Review // Mare by Bussola’s Sunday Brunch

Sunday blues take on a whole new meaning at this stunning Mediterranean brunch by the sea.

Domenica Al Mare, which translates to ‘Sunday at the Sea’, is the new brunch concept by Mare by Bussola, the sister venue of everyone’s favourite pizzeria at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi.

Boasting an adults-only pool, a swim up bar, private beach and a laid-back lounge, plus poolside interiors by Second Summer, this has all the makings of an elegant yet laid-back spot to spend the afternoon into evening.

We visit in April on a perfect Dubai day, where it’s hot in the sun and cool in the shade. Crystal-clear views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Harbour and the Marina skyline provide an stunning backdrop only matched by the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, and of course the sight of cold cocktails!

After passing a packed resort of families and tourists going about their business, when you reach Mare by Bussola you feel like you’ve been transported into a charming Italian seaside oasis.

The brunch is a long and leisurely affair with four different courses of sharing plates, including some stand out dishes that hit the mark and some comforting classics to keep every palate satisfied.

The starters include fresh oysters, yellowtail tartare, tuna with strawberries and balsamic glaze, and our favourite which was the arborio rice crunch with tuna tartare and avocado and spicy mayo. With eight dishes between the two of us, all as fresh and tempting as the next, it’s hard not to fill up but we know it is wise to save space for what is to come. Rightly so, as the next course is a pizzette with a choice of three different toppings: Smoked salmon, truffle, or buffalo mozzarella. As you would expect, this is cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious washed down with an ice-cold glass of Mare Spritz.

When it gets to the main course, another feast awaits. Let’s just say there’s hardly enough space on the table (and in our tummies!) for all the dishes that we are served but we aren’t complaining! The stand outs are the Neapolitan potato croquettes – simple but oh-so-effective, the Mezza maniche pasta with mussels, and the octopus accompanied by padron peppers and potato foam.

Now, while this is predominately a seafood brunch, there are non-fishy alternatives which are just as impressive. No Italian feast is complete, for example, without the classic burrata with rustic bread, tortelli with pecorino cheese and pepper, or meat and rice-filled arancini balls.

The desserts are divine with traditional cannoli served up amongst a platter of other Italian delights, and a choice of delicious sorbet flavours.

We sit at a table on the quaint outdoor terrace, but if you prefer everything can be served to your sunbed if you want to keep it more casual.

This is a well-priced and extremely generous brunch with exemplary service and some beautiful little touches such as cocktails served in branded hip flasks, the reconstituted piano which acts as a bar, and the Mare by Bussola Fiat car for photo opportunities. We will be back.

For more information:

Timing: Every Sunday from 1pm to 4.30pm

Dress code: Coastal Chic

To book: call 04 511 7373

@marebybussola

@westindubai

By Sarah Hewitt