Salmon Guru: Dubai-style luxury brunch

Salmon Guru, a restaurant and bar originally from Madrid, has created a concept in Dubai that transcends the traditional brunch. Their Saturday brunch, Brunch Like No Other, combines an afternoon of musical entertainment and appetizers with an after-party.

The restaurant's unabashedly kitschy atmosphere is captivating from the moment you step inside. Snake charmers painted on pillars, neon-lit portraits of geishas, ​​hanging Chinese lanterns, and lenticular tables adorned with dinosaur-dragon hybrids create a visually overwhelming yet intentionally alluring ambiance. Inverted parasols spout water like dragons, and acid-blue chairs embroidered with tigers nestled among hibiscus flowers complete the scene.

Music is one of the main attractions, with a different DJ duo each weekend. Unlike the lavish buffets at other brunches, Salmon Guru maintains an elegant and carefully curated culinary offering. The seven-course menu is unlimited, allowing diners to sample the entire selection without overindulging.

The sauces make all the difference in each dish. The fries and plantain chips come with homemade guacamole and an extraordinary goat cheese spread. The raw wild Atlantic sea bass balances a flaky fish texture with the crunch of toasted cancha corn. The chicken wings are coated in Banchan Japanese barbecue sauce.

Among the main dishes, the empanada stands out: crispy pastries filled with lamb and sobrasada, served with a garlic and dill aioli. Braised beef ribs are served in a steamed bao bun with cilantro mayonnaise. The grilled beef kofta, while somewhat firm, remains flavorful thanks to its additional ingredients and dukkah garnish.

Brunch is served every Saturday from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Packages range from AED 275 for standing tables to AED 675 for the package with a table and champagne. The restaurant is located in The Opus by Omniyat, in Business Bay, with valet parking available at the hotel reception.