Stunning View and Exceptional Brunch Value
When was the last time you enjoyed a Saturday brunch for under 250 AED? Well, here’s one for you. For just 235 AED, the Eataly by the Beach brunch includes sharing starters, a main of your choice, a sharing dessert platter, live music, and an incredible view of Dubai by the beach. A perfect affordable brunch if you have visitors in town, or simply a great place to gather with friends.
We arrived in the lively bustle of JBR. What I particularly loved about the location of Eataly by the Beach is that it’s situated in The Pavilion, near the entrance to JBR. Its close proximity to the taxi drop-off point made it incredibly convenient, with just a short walk to The Pavilion—an indoor, licensed space with well-known dining chains. It’s a lively spot, with various brunches kicking off at the same time, offering the perfect opportunity to scout your next brunch destination.
While we didn’t have any set expectations, I was familiar with the brand, known for its hearty Italian food and laid-back ambience. As we entered, the ground floor was filled with beautiful jars of sauces, jams, and pastas—ideal for anyone looking to put together a last-minute Christmas hamper or just festive treats.
The Food
I would have happily been satisfied with the starters alone: Focaccia Fornarina Aglio, Olio E Rosmarino (garlic and rosemary flatbread), Bresaola E Rucola (beef bresaola with rocket leaves), Burrata E Datterino (burrata and datterino tomatoes), and Frittura Di Calamari (fried squid). Perfect for sharing, these dishes really set the tone for the meal. It wasn’t just about quantity; the quality of each dish made it stand out—light, flavourful, and packed with authentic Italian flavours.
The main course was equally impressive. You could choose from a variety of options, including Parmigiana Di Melanzane (baked eggplant with tomato and mozzarella), Mezze Maniche Ai Fruitti Di Mare (mezze maniche with seafood sauce), and Medaglione Di Pollo, Porri E Porcini (chicken with mushrooms). I never turn down seafood, so I opted for the Mezze Maniche Ai Fruitti Di Mare. It was perfectly cooked and paired with a rich sauce. The dessert was a sharing platter, which included Il Tiramisu, Semifreddo Di Mango E Lamponi (mango and raspberry semifreddo with macadamia and dark chocolate sponge), and Mousse Al Cioccolato E Arancio (dark chocolate mousse with orange jam variegato sauce).
The beauty of this brunch is that it felt like a real meal—nothing rushed or overly indulgent, just a beautiful, well-paced experience.
The Drinks
The drinks kept coming—and I mean that in the best possible way. From sparkling wines to refreshing cocktails and mocktails, the drinks were unlimited, with no shortage of options. They had Aperol Spritz, Campari Estate, wines and beers—you name it. Eataly by the Beach absolutely nailed the drinks menu.
The Music
Adding to the experience was a live singer who belted out a range of contemporary tunes throughout the brunch. The live music injected a fun, lively energy into the atmosphere, but wasn’t too intrusive, allowing for relaxed conversation while still enjoying the entertainment. The singer also threw in some Christmas songs, which added to the festive feel.
The Location
The views were the real showstopper. You overlook JBR, but without being right in the hustle and bustle of it. We entered the terrace on the first floor, where we had front-row seats to views of Ain Dubai, beachgoers, and yachts of all sizes, all enjoying the beautiful weather. If anything, we were pretty impressed with both the price and the view. It’s the ideal lunch spot. There’s a sense of calm—perfectly away from the busy tourist area below. Sitting by the beach, enjoying the food, and listening to the waves with a drink in hand—it’s hard to beat.
Would We Go Again?
Yes. I hate to use the word gem, but it really was one. Eataly by the Beach offers exceptional value in such a touristy area, where many places can feel overpriced. If you’re looking for a brunch that combines quality, great service, a fun atmosphere, and stunning views, this place is absolutely worth checking out.
It’s an easy spot to recommend, and I’ll definitely be back.The brunch is held every Friday evening and Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm, soft package 195 AED and Classico 234 AED. For more information, contact: https://www.eatalyatthebeachdubai.com/
