Whether buffet or plated, these are the best places for Christmas Brunch in the capital.
Christmas brunch is a time for families and friends to gather around tables adorned with cheerful decorations, sharing in the merriment and indulging in a spread of holiday-themed dishes. Whether it’s a festive feast or alternative eats, here are the FACT team’s top places to enjoy Christmas brunch in Abu Dhabi.
Alba Terrace
Step into a festive ambience at Alba Terrace with a selection of starters, including Baby Beetroot Salad and Kingfish Crudo. Enjoy wood-fired delights like Wild Mushroom Pizza, whole-baked Seabass, Grilled Lamb Leg Steak, and decadent desserts such as Gingerbread Molasses Cake and Blood Orange Upside-Down Cake, complemented by Amalfi-inspired cocktails. Available on Wednesday 25 December from 1pm to 5pm. AED 495 (soft beverages), AED 625 (house beverages) and AED 695 (bubbly).
GO: Call 02 208 0000 for reservations and more information.
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Terra Secca, Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa’s charming Italian restaurant offering views of the paddock where majestic Arabian horses roam. Indulge in a festive feast featuring Italian cheeses and cold cuts, foie gras, scallop risotto, prime beef tenderloin, and sea bass. Conclude your dining experience with a decadent array of traditional Italian desserts for the perfect festive touch. Available on Wednesday 25 December from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. AED 300 (soft beverages), AED 450 (cocktails, grapes, and hops), AED 550 (bubbly, selected cocktails, grapes, and hops) or AED 150 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email info.alwathba@luxurycollection.com or call 02 204 4444 for reservations and more information.
AT25
Santa is swapping his sleigh for an inflatable at the AT25 Christmas Day pool party. Experience holiday joy with festive food like oysters, charcoal-grilled meats, roasted prime beef rib and turkey. Save room for treats from the expansive dessert buffet while enjoying ten of your favourite house beverages. Wednesday, 25 December, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 200 (including food and 10 drinks).
GO: Visit www.marriottdowntownabudhabilife.com for reservations and more information.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
On Christmas Day, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental promises a day filled with joyous celebrations. Enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine and family traditions at Talea for AED 550, or immerse yourself in a festive feast with live entertainment at Vendôme for AED 380. Cascades offers a relaxing poolside brunch with a festive touch for those seeking a sunny celebration for AED 420.
GO: Visit mandarinoriental.com for reservations and more information.
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences
Celebrate Christmas Day with a heartwarming Italian brunch at Verso. Enjoy a sharing-style menu filled with Italian flavours, live music, kids’ activities, a special buffet for the little ones, and a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Available on Wednesday, 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 279 (soft beverages) and AED 379 (house beverages).
GO: Email festive.grandhyattabudhabi@hyatt.com for reservations and more information.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda
Celebrate Christmas Day at Layali Shahrazad in Grand Millennium Al Wahda, where a festive feast awaits. Indulge in a buffet featuring a selection of holiday favourites to satisfy your festive cravings. Immerse yourself in a festive feast surrounded by friends and family and create cherished memories this Christmas. Wednesday 25 December from 12:30pm onwards. AED 275 (soft beverages) and AED 325 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.millenniumhotels.com for reservations and more information.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
If you’re feeling peckish after a morning of unwrapping presents, head to Graphos Social Kitchen for a Christmas feast featuring festive dishes from around the world, including premium cuts, fresh catch of the day, turkey with all the trimmings and signature beverages. Plus, children will adore Santa’s special visit with gifts. Wednesday 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 365 (soft beverages), AED 465 (house beverages), AED 750 (champagne) and AED 115 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email dineatgraphos@hilton.com or call 02 208 6900 for reservations and more information.
Kai Beach
Celebrate Christmas in paradise at Kai Beach with a delightful family-style sharing brunch. Enjoy a feast of festive dishes paired with mulled wine and a sangria station while relaxing to the rhythms of the in-house DJ. Children will delight in Santa’s special gift-giving and beachside games, ensuring a memorable Christmas meal with sun, sand, and seasonal joy. Wednesday 25 December from 1pm to 4pm. AED 275 for adults and AED 175 for children aged six to 12 years.
GO: Visit www.kaibeachsaadiyat.com or call 050 283 5795 for reservations and more information.
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
Celebrate Christmas Day with a beautiful Christmas brunch in Abu Dhabi at The Grill. The festive feast will include a family-style menu of holiday favourites, including roast turkey and decadent holiday desserts. There will also be live music and gifts from Santa for the kids. Wednesday 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 350 (soft beverages), AED 499 (house beverages), AED 599 (champagne) and AED 99 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email diningalforsan@marriott.com or call 02 201 4131 for reservations and more information.
Maté
Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambience of Christmas at Maté at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas. Capture the essence of the festive season in the cosy and welcoming atmosphere of the FACT Award-winning restaurant and delight in an array of festive dishes featuring premium grilled meats and authentic Argentinean specialities. Wednesday 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 425 (soft beverages), AED 545 (house beverages) and AED 745 (Champagne).
GO: Email mate-restaurant@hyatt.com or call 050 740 5323 for reservations and more information.
Oak Room
Experience Oak Room’s celebrated roast with a festive twist on Christmas Day. Start with a selection of shared starters such as Apple Salad, Salmon Carpaccio, and rich Foie Gras Ballotine. Choose your main roast, served with all the traditional trimmings, and end with classic Christmas desserts like the timeless Christmas Pudding. Available on Wednesday 25 December from 1pm to 5pm. AED 595 (soft beverages), AED 725 (house beverages) and AED 795 (bubbly).
GO: Email oakroom.auh@editionhotels.com for reservations and more information.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas
Experience a delightful array of gourmet delights and engaging kids’ activities at the Café restaurant inside Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas. Enjoy an exquisite selection of live cooking stations showcasing fresh seafood, salads, cheeses, and cold cuts. This festive feast will also feature live cooking stations, oyster shucking, themed Christmas desserts and live entertainment. Wednesday 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 445 (soft beverages), AED 595 (house beverages) and AED 795 (Champagne).
GO: Email brunchatthepark@hyatt.com or call 050 740 5323 for reservations and more information.
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Create cherished memories with your loved ones at Ginger Restaurant’s Christmas Brunch. Immerse yourself in a festive feast surrounded by friends and family and indulge in a lavish buffet featuring seafood, sushi, antipasti, pasta, and a turkey carvery. Monday 25 December, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 319 (soft beverages), AED 429 (house beverages) and AED 150 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email rotanatimes.com/parkrotana or call 02 657 3335 for reservations and more information.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Indulge in a wide variety of delicacies from around the world, including live cooking stations, fresh seafood, BBQ stations, Mexican cuisine, pasta, salads, cheese, and cold cuts during this festive feast at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas. To complement your brunch at this FACT award winner, bartenders will serve up an extensive selection of beverages. Wednesday 25 December from 1pm to 4pm. AED 515 (soft beverages), AED 615 (house beverages) and AED 815 (Champagne).
GO: Email fbres.saadiyat@rotana.com or call 02 697 0000 for reservations and more information.
Shang Palace
Celebrate the season with a Chinese dining experience at Shang Palace, where Master Chef Qiguo Su presents a special menu of hand-crafted delicacies, paired with season-inspired beverages. The day will be highlighted by a performance of the traditional ‘Gongfu Tea Ceremony’ by the resident Tea Master, creating an occasion to remember. Santa Claus will also make a special appearance to delight young guests. Available on Wednesday 25 December from 12pm to 3pm. AED 288 (soft beverages) and AED 388 (house beverages).
GO: Call 02 509 8555 for reservations and more information.
Sofra bld
Create lasting holiday memories at Sofra bld, where you can dine on exquisite holiday delicacies paired with festive beverages. Enjoy quality time with family and friends as the melodies of Christmas carols fill the air, accompanied by live entertainment. Adding to the festive spirit, Santa Claus will make his annual visit to bring joy to younger guests and enhance the holiday ambience. Wednesday 25 December from 1pm to 4pm. AED 328 (soft beverages), AED 428 (house beverages) and AED 528 (bubbly).
GO: Call 02 509 8555 for reservations and more information.
Sontaya
Experience a unique Christmas celebration at the FACT award-winning Sontaya, where the vibrant flavours of Southeast Asia meet the breathtaking views of Saadiyat Beach. Savour an array of dishes bursting with bold, aromatic flavours, complemented by live stations and a festive ambience. Live entertainment adds the perfect touch to this memorable meal. Available on Wednesday 25 December from 1pm to 4pm. AED 325 (soft beverages), AED 450 (grapes and hops) or AED 150 (children aged six to 12 years).
GO: Email restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com or call 02 498 8443 for reservations and more information.
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi
Experience Christmas brunch in Abu Dhabi at Balcon Terrace while savouring an al fresco dining experience with your nearest and dearest. Tuck into a meticulously prepared festive feast with classics like beef Wellington and roast turkey with all the customary trimmings. The dessert offering will feature Christmas cake, chocolate log cake and a medley of holiday favourites. Wednesday 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 299 (soft beverages), AED 399 (house beverages), AED 449 (premium beverages) and AED 599 (Champagne).
GO: Email abudhabi.dine@southernsun.com or call 056 515 3388 for reservations and more information.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Celebrate the Christmas Day edition of the renowned Chef’s Brunch within the exquisitely decorated Giornotte restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Indulge in a festive feast featuring duck confit, prime ribs, whole baked salmon, and festive desserts like Christmas éclairs, yule logs, and mince pies. Available on Wednesday, 25 December from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 699 (soft beverages), AED 799 (house beverages), AED 899 (premium bubbles) and AED 344 (children aged six to 11 years).
GO: Email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com or call 02 818 8203 for reservations and more information.
The Terrace on the Corniche
The celebration begins with welcome drinks at The St. Regis Bar, followed by a vibrant brunch featuring fresh oysters, poached lobsters, hand-carved prime rib, and BBQ-grilled specialties at The Terrace on the Corniche. Children can delight in fun activities like balloon bending and face painting while live music from a saxophonist and vocalist duo sets a festive ambiance. Wednesday 25 December, from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 475 (soft beverages), AED 675 (house beverages) and AED 875 (bubbly).
GO: Visit www.theterraceonthecorniche.com for reservations and more information.
Villa Toscana
Transport yourself to Tuscany with a lively Christmas brunch in Abu Dhabi at Villa Toscana, where a specially curated set menu offers a festive feast of Italian favourites served directly to your table. With rustic decor and a cosy ambience that captures the charm of an Italian villa, it’s the perfect setting for a warm, homemade-style holiday celebration. Expect tortellini in a rich broth, roasted guinea fowl and classic Italian desserts. Wednesday 25 December, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 450 (soft beverages) and AED 650 (house beverages).
GO: Visit www.villatoscana-abudhabi.com for reservations and more information.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
This Christmas Day, experience the ultimate holiday celebration at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Dive into the festive spirit with a Christmas menu featuring Roasted Turkey, Pumpkin-Crusted Lamb Loin, and live-carved Prime Ribeye Roast with Yorkshire Puddings. Enjoy a cheese selection and delightful holiday desserts like the traditional Yule Log Cake and Snowflake Éclairs. Signature holiday cocktails complete the feast, while festive dancers, exciting giveaways, and a special appearance from Santa will complete the day. Wednesday 25 December from 1pm to 4pm. AED 450 (soft beverages), AED 600 (house beverages) and AED 750 (sparkling).
GO: Email wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com or call 02 656 0000 for reservations and more information.