They say it’s the most important meal of the day. Here’s where to go to start your business day right.
Aubaine
This London-based French bistro opened last year on the ground floor at the main entrance of The Dubai Mall. Car traffic from shoppers replaces street life, but the effect of watching the world go by is the same. Aubaine means treat in French and this bistro’s offerings are just that — everything is made daily by hand – the bread, pastries and juices. For a healthy start, try the Formule Sante — egg white omelette, roasted tomato, kale, spinach on brown toast and then save some room for the delightful French toast with blueberries.
Dubai Mall, +971 4 510 8391
Aubaine, Dubai
Firebird Diner by Michael Mina
Firebird is an authentic American diner in Dubai’s financial district, albeit an upscale version— as one would expect of a restaurant attached to the Four Seasons hotel. While the food is more fine dining than casual fare, the vibe is typically laid back, with soft red leather booths, black and white chequered tile flooring and a funky jukebox playing in the background. It’s the perfect place for a mid-week breakfast meeting and at just 79 dirhams, it won’t put your expenses over budget. All the usual suspects are there including smoked salmon eggs benedict, a cheesy egg and potato filled bagel aptly named Yonkers. But for something a little different, try their sweet pepper frittata oozing with melted cheddar cheese, red chilli and topped with creamy avocado and a green salad on the side.
Four Seasons, Podium Level, building 9, Gate Village DIFC, +971 4 506 0100
Firebird Diner by Michael Mina, Dubai
Brasserie Quartier
This restaurant serves authentic French fare in a chic setting. Their breakfast menu, served buffet style, is simple and satisfying– omelettes, French toast, Greek yogurt and granola served alongside foamy cappuccinos. Adjacent to the brasserie is a patisserie serving a range of freshly baked breads and pastries. The raspberry croissant, filled tangy-tart raspberry coulis, is not to be missed. For those seeking a grander affair, Brasserie Quartier’s weekend brunch delights with homemade foie gras, towers of seafood and plentiful carving stations.
St Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor City, +971 4 435 5577
Brasserie Quartier, Dubai
La Serre
This dazzling boulangerie with its oak floors and white furniture recalls the charm of a Parisian street café, albeit a decidedly more luxurious one. The shaded outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to take in the street life of Downtown Dubai with your morning coffee. In addition to traditional breakfast offerings, the menu also boasts scrambled eggs with freshly shaved truffle and fried eggs with foie gras. The pastries are worth every calorie, particularly the Deauvillaise, a croissant filled with Valrohna chocolate and custard. In the bistro upstairs, weekend breakfasts bring live musicians and an atmosphere buzzing with Dubai’s most beautiful and fashionable.
Vida Hotel, Downtown Dubai, +971 4 428 6969
La Serre, Dubai