Saturday Brunch at Zuma Abu Dhabi - Everything You Need To Know

Zuma is one of Abu Dhabi's best restaurants. Whenever anyone has a special occasion, a celebration of any kind or just wants to splash out with guaranteed great food, Zuma is top of the list.

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We expected the Saturday brunch to be good: what we didn't realise is just how good the food is and how much we wish we could've eaten more!

THE ROOM

Begin with a welcome drink, choose your package (soft, house, champagne) and settle in. The restaurant almost has a cellar-like quality, with big open kitchens and food prep areas: watch the chefs making sushi, cutting sashimi, cooking takoyaki and grilling, all with big knives, big flames and big noise. Extensive windows look across the bay towards the city.

There's no live music at Zuma brunch - it simply doesn't need it, the kitchen sounds and chatty guests bring an unparalleled vibe.

THE GUESTS

This is not a party brunch.

There are couples on date brunch, there are birthday party tables of 10, families, foursomes having a catch-up. Women wear smart trousers and shirts, dresses, low heels. Men wear great shirts and trousers. Anyone in jeans stands out as being underdressed.

Whatever combination they come in, they have one thing in common: they're foodies. And specifically, lovers of great Japanese cuisine.

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BE TACTICAL

Try to pace yourself.

At first glance, it's apparent there are buffets groaning under the weight of plate after plate of sushi, nigiri, tataki ... they have it all. And it's all impeccably presented and tastes above all else, so beautiful, with depths of flavours unmatched by other venues. The torched salmon is the best in the city (I know, I've had them all). The yuzu seabass, the sliced yellowtail and the salmon shisho all stood out for me, but there were so many great options.

The other side of the room holds cooked food: glorious sweet corn, grilled asparagus, yakitori in every flavour, gyoza - delicious. The wagyu sliders may have been my absolute 'dish of the day', the bun was soft, the wagyu patty seared to medium rare. The spicy chicken katsu bao were also excellent and a table favourite.

MAIN DISHES

We'd chosen these at the beginning of our meal and signalled our excellent server to bring them on. We chose both wagyu sirloin and a delicious, not-too-spicy tenderloin that simply melted in your mouth. The black cod at Zuma is the best in Abu Dhabi and the flavours do not disappoint. Finally, the large, meaty lamb chops were excellent for sharing.

DRINKS

The drinks menu is small but perfectly formed. The house package includes Kirin beer, wine and prosecco, which seemed to be the most popular options. The only mixed drinks on offer were the Zuma cleansers or mocktails, which were sensational. Our favourite was the boutoko: grapefruit and passionfruit with almond syrup, shaken with cranberry juice and served long with a glorious amount of crushed ice. Champagne is Bollinger.

Near the end of the brunch, you're invited to the bar area to watch the sake ceremony, which involves all the bar staff, ably led by the excellent sommelier, involving the crowd in a vibrant breaking of the sake barrel. Everyone is then offered a cup of sake - a fabulous Japanese tradition.

DESSERT

Alongside the usual brunch favourites, there are some items from the dessert buffet you need to try. Although it seems a bit off-piste, the white chocolate cookies were absolutely dreamy, the mochi was superb and the cannoli (definitely off-piste!) was good too.

Zuma Saturday brunch is one to add to your list. It's not the most affordable brunch in Abu Dhabi but the amount of food and, more importantly the quality of the food and service makes it something special, a definite step up from other table brunches in Abu Dhabi.

TIMING: 12.30-3.30PM

PACKAGES

kitsu includes soft drinks and zuma cleansers AED 495

kowaku includes prosecco, sommelier's selection of wines and beer AED 595

kyasha includes champagne, sake, sommelier’s selection of wines and beer AED 695

kodomo for children aged 4-12 AED 195

BOOKING: call 02 401 5900 or https://zumarestaurant.com/book

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