We reviewed the Villa Sélène Côte d’Azur brunch at Yas Links and already want another afternoon on that terrace
Few places in Abu Dhabi do scenery quite like Yas Links. Between the rolling greens, sea views and soft afternoon breeze, Villa Sélène already feels like an escape before the first drink even lands on the table. Tucked inside Yas Links Golf Club, the restaurant brings Riviera-style glamour to the capital without becoming overly flashy or formal.
The Côte d’Azur Brunch is the kind of afternoon where nobody checks the time. Unlike the usual brunch setup, this is a full set menu experience where every dish on the menu is served directly to your table throughout the afternoon. Drinks keep flowing, plates arrive steadily and somewhere between the dancing paella procession and dessert, four hours disappear very quickly.
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The vibe
Villa Sélène gets the balance right. It’s stylish, elegant and chic perfectly complementing the golf club. The terrace is easily one of the best seats in Abu Dhabi, especially when the late afternoon light starts hitting the golf course and the sea behind it.
Inside, the energy builds naturally through the afternoon. There is music, cocktails clinking against glasses and staff dancing through the restaurant carrying a giant paella pan. It feels social without becoming chaotic, which is surprisingly rare for a brunch.
The food and drinks
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The Villa Sélène set menu moves through Mediterranean-inspired dishes that suit a long Saturday lunch perfectly. The brunch starts with the scallops crudo. The citrus emulsion keeps it fresh while the chilli oil adds just enough heat. The niçoise salad is generous with seared tuna and punchy olive tapenade, while the artichoke and spinach salad comes loaded with truffle and parmesan.
Then comes the paella. And yes, it deserves its own moment. Staff dance through the restaurant carrying an oversized pan before generous scoops land onto plates still steaming. It is theatrical and exactly the kind of energy brunch should have. The fritto misto disappears embarrassingly quickly, crisp and light without feeling greasy, while the wagyu rib eye arrives perfectly cooked alongside roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables. The seabass is another standout, buttery and soft with charred leeks, fennel and a rich béarnaise sauce. Dessert keeps things indulgent. The Basque cheesecake is creamy with just the right amount of caramelisation, while the lava cake arrives properly molten and unapologetically rich. It’s delicious with dulce de leche ice cream melting straight into the centre.
The service
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The staff keep things moving smoothly without rushing the table. Drinks are topped up quickly, dishes arrive at a steady pace and the atmosphere stays warm throughout the afternoon.
What’s on the bill
Packages start from Dhs 240 for soft drinks, Dhs295 for rosé, Dhs360 for house beverages and Dhs460 for bubbles and cocktails.
What’s On verdict
Villa Sélène is undeniably one of Abu Dhabi’s prettiest brunch spots. The setting does half the work, but the food more than keeps up. Add dancing paella, Riviera-inspired dishes and one of the best terrace views in the city, and this is the kind of brunch you book once before immediately planning your return.
The details
Location: Villa Sélène, Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
Time: Every Saturday, 12.30pm to 4pm
Cost: Soft Package Dhs240, Rosé Dhs295, House Package Dhs360, Bubbles & Cocktails Dhs460
Contact: @villaselene.yaslinks
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