With temperature hitting mid-40s and humidity on the high (ugh!), we’ve been on the lookout for more indoor restaurants with play areas – now that the littlest one is also full-on mobile. Happy to see that there is yet another new restaurant not too far away from us in the marina – this time at Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel. Absolutely no idea what used to be there, but judging from the location (on ‘ground’ floor), the space (it’s huuuuge), and the number of security cameras – I assume it used to be some sorta club? 🙂 Have you been?
We turned up with the family on a Friday, to try the brunch out. Here’s what to expect, and what we thought of it:
The spread – They call it the ‘Pots, Pans and Buckets’ brunch – I can only assume because food was displayed in them? 🙂 It’s a simple do – selection of seafood on ice – mussels, prawns, clams, you get your salads and cold cuts, and a section for with grilled lamb, giant salmon, roast beef, and chicken. You get to order ala carte dishes from a menu (see below) – and to be honest we were so stuffed, I only ordered the sliders which the girls devoured.
Anything for the kids? They have a kid’s food section with the usual selection – pasta, more sliders, chips, vegetable sticks. The highlight was that they had an enclosed play area which meant you could literally pop them inside and get on with your brunch. I saw older kids playing PS in there (3 TV/PS stations), they’ve a kitchen and books,toys, another little room within for face painting.
There are about three large tables where you could sit and still keep an eye on them (book ahead). Otherwise, there’s so much space for them to roam around. Note that when we went, the brunch was not busy at all which means I could let the little ones walk around and I could still see them and not be worried they’ll disappear into a ‘crowd’.
Just before we left we had a peek outside and noticed they had a bouncy castle set up, and the girls had a few runs on it (at round 5pm)… I think it might be a little bit hot now, depends on how keen your kids are to get on it! 🙂
Drinks? House red, white and rose. Beers. Didn’t order cocktails so not too sure. Package includes hot drinks as well so mum was quite happy when they served her a nice cup of latte with a biscuit on the side, all proper!
Ambience? Maybe because it was Ramadan, it was very quiet when we were there. No live music, no adult entertainment. I’m not sure how it will be on a normal day though. Don’t think this is a party brunch type of space – more so to go and catch up with friends over food and drinks. Attire? Casual.
Damage? Very well-priced, at 260AED per person for the house beverage package. Tip? There’s a deal right now on groupon – 169AED per person for this same package. Grab it and go spend an afternoon with the family 🙂 The soft drinks package is 150AED and I don’t see any deals, so just pay that extra 20AED and have a couple 🙂 Kids under 6 eat free.
General thoughts? The food didn’t wow me over, though we had a great time with the family anyhow simply because our girls were happy to explore and play, and they ate 🙂 They had this one room where you could book and sit if you had a large group, thought that will be pretty cool for birthdays or similar. I liked it also because we could just pop over to Ibn Battuta Mall afterwards – haha! Always a plus when you’re with family!
Things that could be improved?
- Website needs to be updated. (Won’t bore you with the details, have sent this to the team)
- General supervision of brunch display and guests. There were no serving spoons placed at the salmon,beef,lamb area when we wanted to go get food. There were no staff around for awhile until I had to wave someone down. Also, staff forgot to place the wooden condiment and cutlery box on our table, until we were looking for some after we got the food (thinking we had to get the cutlery ourselves). They brought it over shortly. Note that place was not busy at all so suggest to pick this up early before the venue gets properly packed.
- Soft playmats in the play room for the younger children.
Good to find another family-friendly brunch in the area which is well-priced! 🙂 Credits to TishTash for organising the review, thanks.
- BFF Gastro Bar & Lounge
- Website
- Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai
- Deals : Currently (June 2019), there is a promotion on Groupon for 169AED per person for the Friday Brunch inclusive of house beverages – Click here.
Disclaimer : We were guests of BFF Gastro Bar & Lounge to review Friday Brunch. Thoughts are our own.
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