At Sobremesa, weekends have found a new rhythm. The Mexican–Spanish neighbourhood bar and restaurant has introduced Hacienda Brunch, a Saturday affair that leans into long lunches, shared plates and the kind of easy conviviality that encourages guests to stay a little longer than planned.
Running from 1pm to 4pm, the brunch unfolds at a gentler pace than most in the city. Inspired by both Mexican vibrancy and Spanish ritual, it is less about excess and more about experience. On a recent visit, the space carried a warm, lived-in charm. It felt intimate without being crowded, with music that complemented rather than competed, even if the DJ occasionally strayed. The menu catered thoughtfully to both vegetarians and meat eaters, while the drinks stood out for their originality. A non-alcoholic sangria and a sherry mojito proved particular highlights. Dessert, however, stole the show entirely.
Designed for connection
Andrey Kriuchkov, General Manager at Sobremesa, said the concept was always about shifting expectations. “At Sobremesa, we never wanted brunch to feel like a checklist of unlimited drinks and loud music,” Kriuchkov said. “Hacienda Brunch is designed around the idea of staying a little longer, sharing a little more and allowing the table to evolve naturally over three hours.”
That philosophy is reflected in the structure of the menu, which arrives in waves. Dishes are built for sharing, from tableside guacamole to family-style desserts, encouraging conversation rather than rushing diners through courses. “We want guests to leave feeling like they have spent an afternoon at someone’s home, not simply completed a brunch package,” he added.
The pairing of Mexican and Spanish cuisines follows the same thinking. “Mexico brings vibrancy, bold flavours and a sense of celebration, while Spain brings elegance and a slower pace of dining,” Kriuchkov said. “Hacienda Brunch sits somewhere in between. It feels layered, playful and familiar all at once.”
A different kind of Dubai brunch
In a city known for high-energy, often chaotic brunches, Hacienda positions itself as a more balanced alternative. “Dubai has no shortage of party brunches, but there are fewer concepts that focus on atmosphere, food quality and genuine connection in equal measure,” Kriuchkov said.
The shift, he believes, is already underway. “People still want to celebrate, but there is a growing desire for more meaningful experiences. Guests are becoming more selective about where they spend their weekends. They want atmosphere, but they also want quality food, thoughtful drinks and moments that feel memorable rather than manufactured.”
This balance is carefully managed. The DJ builds energy gradually rather than dominating the room, while moments such as the Ronda de La Casa tequila round are designed to connect guests rather than overwhelm them. “The key is restraint,” he said. “We want moments of celebration, but we do not want the entire experience to feel relentless.”
Food, ritual and a sense of occasion
The menu progression mirrors the mood of the brunch itself, beginning with lighter dishes before moving into richer, more indulgent plates. “We wanted the menu to feel like a journey,” Kriuchkov said. “It starts lightly and builds into something more celebratory.”
Even the smallest details are intentional. The tableside guacamole, exclusive to the brunch, is designed to create interaction from the outset. “It immediately changes the energy of the table because people stop, watch and react,” he said. “It feels less like restaurant service and more like somebody preparing food for you in their kitchen.”
That sense of familiarity extends to dessert, where large, shareable portions evoke a nostalgic, home-style finish. It is a fitting conclusion to an experience built around togetherness.
Looking ahead, the brunch is set to evolve with seasonal dishes, themed editions and cultural celebrations. With Cinco de Mayo on the horizon, Sobremesa is already planning a more festive, Mexican-inspired edition complete with special cocktails and celebratory touches.
If the early response is anything to go by, Hacienda Brunch is tapping into a growing appetite for something more considered. It is not about how much you can fit into three hours, but how much you can enjoy.
