The location
The sand-and-shore-skirting Saadiyat Beach Club – formerly Monte Carlo Beach Club, for those behind the times – is one of the most beautiful spots in Abu Dhabi, particularly for a location that’s 10 minutes from downtown. Inside, Safina is a fairly airy restaurant with plenty of nods to the city’s history and seafaring traditions, but during the more temperate months, the terrace is where you’ll want to be. Overlooking the beach and Arabian Gulf, the outdoor tables are also adjacent to Saadiyat Beach Club’s swanky cabanas and pool. The brunch itself is a buffet affair, with the majority of the food inside, with the exception of a row of chafing dishes and a live barbecue station on the terrace.
The atmosphere
The clientele was fairly broad, with groups of 20-somethings through to older brunchers and a handful of families. While a few folks conformed to overdressed and over-self-important brunch clichés, the crowd was largely very relaxed and enjoyed their own space without looking to get in (or judge) yours. It was a little weird to be mere metres away from sunbathers and pool loungers while dining, but once past that, it was all conducive to a good time without any noticeable brunch lairiness.
The food
You certainly won’t lack for choice at Safina: among an inclusive journey through the staples of brunch are barbecue cuts, seafood selections, sushi, Arabian dishes, a variety of mains, plus specific stations for tartare, satay skewers, dim sum, pasta and ice cream. If you attempt to sample everything on the sizeable circular dessert spread, meanwhile, it’s safe to say you’ll struggle to rise from your seat afterwards. Among chocolate fountains and mini pastries, it included some neat treats for children, such as gobstoppers, while the cranberry-encrusted white chocolate chunks were a personal favourite.
Who’s it best for?
More or less everybody, from glamorous brunchers through to families with (well-behaved) youngsters. For extra value, diners can get access to the Saadiyat Beach Club’s facilities, including the beach and pool, for an additional Dh215 per person.
The verdict
Safina ticks all the boxes of a five-star brunch – for best results, stay afterwards and soak up the sun in luxury.
The National was a guest of the restaurant.
• Fridays 1pm to 4pm. From Dh275. Safina, Saadiyat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, reservations 02 656 3500.
aworkman@thenational.ae
