Looking for an Abu Dhabi weekend brunch that captures the heart of Turkish hospitality? Hatay Restaurant brings a Turkish-style brunch to the capital, pairing authentic Anatolian flavors with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Located on the Ground Floor of United Square Building in Al Khalidiya (next to Shining Towers), Hatay Restaurant is known as a premier Turkish restaurant in Abu Dhabi, where recipes passed down through generations meet the ease and comfort of modern dining. From charcoal-grilled specialties to generous Turkish breakfast spreads, this guide will help you plan the perfect weekend feast—Turkish style.
Key Takeaways:
- Enjoy a true taste of Anatolia with family-style sharing platters, meze, and charcoal-grilled kebabs.
- Brunch highlights include Turkish breakfast classics like menemen, simit, cheeses, olives, and freshly baked bread.
- Convenient Al Khalidiya location (United Square Building, next to Shining Towers), on-site parking, wheelchair access, dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and full-service catering.
Why Choose a Turkish-Style Weekend Brunch at Hatay Restaurant?
Weekend brunch should be unhurried, generous, and full of character—exactly what you’ll find at Hatay Restaurant. As a leading Turkish restaurant Abu Dhabi residents trust for authenticity, Hatay blends time-honored Anatolian cooking with friendly, attentive service. The result is a brunch experience that goes beyond food, immersing you in culture, conversation, and shared plates.
To preview signature dishes and seasonal specialties, explore Hatay’s dedicated pages for brunch in Abu Dhabi and Turkish breakfast in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family get-together or meeting friends, you’ll find options tailored to different appetites and occasions.
Authentic Anatolian Flavors to Anchor Your Brunch
Traditional Turkish Breakfast Spreads
Turkish breakfast is all about abundance and variety. Expect a vibrant table with bowls of olives, an assortment of regional cheeses, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, free-range eggs, and fresh Turkish bread such as pide or lavash, served warm. Classics like menemen (soft-scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers) and simit (sesame-crusted bread rings) bring comforting flavors and textures, while honey, house-made jams, and thick, creamy yogurt add sweetness and balance. It’s the kind of spread that invites lingering: a sip of Turkish tea, another slice of cheese, one more piece of bread to scoop up the last of the menemen—it all adds up to a morning well spent.
Meze and Hot Starters
Start your brunch with a selection from the cold and hot appetizer categories. Meze favorites often include silky hummus, smoky eggplant dips, and yogurt-based spreads brightened with herbs and olive oil. Warm starters might feature savory pastries and seasonal specials prepared in the Turkish style. These small plates are designed for sharing and set the tone for the family-style experience Hatay is known for.
Charcoal-Grilled Kebabs & Mains
Charcoal grilling is central to authentic Turkish cuisine UAE diners love, and Hatay’s grill section delivers big on flavor. Look for skewers marinated with traditional spices, then cooked over charcoal to achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and smokiness. Spiced minced kebabs sit alongside milder, aromatic options so everyone at the table finds something they love. Rounded out with salads, rice, and breads, these mains ensure your weekend brunch feels both celebratory and satisfying.
What Makes the Experience “Turkish Style”?
Family-Style Sharing
Brunch at Hatay Restaurant emphasizes community. Large platters encourage guests to try a bit of everything—meze, salads, grilled specialties, and pastries—so the table becomes the centerpiece for conversation. This style reflects the best Turkish food Abu Dhabi diners associate with hospitality: generous, welcoming, and meant to be enjoyed together.
Warm Hospitality
From the first greeting to the final pour of tea, Hatay’s team takes pride in attentive, personalized service. Servers can suggest combinations for balanced sharing, offer guidance on spice levels, and recommend a sequence that moves from lighter meze to heartier grilled dishes, finishing with dessert and hot drinks. It’s all about making your weekend brunch smooth, flavorful, and memorable.
Ambience with Anatolian Touches
The dining room blends soft lighting with traditional Anatolian décor, creating a cozy-elegant setting that suits both couples and families. With flexible seating arrangements and occasional live Turkish music evenings, Hatay offers a cultural experience that complements the food. To preview the vibe before you visit, browse the restaurant’s photo gallery.
Plan Your Abu Dhabi Weekend Brunch
Location & Accessibility
Hatay Restaurant is located at the Ground Floor, United Square Building, Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi—next to Shining Towers. The venue is wheelchair accessible with thoughtful spacing and features on-site parking. Its central neighborhood setting makes it convenient for residents and visitors planning a relaxed weekend brunch.
Hours & Reservations
Hatay is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making weekend brunch timing easy to plan around your schedule. For the best experience—especially for larger groups—reserve ahead by phone or online. If you’re coordinating a business catch-up that overlaps brunch, consider Hatay’s business lunch options during weekdays, or arrive a touch earlier on weekends to secure a preferred seating area.
Dine-In, Takeaway, or Delivery
Prefer brunch at home? In addition to the dine-in experience, Hatay offers takeaway and delivery through partner platforms, so you can savor Turkish meze, grilled specialties, and breakfast classics wherever you are in Abu Dhabi. Packaging is designed to keep hot dishes warm and salads crisp so the flavors arrive the way the kitchen intended.
Recommended Brunch Flow (Turkish Style)
1) Begin Light with Meze & Salads
Order a selection of cold meze and a fresh salad to open the palate. Look for creamy yogurt-based dips, roasted vegetable spreads, and bright, herb-forward dishes that pair well with warm bread.
2) Move to Eggs & Pastries
Once the table is warmed up, bring in hot breakfast items. Menemen is a crowd-pleaser; complement it with pastries like börek from the pastry category, filled with cheese or vegetables. This stage bridges breakfast tradition and savory depth.
3) Share from the Grill
Next, introduce the charcoal-grilled kebabs. Mix a mildly spiced minced kebab with a more robust option, and add a chicken or lamb skewer for variety. Balanced with rice and salad, this course transforms brunch into a feast.
4) End on a Sweet Note
Round out the experience with classic Turkish desserts from the sweets category and, of course, Turkish tea. The gentle tannins of black tea pair beautifully with honeyed, nutty desserts and offer a calming finish.
Catering & Private Events: Bring Brunch to You
If you’re hosting a celebration and want the same authentic flavors at your venue, Hatay Restaurant provides full-service catering. From birthdays and family gatherings to corporate functions and weddings, the team can tailor menus to your guest count and preferences, including meze spreads, grill selections, salads, and desserts. Décor arrangements and AV support are available on request, making Hatay a one-stop choice for an event with Turkish flair. To discuss details, reach out ahead of your date so the team can craft the ideal menu and flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a Turkish-style weekend brunch at Hatay?
Family-style sharing, variety, and charcoal-grilled depth. Expect generous spreads of meze and breakfast classics, followed by grilled mains, desserts, and Turkish tea—delivered with warm hospitality.
Are there options for different dietary preferences?
Yes. With a wide range of meze, salads, grilled items, and pastries, guests can select dishes to suit different tastes. Ask the team for guidance on spice levels and suitable combinations for your table.
Is Hatay suitable for families?
Absolutely. The atmosphere is family friendly, with flexible seating and a menu designed for sharing. Children often enjoy the breads, grilled items, and milder meze flavors.
Can I enjoy Hatay’s brunch flavors at home?
Yes—choose takeaway or delivery via partner platforms. Popular picks include meze assortments, grilled skewers, and breakfast items packaged to travel well.
Does Hatay offer lunch and dinner as well?
Hatay is open daily for all meals. If your plans shift later in the day, explore the dinner menu in Abu Dhabi for charcoal-grilled kebabs, mains, and desserts with the same authentic touch.
Your Next Step
Make your Abu Dhabi weekend brunch unforgettable with a Turkish-style experience at Hatay Restaurant. Book your table, invite friends or family, and savor a spread that showcases authentic Anatolian heritage—right in the heart of Al Khalidiya. To learn more about the story behind the brand and culinary philosophy, visit About Hatay Restaurant. For ongoing tips, features, and culinary inspiration, check out the latest posts on the Hatay blog. We look forward to welcoming you this weekend.
Quick links for planning: Explore Turkish-style brunch in Abu Dhabi and browse the breakfast menu highlights to build your perfect sharing spread.
