The best cocktail bars in Dubai

From discreet drinking dens to the top spots for master mixology…

The bar scene in Dubai is one that keeps getting better. From after-work tipples and leisurely afternoon catch-ups on the weekend, to pre-dinner drinks and haute hangouts for late-night revellery, the best bars in Dubai are designed to suit all occasions.

But when only the coolest concoctions will do, these are the best cocktail bars in Dubai to check out.

7 Tales

Wander up the stairs that circle around the bar at City Social, and to your left, you’ll find a door. Through that door – 7 Tales awaits. Another Japanese-inspired venue, the walls are coated with depictions of geishas and other traditional art. The menu is unique featuring signature cocktails such as the Crimson Deamon, a gin-based drink.

7 Tales, inside City Social, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, open Mon to Sat 7pm to 3am. Tel: (0)4 402 2222 7talesdubai.com

Agora

As far as cocktails bars are considered, Agora is an outpost in Dubai that really takes the cake. With dimly lit lighting, incredible cocktails to boot and deep green and gold tones throughout the bar – What more could you want? Well, the cocktail menu is meticulously crafted and their gin collection is sure to make any lover of a gin and tonic smile.

Agora, The Edition Hotel, Downtown Dubai, open Mon to Thu 6pm to 1am, Fri to Sun 3pm to 3am. @agora_dxb

Amazonico

In DIFC’s burgeoning fine dining scene, Amazonico’s maximalist, jungle-esque interiors make it unique. But it’s the impressive beverage list that makes this DIFC hotspot truly standout. Spread over a sprawling three-floor building, the best spots to perch up for a tipple are at the rooftop (weather permitting) and the ground floor. The latter is home to a lengthy bar in emerald green, lit by warm gold lights and lined with bar stools that separate the bar from the lounge. The mixed drinks menu has the same Latin American influence as the a la carte offering, with drinks served up in monkey heads and tiki tumblers.

Amelia

It was hard to imagine how this cocktail bar from Lebanon would recreate the same vibe in Dubai that wows guests at the Beirut original, located within a historic 500-year old building. But gothic grandeur oozes from every corner of Amelia Dubai, located within the grounds of Address Sky View. The cleverly arranged space comes complete with an organ DJ booth, spiral staircase that leads to a separate dining room, and a magnificent clock that backs the bar. It’s here that the magic really happens, with inventive cocktails finished with delicate ice cups piled with fruit, edible flowers and even sides of caviar.

Blind Tiger

Adding to an already impressive repertoire of culinary hotspots at Jumeirah Al Naseem is Blind Tiger, a beautiful cocktail bar with an Art Deco feel. Located in the main hotel building, this intimate, dimly lit drinking den is a lesson in eye-catching detail, complete with plush printed cushions, decadent paintings and a sparkling mirrored ceiling. There’s even a cool terrace for enjoying a drink alfresco while overlooking the Turtle Lagoon. On the mixology menu, expect a fantastic selection of creative cocktails such as the BT Boulevard, which features shitake mushroom and chocolate vermouth.

Blind Tiger, Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai, 5pm to 2am daily. Tel: (800) 323 232. @blindtigerdxb

Electric Pawn Shop

Under the neon red lights of Electric Pawn Shop, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bar in the H Hotel, guests are invited to enjoy an array of unique concoctions and cool tunes. This cool underground spot is the brainchild of a duo of music maestro’s, who’ve themed their underground bar on New York’s Chinatown in the 1970s. Electric Pawn Shop’s main beat might be its music – a regular rotation of local and international DJs spin here – but its drinks aren’t to be missed. Try the bestselling Night Rider Negroni, a fusion of herbal gin, campari, mancino bianco and amaro lucano.

Electric Pawn Shop, Ground Floor, The H Hotel, One Sheikh Zayed Road, 6pm to 3am daily. Tel: (0)50 586 5510.  @electricpawnshop

Farrago Bar and Lounge

Tucked away on the ground floor of the W Dubai, Mina Seyahi is the hodgepodge bar and lounge, Farrago. The arabesque vibes at this cocktail bar make it a place unlike any other. Marrying contemporary and rich heritage, the bar has it’s own storytelling mixologist.

Farrago Bar & Lounge, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Dubai. open daily 9pm to 2am. Tel:(0)4 350 9998. @farragodubai

Galaxy Bar

Galaxy Bar, an offshoot of the upscale Avli by tashas in DIFC, carved the way for a slew of secret-bars-within-restaurants to open in Dubai. But as the original, Galaxy Bar remains a cut above the competition. Under a constellation of stars, this sapphire-adorned bar is a beautifully intimate cocktail bar that’s drawn international attention.  Since its opening in 2019, this ultra-luxurious cocktail lounge has established itself as a reputable and innovative addition to the industry. The bar is distinctive with an ambience that is amplified by the celestially lit ceiling, soft velvet seating, and an incredible marble bar.

Galaxy Bar, Gate Village, DIFC, 8pm to 3am Sun, Tues, Wed, 9pm to 4am Thurs to Sat. Tel: (0)50 513 5908. galaxy-bar.com, @galaxybardxb

Gilt

When it comes to the best cocktail bars in Dubai, few are as grand as Gilt. You’ll have to pre-book if you want to snag a reservation at this lavish bar in the Burj Al Arab, but you’ll be rewarded with maximalist interiors, slick service, and a mixology menu befitting of the iconic setting. The best seats in the house for watching the masters at work are at the bar, although the coveted window seats prove popular for those looking to enjoy drinks with a view. The bar team, lead by Thibault Méquignon, whip up creations such as the jar-aged cherry blossom negroni, and an Oolong old fashioned. They also regularly host bar takeovers from some of the world’s best mixologists.

Hush Hush

Tucked away behind a curtain inside The Nice Guy, which already elusive enough is the brand new concept – Hush Hush. This speakeasy is ideal for a late night cap or the first destination in your DIFC crawl, open from 11pm, let’s keep this our little secret.

Hush Hush, inside The Nice Guy, Emirates Towers, DIFC open Thus to Sun from 11pm. @thehushhushroom 

Honeycomb Hi-Fi

Honeycomb Hi-Fi is an intimate speakeasy-style venue tucked away from the madness of Business Bay. To access it, you’ll need to slip behind the wall of a cosy vinyl record shop inside the Pullman Hotel. Once inside, a bespoke sound system immediately commands the ears, whilst the warm lighting brings a honey hue to the perforated wooden wall panels. Guests can expect anything on the turntables, from electronic to jazz. On the drinks front, aside from the range of wines, sake and Japanese craft beer, its artisanal cocktail menu is too appealing to ignore. The Manga Rita with tequila, umeshu, pineapple vinegar and chili rim is a standout.

The Maine Land Brasserie

The Maine’s trio of Dubai restaurants all offer something different: JBR is a stunning spot for seafood, Studio City has a relaxed and family-friendly feel, and Downtown is a more elegant, grown-up offering. It’s at the latter, The Maine Land Brasserie in ME Dubai, that as well as a menu of elevated brasserie classics, guests can enjoy one of the best drinks menus you’ll find in a restaurant of this stature. The bar itself is an impressive fixture – a marble-topped piece that runs down one side of the restaurant that’s lit by twinkling chandeliers. The menu befits the grandeur of the space, with a selection of aperitif’s swiftly followed by The Maine’s signature cocktails, then an extensive list of wines and spirits.

The Maine Land Brasserie, Ground Floor, ME Dubai, Downtown, 12pm to 1am Sun to Tues, 12pm to 2am Weds to Sat. Tel: (0)4 577 6680. themaine.ae

Moonshine

Hidden behind the turquoise fridge somewhere in DIFC, Moonshine is an ode to the prohibition era, where drinking was a secret. Small but far from unassuming this intimate speakeasy. This bold venue packs a punch in the eat and drinks department. If you can find it, we’ll find you there.

Moonshine, Behind the Green Fridge Door, Wise Guys, Gate District The Marble Walk, DIFC, open Sun, Tue and Wed 6pm to 12am and Thu to Sat 6pm to 3am. Tel: (0)52 450 7795 @moonshinedubai

Mimi Kakushi

You’ve likely already tried Mimi Kakushi’s experimental Japanese cuisine, but that’s not the only reason to check out this stylish spot at Four Seasons Restaurant Village. An ode to 1920s Osaka, the dazzling interiors are befitting of the beautifully presented dishes, but it would be a mistake to book without paying a visit to the bar. Before you reach the restaurant, a lounge, bar and sushi counter are a more relaxed spot to prop up and make your way through the extensive menu of beverages, all masterminded by Manja Stankovic, Mimi Kakushi’s Bar Manager. Be sure to try the Sayonara, Mimi Kakushi’s twist on the classic Negroni.

Monkey Bar

25hours Hotels are known for blending their European-cool DNA with the locale of their destination, and that’s exactly what you get at their Middle Eastern debut in Dubai. That’s ever-present in their rooftop watering hole, Monkey Bar. In the cooler months, it’s all about the expansive alfresco terrace, where gold cages are set amongst leafy botanicals and cosy booths and bar tables dot the wooden expanse. But in the summer months, there’s a fun vibe to enjoy indoors amongst colourful interiors, where you can sip on tiki-inspired mixed drinks like a Pandan Colada – their twist on the Pina Colada made with pineapple rum.

Paradiso

The Barcelona-born and now home in Dubai cocktail bar Paradiso has opened its doors at the brand new FIVE Luxe hotel. Expect fun an wil interiors paird with exquisitely crafted cocktails at the brand new outpost.

Paradiso, FIVE Luxe, JBR, Mon to Fri 7pm to 2am, Sat and Sun 7pm to 3am. @paradisodubai

Stella

She’s fun, she’s bold and she’s hidden in the walls of the Address Dubai Mall. Meet Stella, a recent addition to the nightlife scene that is doing things a little bit differently. The concept? Go, mingle, make new friends and just have a good night out.

Stella, Address Foutain Views, Downtown Dubai, open Mon to Sun 8pm to 1am. Tel: (0)54 505 0107 @stella__dxb

Salmon Guru

The seasoned bar wizards at Salmon Guru in Madrid – led by bar legend Diego Cabrera – oopened this Dubai ode to creative cocktails in June 2022. It’s a very intimate space that’s big on crazy. There are neon lightning bolts lining the ceiling and comic book ‘BAM’ signs fastened to the walls. It’s a heady mix of colour and lights, but don’t let the fun, in-your-face style of the bar fool you – the drinks and food here are world-class. Embrace the fantastic vibes by sidling up – or even behind – the bar and peruse the playful cocktail list. Better yet, take a recommendation from any of the expert – and effortlessly cool – bartenders who’ll create something so unique and serve it in one of Salmon Guru’s customised cocktail vessels, the likes of which you’ll have never seen before.

Salmon Guru Dubai, The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, 12.30pm to 2am Mon to Fri, 5pm to 2am Sat and Sun. Tel: (0)52 814 9537. @salmongurudubai

Zuma

It’s hard to imagine a DIFC without Zuma. This legendary Japanese restaurant and lounge has welcomed guests to enjoy exquisite dishes, master mixology and incredible vibes for more than a decade, and it’s consistently regarded as one of the best restaurants in Dubai. But the lounge is a destination in itself too, and no matter what day of the week you visit, you’ll find a steady crowd gathered around the wooden cube bar at Zuma. From the bar, low-lying seating moves you through into the lounge, where a DJ dictates the tempo until the early hours.

Zuma, Podium Level, Gate Village 06, DIFC, 12pm to 3.30pm Mon to Fri lunch, 1.30pm to 4pm Sat lunch, 12pm to 4pm Sun lunch, 7pm to 12am Sun to Weds dinner, 7pm to 1am Thurs to Sat dinner, lounge 12pm to 2am daily. Tel: (0)4 425 5660. zumarestaurant.com

Images: Facebook/ Supplied