Dubai nights pulse with electrifying energy, a symphony of emotions that unfold across rooftop terraces overlooking the sea and hidden venues nestled within towering skyscrapers. Here, nightlife merges seamlessly with opulence, crafting a universe of experiences that transcend fine drinking. From rooftops seemingly suspended between the stars and the desert to clubs that roar to the beats of worldrenowned DJs, every night is a journey into the future of entertainment.
Paradiso Dubai, The Rooftop Bar at FIVE Luxe
Among the latest openings worthy of note, Paradiso Dubai marks the expansion of Giacomo Giannotti and Margarita Sader’s acclaimed concept beyond Barcelona, now perched atop the luxurious Five Luxe in Dubai Marina. Its eclectic interiors, defined by black and white stripes and bold red accents, set the stage for whimsical hot air balloons and fantastical elements that ignite the imagination. The terrace overlooking Playa Pacha invites guests to savor cocktails outdoors during the cooler season, indulging in theatrical presentations inspired by enchanted locomotives and mesmerizing illusions.
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
Moving towards Palm Jumeirah, Barfly by Buddha-Bar is the go-to destination at sunset, offering an outdoor space where guests can soak in the marina’s breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon. Under the guidance of corporate beverage manager Francesco Galdi, the cocktail list pays homage to aperitivo classics, while signature drinks arrive in 3D-printed glasses. Accompanying them are fusion dishes such as exquisite selections of nigiri and uramaki, the Maguro Taco, and a bao bun branded with the Barfly insignia.
Blind Tiger, For Discerning Drinkers
Leaving the glamour of the Palm behind, Blind Tiger offers a sanctuary for discerning drinkers who revel in live music and impeccable service led by general manager Martina Vergari and bar manager Francesco D’Arienzo. Nestled within the luxurious Jumeirah Al Naseem, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the venue showcases the art of contemporary mixology through a cocktail list inspired by characters from an oriental circus. Among its masterpieces is The Contortionist, blending the smoky allure of mezcal with sake, cocoa, nori seaweed, tomato, and soy, alongside The Fire Eater, a tribute to Kathmandu featuring reposado tequila, wasabi, and beetroot.
Best Cocktail Bars in Dubai: Mimi Kakushi
For those drawn to Japanese-inspired atmospheres, Mimi Kakushi at the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach is the ultimate destination. This restaurant and cocktail bar channels the vibrant Osaka of the 1920s, its name referencing a signature hairstyle that concealed women’s ears in that era. The deep connection to jazz music echoes in the “Kikuchi” menu, a tribute to legendary musician Kikuchi Shigeya, presented on vinyl records that list each cocktail’s ingredients. Among the creations by Manja Stankovic’s team, Sayonara stands out — a Negroni twist enriched with plum liqueur.
Bungalo34, a Mediterranean-Inspired Haven
Staying along the coastline, Pearl Jumeira Island is a perfect retreat for a sunset aperitif with toes in the sand, thanks to venues like Bungalo34, a Mediterranean-inspired haven. Founded by Natasha Sideris of Tashas Group, it specializes in fresh seafood and a cocktail list curated by beverage director Krystian Hordejuk, featuring recipes inspired by the Negroni and a Bungalo Spritz reminiscent of Italy’s 1970s Dolce Vita.
Best Cocktail Bars in Dubai: Amelia Lounge
Venturing towards Downtown Dubai, Amelia Lounge fuses Nikkei cuisine with mixology in a setting that pays homage to the Modern Art Déco era. With opulent interiors evoking the adventurous spirit of the 1930s, the venue, part of a concept born in Beirut, is housed within the Address Sky View luxury complex. Its organically shaped bar sets the stage for mixologist Alain Akchar and his team, crafting cocktails at a relentless pace. The menu presents expertly balanced creations, where each ingredient shines, catering to both connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Standouts include the Fluffy Paloma, a silky-textured blend of mezcal and Campari, watermelon cordial, basil, and pink grapefruit foam, and Stranger in Mexico, a floral and spicy clarified cocktail made with mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, Aperol, fresh lime, and oregano.
La Petite Maison, From France to Dubai
In the heart of DIFC, two must-visit venues sit just steps apart. The journey begins at La Petite Maison Dubai, better known as LPM, a French restaurant exuding the charm of the Côte d’Azur. Its bar is home to an internationally acclaimed masterpiece — the Tomatini, a cocktail featuring vodka, fresh tomatoes, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and sugar syrup, honored with a global celebration every November 12. Also unmissable are the escargots, reputed to be among the finest in Dubai.
Best Cocktail Bars in Dubai, Galaxy Bar
Just beyond LPM, a short walk transports guests to an entirely different world, where white tones give way to dark marble and deep blue velvet chairs and poufs. Inspired by the starlit nights of Athens, the ceiling of Galaxy Bar twinkles with tiny lights evoking a nocturnal sky, while a carefully curated music selection keeps the atmosphere vibrant until late night. Overseen by Mauro Cortese, the cocktail list is a celestial journey of flavors, with drinks named after constellations and cosmic legends — like the Rocket Man, an intense bourbon-based concoction with pumpkin and coconut-peanut bitters. Each day in Dubai is an unrepeatable experience — a mesmerizing interplay of lights and sounds for those ready to immerse themselves in a world of exclusivity and wonder, embracing the city’s signature late-night luxury.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
