Saturday Brunch At African Lounge

The weather is perfect, the views are on point and the staff are expectant: the scene is set for Saturday brunch at African Lounge!

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The first thing that strikes you is the lush garden that encompasses the African Lounge terrace and views across the water add to that feeling of being somewhere else - it really does feel like an oasis in the middle of the city. The decor is contemporary African chic: beautifully set tables, comfortable chairs, with a lot of greens and natural colours adding to that feeling of tranquility.

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Choose three starters between two people, and for us it was a no-brainer: the tuna tartare, the corn fritters and the miso grilled aubergine.  The tartare was a strong beginning and may have been our dish of the day.  It’s texturally magnificent, with the garlic chips, sesame seeds adding crunch, while the chewy apricots make for a sweet element that was a great foil for the piquant miso/yuzu dressing. 

The ‘corn fritters’ were a surprise, and not at all the traditional offerings we’re used to. Instead, this resembles corn tempura and is absolutely delicious dipped into the herby aioli on the side. Finally, the miso grilled aubergine not only looks stunning, it tastes delicious, the dukkah elevating the flavour of the aubergine spectacularly. 

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Choose a main each - they’re all good for sharing. The huge cube of braised short rib tucked in between two sizeable patties and a dash of kimchi mayo is a superb dish, good for quashing even the biggest appetite. The prawn skewers were fragrant and nicely cooked and held a peppery finish - these are a little spicier than we’d expected,  but this didn’t detract from the depth of the dish. 

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Dessert is a triumph! The strawberry mille feuille is absolutely in the running to be one of Abu Dhabi’s best desserts where a smooth strawberry cremeux squidges between crispy, well-made layers of pastry - you know it’s good if it’s easy to cut! The placement of the beautiful fresh strawberries on top look for all the world like an African headdress - such a great reflection of the venue - and the yuzu pearls on the side add just enough of a sour note to this glorious dish. 

For those who love more of a comfort food finish to a meal, you’ll love the sticky toffee madeleines, with a glorious custard ice-cream and finished with a rich, dark pouring toffee.  

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Drinks are good: the soft packages includes juices, soft drinks and a tangerine mocktail, while the house package offers three cocktails. The glad I found you, is a strong campari based drink, looking gorgeous with a chocolate tuile - biting into this after a sip finishes the flavour combination nicely.  South African wine plays a starring role on the wine list, and the beer is Peroni.  Perrier Jouet is the Champagne of choice for the premium package.

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 The vibe is very chilled. Food and drinks are served efficiently and quickly and the percussionist fits the African-esque ambiance perfectly.  If you’re looking for a brunch where you can talk, and enjoy good food, this is the brunch for you.

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Timings: Saturdays 12PM - 4PM

Pricing: Soft package AED 360 | House AED 465 | Premium AED 640

Booking: 02675 9302

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