Rhodes w1 is one of few restaurants in Dubai Marina that has stood the test of time. As we walked towards the grand entrance – with its green foliage walls, white furniture and yellow cushions, the husband and I reminisce on our first ever visit 10 years back.

Did you know that they now do a brunch, every Saturday?

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Walking in

We walked in, our little boy in hand – and the staff at the counter welcomed me by my name. I smiled in return, trying to hide my slight surprise. Do they have my entire profile in the system? The 256 times that we have been to Embassy for ladies night, a life time ago? O dear – I hope not.

The team showed us to our table at the corner. Most of the crowd were circa 45 and above, all dressed up for a fine, classy brunch. It was nice. We did have our 5 year old with us – and we had briefed him well prior to coming to Rhodes w1. Toys and books all packed so he could play quietly at the table. Shortly after, there were other families that came with older kids. Note : Well-behaved, fairly quiet, kids.

The Venue

Rhodes w1 is somewhere you come, with a nice floral dress on. The color palette is lime, white and beige – exuding a refined and luxurious feel. It’s sophisticated, and elegant. It’s somewhere you will speak quietly at the table, and make sure you have all your Please and Thank You’s in check.

They do have an outdoor terrace which will be lovely in the winter months, as it overlooks the Dubai Marina waterways. Thank Goodness no one can build anything within the water itself.

The Classic Brunch Menu

Starters

With the brunch – all starters are shared to the table.

There’s grilled prawns – tossed with garlic and herb salsa, chicken satay with peanut sauce ( the South East Asian in me does a little happy dance ) and barbeque salmon kebabs. The husband who’s been on a high protein diet lately, was quietly nodding in approval.

A favourite that afternoon was the burrata truffle. This came with radicchio marmalade, a sweet-savoury preserve made from radicchio ( a type of vegetable ) combined with citrus, sugar and spices. Oh, it was delicious.

There was also sweet red pepper hummus, served with carrots and cucumber. My 5-year old was quite happy having sliced cucumber – and asked for more ( and more ) of it. Proud parents here.

The Mains & Desserts

For mains – you get to choose one, for yourself. We went for Rhoast Pork Belly Bap, a Steak Egg and Chips, and for the little one – Fish and Chips with mushy peas.

Yes – you did read that right – Rhodes w1 does serve pork. The asian in us had skipped the ‘bap’ part and expected it to come y’know – as a dish itself, so was surprised to have it brought over as a burger. It is an English Restaurant, after all. We did end up deconstructing it so we could eat it in a more delicate and classy manner. Fine dining, right?

To end, we shared a treacle syrup sponge, pecan pie and eton mess. My favourite would be the pecan pie – sweet, nutty, caramelized pecans within a flaky pastry crust. The English do do decent original desserts, afterall hey? 🙂

A Chic Brunch in Dubai Marina for Adults

If you’re looking for a classy, sophisticated brunch spot in Dubai Marina – serving the best of British cuisine, do consider The Classic Brunch at Rhodes w1.

They do have a DJ to set the vibe – and at the right tone so you can have a proper conversation. It’s a good one to do with adults and yes, Rhodes w1 do allow kids – but honestly it’s a nice one to do without. Unless of course – you have very well behaved kids that can sit still at the table and use a fork and knife, haha. We did bring one of ours, after all!

• The Classic Brunch @ Rhodes w1
• Grosvenor House Dubai
• Every Saturday | 1pm to 4pm
• Price : 375 AED Soft | 475AED House | 575 AED Sparkling | 175 AED Kids 6-12
• Offer : Buy 1 get 1 free on Soft Package, on More Cravings App
• Call +971 4 317 6000
• Email here
• More on rhodesw1-dubai.com

Disclosure : We were guests of Rhodes w1 to review The Classic Brunch.