Enjoying a lively Friday afternoon about town, Apple Sharma headed over to InterContinental Bahrain’s Legendz Steakhouse to experience one of the longest, most leisurely brunches on the island.

When we think of brunches, it’s usually a rushed frenzy where diners race against the clock to cram in as much as possible in the short time. But at Legendz Steakhouse, that’s not the case – it’s one of the longest brunches on the island. The ‘Brunch for Food Lovers’ stretches over five hours, from 11am to 4pm, offering a more leisurely pace to savour each moment.

Upon arrival, my dining companion and I headed up to the mezzanine floor where Legendz sits, excited to experience an early brunch for a change. We were warmly greeted by the restaurant staff, all of whom looked after us brilliantly and always served with a smile.

The restaurant’s low ceiling, elegant décor and cosy ambience immediately set the tone for a relaxed afternoon, with no pressure to dive into the offerings. Instead, we took our time, sipping on refreshing bubbly and soaking in the atmosphere. What I loved most about the brunch was that although the selection was vast, it never felt overwhelming thanks to the many small, continuously replenished stations.

We began our feast at the breakfast station. As much as brunch is often about hearty, mid-day meals, there’s something comforting about starting with breakfast classics. Taking in the spread, I was thoroughly impressed with the selection. From eggs-to-order to sausages, beans and grilled tomatoes, the choices did not disappoint. An enticing cheese selection lined the counter, which also boasted pancakes, waffles, croissants, cereals and even a donut stand!

My companion, a lover of all things breakfast, was particularly taken with the Eggs Benedict, their yolks gloriously runny and accompanied with creamy, lemony hollandaise sauce. I was quite happy with my bowl of cereal, a delicious fruit and nut muesli pot and golden, crisp hash browns (my favourite!). We were served a basket of assorted croissants and muffins and as we finished, a lovely stack of pancakes arrived – soft, fluffy and drizzled in maple syrup – they were devoured in no time.

With breakfast complete, our next stop was the salad station and Legendz presented an array that was hard to resist. From fresh pasta, seafood and chicken salads to a vibrant Caprese with tomato and mozzarella, each dish was bursting with freshness and flavour. My companion enjoyed the Japanese potato and Thai beef salads, while I particularly enjoyed the spiced pumpkin confit with feta cheese. But it was the charcuterie and terrine bar that really stood out for me. French classics like Foie Gras flavoured with French grape, Old-Fashioned Poultry and Seafood Terrine, served with compote and brioche, brought a touch of refinement to the brunch.

Moving on, my wandering eye settled on the colourful sushi and ceviche stations. I opted for veggie sushi, dipping each perfectly rolled morsel into soy and wasabi, topped with red ginger for a burst of fresh flavours. My companion felt more adventurous and went for the salmon ceviche (other choices included tuna, shrimp and red snapper). The preparation was a delightfully theatrical affair – the chef expertly mixed chopped salmon and cubed veggies with tomato, lemon and fish sauce in a cocktail shaker, before serving it in a martini glass. It looked vibrant and tasted deliciously fresh, with just the right amount of acidity.

One of the more fun and interactive stations was the nacho bar, where we could build our own nachos from a selection of toppings. Choices ranged from Cajun chicken and pulled beef to teriyaki salmon and chili con carne, with veggie options like grilled vegetables, refried beans and zesty tomato and roasted pineapple salsas. For something a little more substantial, the live pasta station nearby offered a variety of pasta with sauces to match. I opted for tagliatelle in a creamy white sauce with mixed vegetables – a simple, yet rich and satisfying dish.

Overlooking the glass-enclosed kitchen, there was also a diverse range of international dishes, from creamy mushroom soup and lasagna Bolognese cake to herb-crusted hammour, chicken roulade and Indian butter chicken. The Thai chicken curry stood out, which the chef kindly prepared as a vegetarian version for me. We sampled a bit of everything, but the lasagna and the curries were our top picks.

Another highlight was a station offering fresh fish, seafood and marinated meats, ready to be grilled to perfection. Guests could choose from shish taouk, beef kofta and shish kebab or select from ribeye steaks and South African tenderloin, cooked to their liking. While we were tempted by everything, we chose to save room for the true star of the afternoon – the smoked beef brisket. Served with dramatic flair, the brisket arrived under a cloche that, when lifted, released a cloud of aromatic smoke, revealing the beautifully cooked meat. The brisket, slow-cooked for 16 hours and served with a rich, sweet barbecue sauce and dressed with cherry tomato and rosemary, was melt-in-your-mouth tender and bursting with flavour.

Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, the dessert station beckoned with its enticing display of sweet treats. The mango coconut cake was a light, tropical bite, while the chocolate Rocher cake, my personal favourite, offered a rich finish to an indulgent afternoon.

With an upbeat yet relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by the DJ’s lively music, this brunch provides a perfect setting for relaxed conversations, excellent food and friendly service. For a truly leisurely brunch experience – Legendz Steakhouse is a must-try! ✤

GO: CALL 3696 7701 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.