Have you done all the fun party brunches in Dubai? Do you enjoy Japanese Peruvian cuisine, would be keen to partake in a pisco-making workshop, appreciate amazing cocktails (with those over-sized ice cubes), live music and an afterparty spot with possibly the best sundowner views?
Well – this is Yunza-11 Brunch at Above Eleven. Read on.
Let’s start from the beginning.
Where does the name of the brunch come from?
For those curious what Yunza-11 is, this is as per their official press release :
Inspired by the ancient Peruvian celebration of Cortamonte, Yunza, is all about community and fun in abundance. Like the traditional festival, where people gather to dance around a tree adorned with gifts, waiting for it to fall and reveal surprises, the Yunza-11 brunch is packed with excitement and energy that keeps the party going.
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Where exactly is Above Eleven?
What do you mean you haven’t been to Above Eleven? It is – Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah’s very own Japanese-Peruvian rooftop restaurant and bar – located on the 14th floor.
The brunch itself is held in their dining area which is indoors, whereas their after party moves to their bar area outside later on.
Did you say they have a Pisco-making Workshop?
Soon after we got to the tables and had a drink, the team came up to us to ask if we wanted to start off with a pisco-making workshop. Of course! I absolutely love it when restaurants come up with new concepts to elevate the experience. Why should kids always get all the fun stuff? Adults like to learn, and play too!
The team escorted us out to the bar area where we were taught and guided as to how to make a Pisco Sour. We had brought along my mum so this was her very first time making a cocktail. Ah, it was super fun – as we all shook, poured and gave the finishing touches to our own Pisco Sour. We had to vote for the winner who got a little gift – which you’ll find out what it is when you go. Not ruining all these surprises here! 🙂
What’s on the Yunza-11 Brunch Spread?
As we got back to the table, the food was then served. Perfect timing.
Starters
Starters were a chef’s selection of sushi and ceviche, and alongside – little plates to go with it – nasu salad, prawn tempura, king oyster mushroom and chicken anticuchos – or skewers, in plain english.
As a big fan of Peruvian-Japanese ‘Nikkei’ cuisine – I can literally have this every weekend if I could (with extra hours to be spent in the gym). It probably has been said that this cuisine has been overdone in Dubai’s dining scene but look – if it works, and it’s good – why not? I’m not complaining 🙂 Keep them coming, please.
The colours, the combination of taste and texture (mango cubes, the raw fish, and peruvian corn), the little bit of kick from the wasabi with your sushi and sashimi – it’s just so appetising, especially when you have a glass of bubbly and views to match.
Cocktails
A big highlight of the Yunza-11 brunch would be the cocktails that are part of the premium package. Y’know those really fancy cocktails that you would normally pay 50-70 AED for at the Palm West Beach? Well – you can have as many of those at this brunch. Not to get you too excited – there are four to choose from. My mum loved the Lucuma Sour (made with Pisco), whereas I enjoyed the Sagrado – another Pisco blend, with apricot liquer, rose wine, lime and yes – a beautiful big ice sphere, in a really nice cocktail glass 🙂
Main Course – Sharing Style
Moving back to mains – these are again all served to table and no – you don’t have to choose, it’s all there for sharing.
There’s patagonian toothfish (also known as Chilean Sea Bass) served with honey hoisin, lomo saltado (wagyu tenderloin) as well as grilled chicken. Our highlight were the ‘fake scallops’ made of celeriac – served with butternut squash puree, aji panca and broccolini. Why is called fake scallops? Well – because it’s presented to look like scallops. I would probably not use the word ‘fake’ in a menu – maybe ‘Vegetarian scallops’ would sound better?
To my asian friends – don’t worry, bowls of rice were served to the table and of course if you wanted more – you can ask them for it.
Entertainment & Vibes
There’s DJ on the decks, and a drummer as well from the get go. Happy to report that it does start off quite mellow which is perfect so you can actually have a conversation to start. It ramps up later on, as the team comes out in a train to get the party going.
At around 3:11pm – one lucky partygoer will receive llama keyring – a sign that the brunch will cost them just 11 AED – plus complimentary entry to the after party (which would normally cost them 150 AED). Not too bad huh? 🙂
Afterparty at the Terrace
If you are still standing after 4pm – let your legs guide you to the terrace. Views from Above Eleven are gorgeous, and more so during sunset. You can carry on drinking from 4-6pm for just 150 AED, and if you have friends who wanted to join then, they’ll pay 200 AED. Guess what they’ve called the after-party? ‘Let’s get Pisco-ed.’….. haha. Catchy, hey?
Overall Thoughts
I would say this is a perfect one for birthdays, gatherings, or any get-together where you would enjoy Peruvian-Japanese and killer cocktails. I personally thought the pisco-making race was a nice addition to the usual brunch experience – and would love to see more of that in the Dubai brunch scene. Good on ya Marriott for introducing it. See you again soon! Please do tag us on Instagram if you make it to Yunza-11 – we would love to see how it went.
- Yunza-11 Brunch at Above Eleven Dubai
- Marriott Resort Dubai Palm Jumeirah
- Every Saturday 1-4pm
- 295 AED Soft | 395 AED House | 495 AED Premium
- Book here.
Filed under – Best Latin American Brunches in Dubai – 2025 Edition
Disclosure : We were guests of the Marriott to review the Yunza-11 Brunch.
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