Verso – an Italian restaurant that prides itself on a simple yet relatable phrase – “where food means family”. This concept thrives on the fact that it can appeal to so many audiences. The La Dolce Vita Brunch at Verso is offered every Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM. We could see that several families and groups (both small to medium sized) were enjoying their afternoon at this traditional . For a traditional or casual dining experience, it is a perfect place to share a meal with friends and family. Their cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff are both definitive examples. The restaurant has both an indoor dining area as well as an ‘al fresco’ terrace outside.
The interior décor uses a yellow base tone as the colour but in very creative and warm ways. From the plush cushions to their cups and plates, it makes you feel like you’re in the home of a fellow Italian friend or family member. They have a large bar in the center where several bartenders are creating and mixing delicious concoctions. Beside the bar, there is a showcase of desserts (which are of course, available as part of the brunch) and a table full of Italian antipasti and small bites.
Their brunch concept is split in twofold that encompasses 2 common concepts of UAE brunches. One side of it is their self-serve antipasti table and seafood bar. You take a plate and walk around to see what best fits your palate to start the brunch. The seafood was a big highlight for us – their prawns were large and fresh and goes well with a simple dash of lemon juice. If you’re a salad-type-of-person, their Caesar salads are hand-tossed by the staff in front of you. A selection of the various types of antipasti is listed below.
- Table full of Italian cheeses and breads
- Marinated artichokes, pickled onions, vitello tonnato, wild Rocca, and fior di latte
- Hand-tossed Caesar salad
- Tomato heirloom salad
- Variety of charcuterie meats
The second part of this brunch are the main courses which are served to you at the table by their wonderful staff. All the main courses are shareable, which is great because they have 7 main courses! Make sure to try them all as they are all very delicious. I’ve highlighted my favourites from the list below. However, they do change this up every week depending on their freshest ingredients!
- Oven Roasted Fish with olive oil, lemon, tomatoes, capers, and Niçoise olives
- Slow roast prime rib with Tuscan ratte potatoes and assorted mustards
- Risotto with spring peas, prosecco, and parmesan cheese
- Osso Buco Gremolata (veal rack) with mascarpone polenta (they bring the entire barbeque and carving station to your table so you know it’s hot and fresh from the grill)
- Grilled spring chicken with stewed vegetable caponata
- Pasta of the day (we had the spaghetti bolognaise)
- Oven roasted pizza of the day
After the main courses, you can help yourself to their colourful dessert area. They have ice-cream (served in both bowls and waffle cones!), variety of pastries, and a selection of Italian desserts such as the popular tiramisu, crumbly sbrisolona pie and wine-poached pears.
Soft package – 200 DHS
Pitcher package (alcoholic) – 350 DHS
Prosecco package – 450 DHS
You’ll notice that their alfresco/outdoor dining area is within meters of their beautiful infinity pool and beach. Packaged with the brunch is indeed complimentary use of the pool and beach (yes – free of charge!). We took full advantage of this opportunity to spend the rest of our afternoon for a relaxing swim in the water. They provide towels and lounge chairs (first-come-first-serve basis) for all dining guests at Verso. If you did not finish your drink, you can bring your drink along with you (although ask the staff for assistance as glassware is not permitted by the pool due to safety reasons).
Although their brunch ends at 4 PM, we stayed and watched the sunset as we finished our drinks by the pool. If you are looking for a Saturday brunch that leaves you both full of delicious food and relaxed enough to start the work week again, look no further and go to Verso, where food always means family.
