From Irish haunts to fancy DIFC hangouts, these are the best bars in Dubai according to cocktail bartenders…

Deciding which waterhole to visit in Dubai can be daunting, and to say that the city’s list of bars worth seeking out is extensive, is to put it mildly. All across town, Dubai has some of the most inventive, cutting-edge bars in the country, and the list expands each year. To help determine the most essential bars to visit, we consulted the experts. Here, five bartenders and taste-makers weigh in on their favourite spots when they’re not on the other side of the counter.

Zuka Khuntsaria, Head Bartender at Mayabay

“There are plenty of great bars in Dubai, but my ultimate favourite has to be Fibber Magee’s. It’s affordable and unpretentious, with brilliant live music and genuinely good food. It probably pours the best Guinness in town. What I love most is that it feels like what a bar used to be — a place for socialising and having fun. You almost forget you’re in Dubai. Nobody judges you, and it transports you to those movie scenes where friends are simply hanging out over a pint of Guinness and having real conversations.”  

Claudiu Mnerau, Head Bartender at Baoli

“My go-to bar in Dubai is La Petite Maison (LPM). Hands down, it serves some of the best drinks in the city. The atmosphere is great and the team behind the bar is fantastic. You can never go wrong with a Tomatini or a La Piscine from the signature cocktail menu, although every now and then I’ll try something different depending on the mood. Either way, you’re in safe hands, the drinks are consistently excellent.”

Jenna Ba, World Class UAE Lead at Diageo

“That’s a hard question! It really depends on the time and my mood. I love having a super-cold 5:1 Tanqueray No.10 Gin Martini at Avli by tashas; they always give me extra olives, and they’re the best in town. A Rika Tonic at Zuma is also a safe bet for a great night out. But I’m equally fond of the Jass Lounge. It’s such a special spot. I’m almost reluctant to say it, because it’s so small and it’s just so good.”

Zahra Erfanian, Mixologist, Carbone

“I like La Petite Maison (LPM) for its effortless vibe. You can actually have a conversation, the music is perfectly balanced, and the drinks are consistently excellent. I’d also highly recommend LITT at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab; it’s a friendly, high-energy spot where the bartenders are as good as the drinks. Nobu by the Beach is always a fun one too with cool atmosphere, a great DJ, and some genuinely creative cocktails designed to pair with the sushi.”

Sharfin Akter Auni, Head Bartender, Nobu Dubai

“My personal go-to in Dubai is La Petite Maison Dubai (LPM). I love the team – great drinks, consistently, and delicious food. Tibor, Brent, Zoli and Asli are all incredibly talented. I always order a tomatini – you simply can’t not.”