Breakfast at noon

It's been a while since we reviewed a breakfast. Perhaps because they're usually simpler affairs, seeing as they don't come out in three courses: you tend to have the one main with a drink (usually a fresh juice or tea/coffee). Maybe if you sit there a while to let your tummy make room, you could even throw in a dessert. But let's be honest: we'd just be brunching then.
Well, Jones the Grocer is hardly a new kid on the block. It was the first time they were opening up in a mall though - the biggest in the world, no less. We'd visited their Sheikh Zayed branch many moons ago, so it tickled our curiosity to see what a Dubai Mall setting could do for the award-winning Australian café.
With a balcony that can seat up to 100 diners, multiple lovely seating options indoors, a play area for the kiddos, a walk-in cheese room and a fun coffee caravan serving smoothies and lattes, it's certainly a pleasurable place to spend one's morning at. The eye-catcher, however, was the meat ager. The first at a Middle East location, it's where prime butcher's cuts are dry aged till succulent. Carnivores, you now know where to go.
We were there for our first meal of the day, however (see details below), and chose to sit outside as the weather was still pleasant. Though we didn't have space for dessert, we couldn't have left more satisfied. (Note: the restaurant serves breakfast from 12-4pm during Ramadan.)
Taste: My partner opted for a traditional English breakfast with eggs on sourdough, beef sausages, beef bacon, homemade hash browns - and couldn't complain. I absolutely loved my chickpea shakshuka and grilled halloumi on multigrain bread. What a fab twist to a Middle Eastern classic!
Ambience: The view. If you can, do choose outdoor seating, as it overlooks the lovely Dubai Fountain. We were treated to a perfectly blissful morning with blue skies and waters. The best part was when tiny sparrows flitted about from chair to chair, sitting close enough for us to snap photos!
Service: The staff were quite cheery and pleasant, giving us time to soak up the lazy morning before asking us for our orders. We appreciated that. They were also on hand with recommendations, when we couldn't make up our minds. Check and check.
Presentation: The dishes were presented in round plates typical of gourmet cafés. The food was styled neatly, albeit not exactly anything to write home about. The greater focus seems to be on the quality of food - and that's not a bad place to be.
Value for money: Both our breakfast choices cost about Dh65. The meals are super substantial, in that you won't be inclined to eat anything for the next several hours. Personally, our breakfasts powered us right till dinner, so that's definite value for money there.
At a glance
Jones The Grocer, Dubai Mall
Reservations: 04-3253020
Avg cost for 2: Dh190
karen@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining