The family brunch at The Address Dubai Marina relaunched mid September this year. There was a little bit of noise made during its comeback, though we did not hear anything from the local community forums or mummy circles. After numerous attempts to reach out to their marketing team (unashamedly as well..haha) – I surrendered and moved on. I then saw the “Buy 2 get 1 free” promotion slipping into my email for U by Emaar members one weekend and thought – let’s suck it up, and support the team anyhow. We rounded a group of friends and booked for the family brunch at The Restaurant – now called ‘The Brunch with Reel Cinemas’.

And…… how was it? 🙂

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Let’s start with reservations.

Glad to see the email reservations team being quick to respond, answering my queries and confirming the reservation within 24 hours. Good job, guys.

From Mazina to The Restaurant.

Having been to Mazina numerous times over the years – including the Pirates & Mermaid’s brunch, I was quite excited to see it being revamped over the summer.

We are at the Address a lot – being regulars at their kid’s club (which is amazing, by the way). I had also been following the chef’s journey leading into the reopening of The Restaurant so was fairly excited to finally check it out properly, on our own expense. That is, after all – the best way to really see what the restaurant has to offer, isn’t it? 😉

The Spread.

It was definitely nice to return to a Friday brunch that had the usual buffet spread. My eyes lit up when I saw freshly made sushi – with salmon, and sashimi – tuna, salmon too. That is enough to keep my husband (and I) happy on a Friday afternoon.

They had the cold seafood section – mussels, prawns, crabs and calamari rings.

There is the italian section – that’s freshly cooked pasta to your liking – cream sauce, tomato based, whatever you or the kids desire. And of course – the meat – roasted turkey, chicken, lamb – did I forget anything?

I do recall an Arabic and Indian section though double check with them – there was just so much food, so much going on.

The Kid’s Entertainment.

Tucked away in the far end of The Restaurant is the kid’s corner.

They have their own buffet with the usual favourites – nuggets, fish fingers, chips and of course – as much popcorn and sweets as they like.

There is also a bouncy castle set up and an arts & crafts corner. There is an attendant present to keep an eye on your little ones so if you don’t happen to sit within eye sight of the play area – she could watch them (depending on how busy it is on the day, of course). Sherly was present on the day that we were there – please say hi to her if you go.

Did I mention there are playstation areas and a foosball table too? And you get a Reel Cinemas movie ticket with your brunch?

The Live Music.

On stage at the middle of the restaurant – there is a live duo band by Join Visual Arts.

One on the saxophone, the other on vocals. Pick your spot carefully as music is l-o-u-d, and it does feel like a bit of a party if you are sat right next to the stage – of course. They are active , and good – coming to tables to sing with you. It’s like how it used to be y’know – on a nice Friday brunch.

Take note as well that if you choose to be sat close to the kid’s area – you won’t be able to see the live band. So you gotta take your pick 🙂

The View.

Most of ‘The Restaurant’ is indoors, though they do have a narrow terrace overlooking the marina along its perimeter should you wish to sit outside.

Would I return?

I have a soft spot for the Address Marina.

It is what I’ll call my ‘local neighbourhood hotel’ – a place we have been for years since we moved to the Dubai and will always support. Am I heartbroken that the team has completely ignored my emails? Of course I am. Am I bitter about it? Naah. You can count on us returning to the Address again and again, for as long as we are living here in the marina 😉

Overall thoughts.

If you would like an extensive buffet-spread type of brunch with all the old-fashioned goodies – your seafood galore, the sushi and sashimi, the live cooking stations – pasta, pizza, the whole shebang – that’s the brunch at The Restaurant for you. Pick a spot near the kid’s area if that suits you better – bouncy castle, arts and crafts and a gaming section. Or otherwise sit near the music and food if that’s what you prefer. Please say hi to Sherly in the kids area if you go. And if you are lucky, you might get to say hi to Chef Vikesh as well 😉

• The Brunch with Reel Cinemas
• Website
• The Restaurant, Address Dubai Marina
• Every Friday – 1-4pm
• Packages:
  • AED 225 with soft beverages
  • AED 325 with house beverages
  • AED 425 with bubbly
  • AED 125 for kids (aged 7-12 years)

Have a browse through this list for other family-friendly brunches in Dubai.

Note :

1. This is a non-sponsored post. We all paid for brunch at The Restaurant, availing to the Buy 2 get 1 discount with U by Emaar.
2. This review is written in December 2021. Please check the website for current details for the brunch.