Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is easily one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic destinations. So when we heard Broadway, their elegant brasserie-style restaurant, offered a Saturday “brunch and beach experience”, we were keen to try it out with the whole family in tow—two adults, a teen, and two younger kids.
Known for its opulent setting and refined dining, we expected a memorable meal — and in many ways, it delivered. But it’s not your typical Abu Dhabi brunch, and that’s important to know going in.
If you’re looking for an elegant meal in a prestigious setting with quality food, attentive service, and a quieter, more grown-up feel (plus an incredible post-meal perk), this is the place for you. It’s especially an excellent choice for non-drinkers and families with older children. Here’s how our experience unfolded.
A Set Menu Brunch – Not Your Typical Buffet
Broadway’s Saturday brunch offers a three-course set sharing plate menu, with dishes brought to your table in sequence.
While the food quality was excellent — each dish beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared — it’s important to know that this isn’t a buffet-style brunch.
You won’t find open stations or the freedom to pick and choose from a wide spread, and there’s no option to repeat a dish or mix and match from the menu, as you might typically see with a seated brunch experience.
That said, the curated menu did feature a nice variety, catering well to adult palates. The inclusion of some dishes that really require eating from individual bowls was a curious choice for a sharing concept.
This format might feel a little limited for those who enjoy a more traditional, indulgent buffet-style brunch experience with endless choice. However, this is a great alternative if you prefer a more relaxed dining pace without constantly getting up and down from the table.
The soft package selection was particularly impressive, with creative mocktails that gave the brunch a celebratory feel even for those not drinking alcohol. This made it a good fit for our teen and an excellent option for groups that include non-drinkers or younger adults (bearing in mind the drinking age in Abu Dhabi is 21).
It would have been nice to see some equally creative cocktail choices or, at the very least, a welcome cocktail included on the house menu.
Service and Setting – High Standards with a Hint of Stillness
As you’d expect from Emirates Palace, the service at Broadway was polished and professional throughout. Staff were attentive and courteous without being intrusive, and the pace of the meal was well timed.
The 1920s brasserie-style restaurant is stylish and well-appointed, with indoor and outdoor seating. During our late-April visit, both options were still open.
We noticed the atmosphere felt a little subdued overall — it may simply be the nature of the quieter, more intimate setting compared to the livelier brunch venues around town. This may not be the right brunch for you if you’re after a buzzier vibe or live entertainment.
It hits the right tone for adults or couples looking to relax over a beautifully plated meal in one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious settings.
Kid-Friendly? It Depends on the Day
While the brunch setup works well for adults and older children who enjoy trying new foods, younger kids may find the experience less engaging. During our visit, there wasn’t a specific children’s menu, and no on-site entertainment was available as part of the Saturday brunch.
We should note, however, that Broadway offers a Sunday Roast experience as well, which includes entertainment from Kids Palace — something worth considering for families with younger children who’d benefit from a bit of distraction while parents dine.
The Best Extra – Access to the Emirates Palace Beach Club
One of the real highlights of the day came after our final course: brunch guests receive access to the Emirates Palace beach club, and for families, this was a game-changer. After a relaxed and grown-up meal, the kids were thrilled to switch gears and spend the afternoon exploring the expansive pools, water slides, and lazy river.
This post-brunch perk really elevated the day, offering a chance to unwind in one of the most impressive leisure settings Abu Dhabi has to offer. A buggy ride back through the lush, manicured grounds of the Palace added an extra touch of luxury to wrap things up.
See more Abu Dhabi weekend brunches where you can bundle in beach and pool access
The Important Details – Booking Broadway
If you’re looking to book either the Saturday Brunch or the Sunday Roast at Broadway, the following prices apply:
- Soft (Non-alcoholic) – AED 295 (Kids 4 to 12, 50% off)
- House – AED 365
- Champagne – AED 495
Both of these events run from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm every weekend.
Book by calling +971 2 690 7999 or email moauh-restaurants@mohg.com
NB: Only the Saturday Brunch includes the beach access; when you consider that an ordinary adult day pass on a weekend costs AED 450 and kids AED 250, you can see what exceptional value it is to bundle your brunch and beach with Broadway!
Correct at the time of publishing, May 2025
Final Thoughts on Broadway Brunch
Broadway’s Saturday brunch at Emirates Palace best suits those looking for a refined and quieter brunch experience in an iconic setting, particularly families with older children or groups that include non-drinkers.
While it doesn’t offer the variety, entertainment, or food selection of some of Abu Dhabi’s larger, livelier brunches, it more than makes up for it with quality food, attentive service, and access to one of the city’s most beautiful beach clubs.
Would we go again? Yes — but perhaps with the understanding that it’s a brunch with a difference. The Sunday Roast may be the better choice for families with younger kids. Broadway’s Saturday brunch certainly has its place in Abu Dhabi’s weekend dining scene for a relaxed, elegant day out with a luxurious twist.
Want more Abu Dhabi restaurant reviews and advice? Pop on over to our Dining section to learn more about what’s on offer in this culinary capital!
We were guests of Broadway Brasserie & Bar at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi to conduct a fair and honest review.
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