Friday brunch at Crab Tavern, Media One Hotel, Dubai

Dessert at The Crab Tavern. Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane / The National

The location

Crab Tavern is located in the heart of Dubai’s Media City. The area is well served by the Metro and tram with easy access from Sheikh Zayed Road for those traveling from Abu Dhabi or downtown Dubai. You’ll find the restaurant on level 9 of the Media One Hotel overlooking Al Sufouh Road and Palm Jumeirah.

The atmosphere

Incredibly lively. On the day my dining companion and I visited, the restaurant was packed with tables of 4-8 people in very high spirits. The music was a toe-tapping trip through the 1980s and 90’s which was masterfully spliced together and left us with playlist envy. It was however, almost deafening, to the point where we couldn’t hear our waitress, far less each other.

The food

For a crab restaurant, the star ingredient was somewhat conspicuous by its absence. Our shared starter did contain mini crab cakes and bite-size seafood tacos with a hint of crab but that was pretty much it. The rest consisted of chicken wings an artichoke dip and unpeeled prawns that begged for a finger bowl. For the a la carte main, the options were better with a Goan crab curry, crab pasta and crab fish and chips some of the best in class. For those wanting to upgrade their brunch experience it’s also possible to have a South Carolina or Louisiana ‘Shovel’ – comprising snow crab legs, Cajun crab bisque and crab claws, in addition to sides of veg and bread. Which was what crab-lovers coming to the restaurant would surely hope for. Whether it was justified to charge an extra Dh45-65 per person - with a minimum of two sharing - for the experience left us wondering again about the authenticity of the restaurant’s crustacean theme.

Who is it best for?

Young and fun crowds in search of an upbeat venue and well-priced non premium packages. Take a chum, don’t take your mum.

The verdict

As far as party-brunches go, Crab Tavern fits the bill. Don't get crabby, get cracking. While the food would benefit from liberal seasoning, increased Cajun heat and legions more crab, the brunch is hard to beat on price and atmosphere. A list of early bird, evening and weekday meal deals are constantly updated on the restaurant's Facebook page and this April's promotions are definitely worth perusing.

The National was a guest of the venue.

• Crab Tavern's Friday brunch is from 1-5pm and costs Dh350-395. Evening brunches, including food and house beverages, start from Dh295. For more information go to www.crabtavern.ae or call 04 420 7489.