P J O'Reilly's Irish Pub

I ventured forth to PJ O'Reilley's at Le Royal Meridian, expecting a run-of-the-mill picnic brunch. But lo and behold, Bastille Day had clearly decided to gatecrash the party, turning what could have been a pleasant Saturday into a full-blown culinary revolution. Tucked away in their rather ingeniously "outdoor" cooled tent, perfectly positioned to survey the shimmering pool like a benevolent food dictator, the vibe was less Irish pub, more fancy garden party, complete with a band so good they made AC/DC sound like a symphony, proving that sometimes, even rock gods need a touch of Abu Dhabi refinement. Seriously, this brunch is a must, and I rarely say that without a significant bribe or an exceptional macaron. And speaking of exceptional, the food, oh the glorious food! Forget your preconceived notions of pub grub; this was French cuisine doing the can-can on your taste buds. The oysters were so fresh, they practically whispered secrets of the sea, especially with that house cocktail sauce. Then there was the freshly churned garlic butter – a mountain of creamy gold that deserves its own national holiday. But the real showstoppers? A raclette station, a brave and brilliant move for any UAE brunch, the silken chicken terrine, a beef tartare station where dreams were made to order, and a T-bone steak so perfectly cooked, it brought a tear to my eye (and that’s saying something, I’m usually quite composed). The sweet finale of profiteroles, macarons, and mango eclairs? Pure, unadulterated bliss. Highly recommend this culinary romp for your brunch needs.