Grills On, Weekend Mode Activated at Yalumba’s Aussie Barbie Brunch

Live flames, generous plates, standout desserts and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe - Aussie Barbie Brunch at Yalumba brings the easy charm of an Australian backyard BBQ to Saturdays in Dubai, and it does it really well.

From the moment I walked in, it was clear that this brunch was built around the grill. Flames were already going, chefs were busy at their BBQ stations, and that unmistakable smoky aroma hit me even before I reached my table. It felt less like a hotel brunch and more like a proper Aussie barbie; relaxed, social and unapologetically food-led.

The live grill stations are the heart of the experience, with cuts cooked to order and constantly refreshed. Expect juicy ribeye steaks, grilled chicken, tiger prawns, and a selection of exotic meats inspired by the Australian Bushman’s Outback, all coming straight off the flames. There’s also a crowd-pleasing burger bar and shawarma station.

It’s the kind of setup that encourages you to build plates slowly, go back for more, and linger near the grills trying to decide what to go for next. This is definitely not a one-round brunch - it’s very much a “go back and explore” kind of afternoon, best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

Then there’s dessert, and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for this. The dessert station could easily have been a brunch on its own. There were multiple cheesecake flavours, trifles, pies, tarts, and of course the much-loved Aussie pavlova. Add to that, the DIY dessert and candy bar station, where you can get hands-on and build your own sweet creations. Here you’ll find adults crowd like happy kids.

One of the biggest wins here is how well this brunch works for families without losing its grown-up appeal. Live music keeps the energy upbeat. Games and a bouncy castle keep little ones entertained, so mums and dads can get to enjoy their steaks and drinks without too much of a bother. The atmosphere is lively, not chaotic; a balance that they have surprisingly got right. Kudos to them!

By the time we left, our day felt like one of those Saturdays that quietly stretched on in the best way. No rushing, no pressure, just good food, good company, and that easy weekend energy you want from a brunch.

The Aussie Barbie Brunch runs every Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Yalumba, located inside Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre. Packages start from AED 289 for the soft beverage package, while the pouring package is priced at AED 429, making it a great option whether you’re brunching with friends, family, or a mix of both.

If your ideal Saturday includes live grills, relaxed vibes, standout desserts, and a brunch that genuinely works for all ages, this Aussie-style barbie is an easy weekend yes.

For reservations: email restaurants.lmd@marriott.com or call +971 4 702 2455

Follow @yalumbadubai

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Reviewed by Ylova Hamdan.