Azucar Brunch @ Sante Ria, First Collection JVC Dubai

We took the folks one Friday evening in May to The First Collection JVC to check out the South American restaurant Sante Ria. They have a brunch then – called Azucar Brunch, which starts from 8pm onwards. Definitely not a time to bring little people along so it was just the four of us grown ups this time 😉

So, how was Azucar Brunch at Sante Ria? Read on.

Sorry, First Collection, where?

Trust Googlemaps to take you there. It sits in Jumeirah Village Circle, next to Five JVC. Yes, it is a hotel, so you can valet if you drove in. Take a taxi if you are planning a big night out though 😉

How is Sante Ria like?

Sante Ria occupies the 29th and 30th floor of The First Collection JVC. The lift takes you up to the 29th where they check your reservations, and then they will take you upstairs to where the party is.

Interesting decor – you walk pass a mammoth tiger wall-art as you walk up. Or maybe it’s a leopard? I’m not so well-versed with the feline family.

Here’s my adorable mum – just one of 20 photos taken here.

Let’s talk about the Azucar Brunch food.

Staying to theme – Azucar Brunch serves, what they describe as ” traditional Latino cuisine infused with modern flair. ” I am no expert when it comes to latino cuisine so will not attempt to add my two cents, other than that we thoroughly enjoyed what was served that evening. Something different. Everything from the menu is served to table – so you kick back and relax.

From the starters, loved the crispy fish tacos, and ‘Tiradito al Aji Amarillo’ which we know as ceviche. This was cured seabream served with aji amarillo, lime chili, with roasted sweet potato and leche de tigre.

From the mains, they took everything out from the menu as well. There was chicken wings, beef cheek tacos (yum!), chimichangas, beef anticuchos and more. It was an explosion of colour and tastebuds 😉

Have a look at Azucar Brunch menu here

Is there any live music?

Yes! There was Norby and Nathalie – who got most people on their toes dancing very early in the evening. Unfortunately we had to rush home to the little people, so we missed the main party. Gonna return next time for the real one !

You can follow Norby on Instagram here, to see where she performs in and around Dubai.

Overall Thoughts

Do Azucar Brunch if you like your South American fare, and if you like a brunch with a proper latino dance vibe to it. It’s reasonably priced with house package at 250 AED – a pretty good one to do on a Friday evening, especially if you live close to JVC!

Pop in and keep dancing – let me know how it is if you do 😉