There are people who are perfectly happy staying in on a weekend, and then there are the ones who like to make a day off feel a bit special. If you’re the latter, The Director’s Club on the ground floor of The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton, pretty much nails that mood. It’s the hotel’s signature restaurant, and it leans into film culture in a way that feels fun rather than gimmicky; think cigar-lounge energy but lighter, more modern.
The weekdays are all about daily dinners, but for Saturdays, it’s brunch on the menu. You kick things off with a glass of bubbly before settling into an afternoon of live entertainment and a spread that leans more “treat yourself” than typical brunch buffet.
The appetisers come out fast, and honestly, it’s a fun mix – beef tartare, tuna tataki with a sesame hit, those truffle mac-and-cheese croquettes everyone always goes back for, popcorn shrimp, even Oysters Rockefeller if you’re in the mood for something a bit old-school.
The big showstopper, of course, is the Tomahawk. They wheel it over and carve it right there, which adds a bit of theatre without feeling over the top. If you want something lighter (or you’re sharing), you can go for the hanger steak, the twice-cooked baby chicken, roasted seabass with a pistachio-olive thing going on, or even a cauliflower steak. There’s also a Shepherd’s Pie that feels very “weekend comfort.”
If you’re visiting with your little ones, kids get their own mini lineup – Wonton Mozzarella Rolls, Popcorn Chicken, sliders – and the kind of desserts they actually eat, like caramel profiteroles or a proper milkshake.
For the grown-ups, dessert doesn’t disappoint either: Tea Cheesecake, an Earl Grey number, a rich chocolate choux, and a rhubarb–elderflower option for something fresher.
Brunch runs from 1pm to 4pm every Saturday, starting at 275 AED and topping out at 599 AED if you want the premium bubbly. And if you’re not ready to call it a day when brunch wraps, The Overlook rooftop lounge is right upstairs and is an easy place to keep things going.
Sundays are all about the Roast, and it’s exactly the kind of comforting spread you want at the end of the week. You choose between slow-roasted beef sirloin, herb-marinated leg of lamb, or corn-fed chicken, all served with Yorkshire pudding, duck-fat potatoes, and plenty of gravy. If you want to add a little something on the side, there’s a Gulf prawn cocktail or Burrata for an extra 40 AED. Prices for the roast start at 170 AED and go up to 375 AED, and kids get a fun little menu with Dino Burgers and Krispy Clucks.
With the festive season coming in fast, The Director’s Club is lining up its December plans with a Christmas brunch with turkey and live jazz, plus a black-and-white New Year’s Eve night with a signature martini and free-flow drinks.
So if you’re still deciding between staying in or actually making something of your weekend, this is the kind of place that gives you reasons to get dressed. Between the Tomahawk moment at brunch, proper roast potatoes on Sundays, and a rooftop sunset waiting upstairs, it’s an easy upgrade from the sofa.