I’d rate Filini Garden as one of the most potent weekend brunches on offer in the UAE’s capital at this moment!

And you can tell it’s great value when large tables for friends and families are prepared for crowds of hungry and merry weekenders to come fill the joint.

At the same time, Filini Garden carries forward an Italian style,

and excellent use of the air-conditioned outdoor terrace – the garden.

You are, after all, guest of the Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island, and overlooking the pool and golf course.

The brunch is a clever combination of buffet and table service, with a great selection of Italian favorites.

And a serve-yourself unlimited G&T station… genius!

Also, Filini’s very well stocked wine cellar is at your disposal,

and mocktails are mixed to your specifications:

In a nutshell, Filini is a happy place, and the food is honest and delicious: besides the buffet, and the platter of appetizers that arrives automatically to your table, you choose from a selection of 3 firsts: lobster ravioli, risotto with spinach, walnuts and Pecorino cheese, or tagliatelle with zucchini and saffron.

They also throw in a lively pizza, to keep you snacking as the mains are prepared!

We went for the seafood mixed grill and a very tasty portion of smoked beef ribs over mashed potatoes – also a chicken dish was available.

The food was delicious, and the dishes just kept coming! Definitely a brunch designed to be the talk of town!

Ingredients were quality and fresh – an excellent burrata, and a superb selection of Italian cheeses, with crisp seasoned salads.

The fun was contagious, and soon a saxophonist took up in the garden area – all in all, the Fresco brunch extension, the ‘After Brunch Party’, with unlimited bevs from 4 to 8 PM for only 100 dirham, quickly became a reality for most of the guests!

Desserts of all shapes and sizes – some very refined and sophisticated, and many of course native to Italy.

Overall, one of Abu Dhabi’s best rockin’ weekend fares, this is a brunch that will take you and your party from midday to sunset.

Excellent value and fun, especially if you come and fill a table with friends – the food is good enough to carry the brunch on its own, but when you add the beverage options, Filini Garden knocks Friday out of the ball park!