10 of our favourite bars in Dubai

Emirates Woman

03-04-2025

Life
by Alice Holtham-Pargin
3 hours ago
For master mixology in stunning settings…
Dubai's bar scene is vast and varied, from opulent addresses in some of the city's most iconic hotels, to sultry drinking dens that pair creative mixology with curated soundtracks. So when you're in the mood to sample Dubai's best bars, these are the 10 Emirates Woman approved spots to go to. 1920
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A sophisticated homage to the ritzy glamour of the roaring twenties, aptly named 1920 is perched at the top of ICD Brookfield Place. Pairing jewel-hued interiors with stretching views of the city, it's a lofty perch with a regular roster of live music from 7pm. The cocktail menu features signature Champagne-based sips like the Gatsby and Madame.
@1920dubai Honeycomb Hi-Fi
This sleek Izakaya-style listening bar is one of a new wave of independent bars in Dubai with a loyal fan base of those in the know. Part vinyl store, part cocktail bar, its chequered floor, warm lighting and DJ booth nestled within the bar make it the kind of place that quickly packs out several rows deep with those here for music, drinks and good times.
@honeycombhifi Zuma
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Few spots have the all 0ccasions appeal of Zuma, DIFC's stalwart Japanese restaurant in DIFC. Go for a mid-week business lunch, date night dinner, or weekend brunch and this perenially popular spot's restaurant will undoubtedly be packed. But for some of the city's best cocktails – head to the bar. There's a more chilled ambience in the lounge, or perch up on a stool near the DJ booth for high-octane DJ sets and fabulous drinks.
@zumadubai High Society
For drinks with a view, it doesn't get much better than High Society. Perched on the rooftop of The Lana, Dorchester Collection, this is a breezy, contemporary city bar that overlooks the dazzling Downtown skyline. By day, it serves as the hotel's chic poolside spot, but from sunset, it's a gorgeous date night destination where tables gaze out over the infinity edge and to the skyscrapers beyond.
@highsocietyatthelana Blind Tiger
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Nestled in the Turtle Lagoon at one of Dubai's best-known culinary hotels, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Blind Tiger is a bar of understated opulence. There's a sliver of terrace for those wanting to drink alfresco, but the Art Deco interiors will draw you indoors. With its mirrored ceiling, clashing prints and gold accents, it's a vibrant spot serving up excellent cocktails and bites.
@blindtigerdxb Bulgari Bar
An icon of fashion and luxury hospitality, the Bulgari Bar is a well known secret among the city's style set. Tucked inside Michelin Starred Niko Romito, it's a grand chrome structure where knowledgeable bartenders shake up an array of unique concoctions. The best seats in the house are found, weather permitting, on the terrace, where you can gaze out over the calm waters of the Marina while basking in the sophisticated setting.
@bvlgarinikoromitodubai Mercury Dubai
An opulent alfresco bar at Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah, Mercury Dubai is both style and substance. With its ornate gold bar and skyline views, it's a sensational backdrop with a celestial feel. Sip on refreshing elixirs like Luna Glow, their twist on a Pina Colada, while grazing on sharing plates that perfectly compliment the drinks menu.
@mercurydubai Galaxy Bar
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Under a twinkling canopy of starry lights, the sapphire-hued Galaxy Bar is hidden behind an unassuming wooden door in DIFC's Gate Village. Guests can perch up at one of the low-lying lounge tables (although there aren't many at this exclusive spot) and sip their way through reimagined classic cocktails curated along the theme of the galaxies.
@galaxybardxb Mimi Kakushi
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Sitting proudly among the World's 50 Best Bars is Mimi Kakushi, a tribute to 1920s Osaka in the form of an elevated restaurant in Four Seasons Jumeirah's restaurant village. And while dinner at this verdant and cosy date night spot shouldn't be overlooked, it's the bar that really brings the wow factor. It regularly hosts star bartenders from around the globe for guest shifts, but the in-house team also shake up some of the city's best drinks, including one of the world's coldest martinis
@mimikakushi Alma Bar
With a vintage, sultry feel, Alma is a rich and retro bar in Dubai that deserves to be added to your DIFC restaurant-hopping route. Adorned in varying shades of crimson, the warmly lit bar sits at the centre, with low-lying sofas and bar tables dotted around the room. A regular rotation of DJs and performers adds a musical touch.
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