Antika legendary Saturday brunch is finally back—and it’s bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever. Nestled in the heart of DIFC, this elegant Lebanese venue isn’t just serving food—it’s serving experiences. Think indulgent dishes, live entertainment, infectious energy, and a chic, candlelit atmosphere that draws the city’s social crowd week after week.
The comeback of this beloved brunch couldn’t have arrived at a better time. As Dubai’s brunch culture surges, Antika seizes the moment and turns up the volume—quite literally.
A Culinary Celebration of the Levant
The food is the real star here, and it starts the moment you arrive. Guests are welcomed with a visual feast of signature Lebanese starters: glossy hummus with tahini and lemon, spicy muhammara with walnuts and pomegranate molasses, creamy labneh with za’atar, and warm, fluffy pita breads fresh from the oven. The mezze selection is abundant and ideal for sharing, encouraging that quintessential communal dining experience.
Moving beyond starters, mains rotate between marinated lamb chops, perfectly grilled chicken tawook, and slow-roasted eggplants topped with sumac and olive oil. There’s also an extensive vegetarian spread, including halloumi skewers, falafel, and stuffed vine leaves bursting with citrus and herbs.
And for dessert? The kunafa steals the spotlight—a crispy golden crust encasing stretchy cheese, doused in rosewater syrup. Baklava, pistachio-stuffed dates, and mini maamoul cookies round out the sweet offerings, making the entire affair a gourmand’s paradise.
The Vibe: Electric Yet Elegant
What sets Antika apart isn’t just what’s on the plate—it’s what’s happening all around it.
By 3 pm, the space transforms. The DJ ups the tempo, setting the tone for an immersive sensory experience. One moment you’re sipping arak and nibbling olives, and the next, a belly dancer sweeps through the venue, hips swaying in rhythmic harmony. Live percussionists burst onto the floor, mingling with guests and inviting spontaneous dance circles. You might find yourself dancing next to a stranger or clapping in sync with a drumbeat you didn’t know you needed.
It’s this synergy of movement, music, and mezze that defines Antika’s brunch—and why so many consider it one of the most unique dining experiences in the city.
Star-Studded Guests and Social Buzz
Antika has always had a reputation as a “celebrity-favorite” spot. Local influencers, regional celebrities, and jet-setting creatives can often be spotted among the velvet banquettes, casually sipping wine while grooving to Arabic hits.
Social media, too, plays a huge role in the brunch’s popularity. With its lavish décor, vibrant lighting, and picture-perfect dishes, Antika delivers the kind of content that thrives on Instagram and TikTok. Guests love capturing everything from the mezze spreads to the captivating live performances.
This buzz helps drive word-of-mouth bookings and keeps the energy high every Saturday.
Cocktails with Character
Whether you’re going dry or diving into a boozy weekend, the drinks menu doesn’t disappoint. Antika offers three brunch packages tailored to every guest:
- Non-alcoholic option – perfect for family gatherings and health-conscious diners
- Open bar with beer and house wines
- Premium open bar with signature cocktails and top-shelf spirits
Among the highlights is the Mirage Margarita, made with passionfruit, lime, and rosewater mist. Also popular: the Beirut Mule and the Oriental Spritz, a twist on the classic with pomegranate and sparkling wine.
Mocktails are just as thoughtfully created, with options like Cedar Fizz with lemon and basil, and Sunset Date, a blend of almond milk, dates, and cinnamon.
Every drink is a blend of flavor and flair, delivered to your table by a sharply dressed bar team who know how to keep the party flowing.
The Decor: Arabian Nights Meets Modern Luxe
If the food and fun aren’t enough to keep you captivated, the decor certainly will. Antika draws inspiration from a modern Levantine aesthetic fused with opulent Ottoman influences. Imagine plush velvets, mosaic tiles, oversized chandeliers, and arched mirrors that reflect candlelight like stars.
Every corner is photogenic. Whether you’re lounging by the bar, snapping photos under the floral arches, or dining under the golden domes, the venue invites you to soak in the elegance and feel like royalty for the day.
Behind the Scenes: A Word from the Chef
Executive Chef Youssef Al Jaziri has poured his heart into the revival of Antika’s brunch.
“We wanted to bring back not just the food, but the soul of the experience,” he says. “Antika’s Saturday brunch is about flavors that remind you of home, even if you’ve never been to Lebanon. It’s about family-style hospitality, generous portions, and entertainment that’s full of life.”
His approach is rooted in tradition, but executed with flair. “We use ingredients flown in weekly from Beirut—spices, tahini, rosewater—so the taste is authentic. But we also modernize the plating, elevate textures, and add surprises.”
He adds with a smile, “You never know what we’ll add next weekend.”
Guest Profiles: Why They Keep Coming Back
We spoke to a few returning guests to find out what keeps them loyal to Antika:
Marianne A., a Dubai-based fashion influencer: “I’ve been to every brunch in the city, and this one is just… vibe. It’s not just about food. It’s a celebration.”
Khalid Z., who brings friends from out of town: “It’s always my go-to when visitors ask for ‘something different.’ No one forgets their first Antika brunch.”
Sana M., a regular with her book club: “We meet here once a month—it’s our bonding spot. The service is incredible, and the energy is contagious.”
Their sentiments echo a larger truth: Antika doesn’t just deliver a meal. It creates moments.
Easy Access and Booking
Antika is located in DIFC, with valet parking available and easy access for both locals and tourists. The brunch is hosted every Saturday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, making it a perfect pre-evening plan or day-to-night adventure.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for large groups or terrace seating.
The Final Word
Antika’s Saturday brunch isn’t just back—it’s back with a bang. With its return, it reclaims its rightful place among the city’s top-tier brunch destinations. Whether you’re in it for the food, the music, the Instagram moments, or the good vibes, one thing is clear: Antika knows how to turn an ordinary Saturday into something unforgettable.
Book your table, bring your appetite, and let yourself be swept away by the dazzling sights, sounds, and flavors of Antika.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read More: Dubai’s Motiongate Is Offering Dhs99 Tickets This Weekend
