Social isolation was the order of the day through most of 2020, and with it came the end of our favourite weekend tradition: brunch. But things are looking up!

The Friday brunch at Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain is back, taking place again at Brasserie Royale. Now, unless you were living under a rock pre-pandemic, you know this is a spot that frequent brunchers swear by – and not just for all those palate pleasers. Dining companions in tow, I arrive famished, yet still take a moment to take in the luxe interiors that greet me upon arrival. Glossy marble flooring, glittering chandeliers, a fountain accented with rose petals and reminiscent of an Andalusian palace – it never ceases to amaze.

Our destination, Brasserie Royale, is an all-day dining restaurant located on the ground floor right by the reception. That’s convenient. Here, the dominance of white marble contrasted by Arabesque décor elements results in a setting that is minimalist yet majestic. Beautiful arches stand tall, serving as partition replacements between the different areas of Brasserie Royale’s vast dining space. The crisp white tablecloths, meanwhile, bring out the cheeriness of the yellow leather chairs – I’m in love with that shade of canary yellow. As we walk towards our table, a plate piled high with seafood darts past, whetting our appetites instantly.

We’re welcomed by both Executive Chef Claudio Dieli and our waiter, the friendliness of the staff palpable in the air. And in line with adapting to the new normal, we’re told that unlike the brunches of our past, the buffet will come to us in order to minimise the movement of diners and avoid those all-too-familiar crowds around live cooking stations. Genius. It’s not long before the carb loading begins as a bread basket packed with freshly baked loaves and rolls arrives, reminding us that calories don’t count on the weekend.

As we slowly start to butter one, we soak up the atmosphere, marvelling mid-sway at the Cuban performer who can best be described as a one-woman band. Senses heightened, we’re ready to kick off this culinary journey with appetisers from far and wide. Greek salad, a platter of sushi, a selection of hot and cold mezze, and the star of this round: clams, mussels, jumbo shrimps, crab, and lobster on a bed of ice. We’re excitedly attempting to navigate this spread when a chef passes by with slices of authentic Italian pizza straight out of the oven. Yes, please! Once we’ve taken a breather and braced ourselves for the mains, we find ourselves at the crossroads of India and Italy – only the countries responsible for the two most popular cuisines on the planet.

On the agenda? Pasta and mushroom risotto alongside chicken tikka masala, dal, and white rice followed by a whole host of skewered meats – think: chicken, lamb chops, fish, kebab, and kofta – coming straight off the charcoal grill that is stationed on the terrace outside. And, of course, all you have to do is ask for seconds (or thirds) when something is particularly appealing. We choose to wash it all down with a refreshing passion fruit mojito and vow to try and recreate it at home. It’s that good. But if its slightly tart flavour is not your thing, there’s a rainbow of soft drinks, fresh juices, and cocktails to choose from. Our culinary extravaganza is nearing its end, but not quite.

We give our waiter the green light for dessert, and we perk right up. Served in a manner similar to a traditional afternoon tea, the sweet finish comprises a selection of Arabic sweets (yes, baklava and bird’s nest kunafa included) on a wooden plate topped with a glass dome. This is one classy affair – and a far cry from the days of long, achingly slow buffet lines. Another selection soon shows up, this time a range of miniature tarts, cakes, and macarons on a two-tiered stand with a wonderfully whimsical touch. So here we are: out of the house, out on the town, satiated, and wrapping up Friday brunch on an unexpectedly Instagrammable note. What’s not to like? ✤

GO: CALL 7770 7070 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.