Roberto's Brunch

While DIFC is a bustling hive of financial and social activity in the week, it can resemble a bit of a ghost town on a Friday and Saturday. That said, ignore the area at the weekend and you’ll be ignoring its newest, and arguably nicest, brunch spot, Roberto’s.

Italian specific brunches are in seemingly short supply in Dubai,  and while you’ll certainly find stereotypical dishes synonymous with this brand of European cuisine (think lukewarm spaghetti bolognese or various unimaginative lasagnes) at most brunch spots around the city, it’s more a case of there simply being lots of it, without any of it done particularly well.

Pranzo Italiano however, champions a quite superb à la carte menu (again, another rarity on the brunch scene), offering a select few dishes redolent of the street side eateries in Milan or Rome as opposed to the buffet cart at Spaghetti House. As with all à la carte offerings, the menu is short, clean and to the point, and while you’re bound to order everything on offer (it is a brunch after all) be careful not to miss out on the arrabiata soaked calamari starter, Grigliata di pesce or, quite frankly, any of the pasta dishes.

Nestled in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, though the refined setting and quality of cuisine undoubtedly make the Roberto’s brunch a more upmarket affair, the warm service coupled with the relaxed vibe inspired by the in-house acoustic guitarist ensures the occasion always feels fun, and never stuffy or pretentious.

If you’re after a brunch that takes significant pride in its food, as opposed to colourful drinks concoctions drunk out of watermelons, you’d do well to find a better placed option than this DIFC delight.

Dhs425 (house drinks), Dhs350 (soft drinks), 12.30-16.30pm, every Friday, Roberto’s, Gate Village, DIFC, 04 386 0066, robertos.ae