9 Best Brunches in Abu Dhabi

Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived. Brunch at Frangipani, perched on the exclusive Zaya Nurai Island—the self-proclaimed “Maldives of the Middle East”—feels like a fantasy. The resort, accessed by boat, is a bohemian Gulf oasis with an eco-chic beach bungalow vibe, thatched cabanas, and Zen lounges. The dining room has a soothing atmosphere, an open kitchen, and shelves lined with jars of things bring pickled.

What was the crowd like? This is where people come if they don't want a corporate feel. As such, the crowd is dressed in their finest resort wear—think linens and flowy floral dresses—and tend to be just as serious about sustainability as they are about food and relaxation.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Live-edge wood tables brim with sashimi, lobster, seaweed salad, and imported cheeses, making for very Instagrammable spreads. Though the specific dishes change with the seasons and whims of the chefs, you can count on the fare being Asian-European, with a gentle nod to the Middle East. Though the savories are the highlight, save room for the pancakes, topped with fresh fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar, and the out-of-this-world pastries.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Though Frangipani sits on a private island resort, you can enjoy brunch as a day guest; the fee (approximately $125) can be used against the cost of the meal, and includes a boat transfer to the island as well as access to the resort’s beaches and pool.