Luckily for the denizens of Dubai, the city has a wealth of outstanding bars that go beyond the basics, from beachside digs perfect for sipping sparkling spritzes and crisp glasses of rosé to posh watering holes with avant-garde creations worth dressing up for. Here, a guide to where to grab a friend or partner and get a few drinks in the emirate.
Buddha-Bar, Grosvenor House Hotel
As the name suggests, Buddha Bar is exquisitely glammed with top-notch sophisticated Asian décor. Think huge Buddha statues, golden dragons and glittering chandeliers.
Expect to enjoy a variety of dishes from Japan, Chain and Thailand. Drinks include handmade artisan cocktails and an unending supply of champagne. To experience the absolute Dubai Marina nightlife, Buddha Bar is the place to be.
Where to find Buddha Bar: Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina. Open Sunday to Thursday 7:00 pm to 1:00 am; Friday & Saturday 7:00 pm to 2:00 am. Only children aged 5 and over are allowed in the restaurant.
Dress Code: Smart & Trendy. No Shorts are Allowed.
Learn more at buddhabar-dubai.com
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar
Seeking a classy way to start your night out with friends?
Also, within Grosvenor House Hotel, Siddharta Lounge is the perfect mix of comfy and stylish. It has a 360 view of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf making it one of the best rooftop bars in Dubai Marina.
If you are a party animal who loves to have some fun on the dance floor, Siddharta Lounge boasts of a big dance floor. If you’d rather not, you can also lounge on one of the huge, comfy sofas and simply enjoy the scenic Dubai Marina view.
- Siddharta is an easy choice for a winter-weather hangout. And a sexy one at that. Perched on the rooftop of the elegant Grosvenor House Hotel, the Asian-inspired indoor-outdoor lounge and restaurant has a dreamy terrace pool lined with candles. The Mediterranean-meets-Asian menu has everything from tapas and tartares to pasta dishes and grilled meats.
Where to find Siddharta Lounge: Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai. Sunday to Thursday 5:00 pm to midnight (dinner from 6:00 pm) Friday 5:00 pm to 1:00 am (dinner from 6:00 pm). Saturday Brunch 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Saturday Dinner 7:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Learn more at siddhartalounge.com
Pure Sky Lounge
With its minimalistic white and turquoise décor, Pure Sky Lounge is a haven when you need some calm and quiet. Situated at the 35th floor of Hilton Dubai the Walk, it’s the perfect escape spot from the city chaos below.
Exuding a peaceful seaside ambience, Pure Sky Lounge offers a wonderful view of the Arabian Gulf, the Palm and JBR, making it one of the best bars with a view in the Dubai Marina area.
For a complete experience, visit the bar towards the evening to enjoy the spectacular Dubai sunset and the bar’s sunset happy hour (discounts on drinks between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm daily!).
Where to find Pure Sky Lounge: 35th floor, Hilton Dubai, JBR The Walk. Daily from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am.
Learn more at hilton.com
Atelier M at Pier 7
Atelier M is a Mediterranean/French restaurant situated on the 7th floor of Pier 7. With a very talented live band and scenic rooftop views, it effortlessly draws in the sophisticated crowd of Dubai Marina.
Spread over 3 floors and offering dining, lounge and rooftop terrace, this diamond in the heart of Dubai offers A La Carte dining and a vast range of desserts, cocktails and wines. You also get to enjoy live sports events in the lounge and rooftop area. Don’t miss the sunset Brunch on a Saturday 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Popular for its fine contemporary international cuisine, Atelier M is one of the best restaurants in Dubai Marina. Be sure to try their Truffle Risotto and delicious Oysters.
Where to find Atelier M: 7th Floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina. Lounge is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am and Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:00 pm to 3:00 am. The rooftop is open Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am, Friday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am and Saturday from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am. Restaurantopens daily from 6:00 pm to midnight.
Learn more at atelierm.ae
Cargo at Pier 7
A beautiful remake of 1960s Hong Kong, Cargos décor includes shipping crates, raw steel, concrete and weathered wood interiors. With a beautiful ambience and one of the best bars with a view of Dubai Marina, Cargo offers Asian street food-inspired cuisine. Think street food but sophisticated.
With an extensive beverage collection and awesome music, Cargo is the best place to meet up, eat and enjoy great company in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy happy hour daily (except Saturday) from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Where to find Cargo: 3rd floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina. Open Saturday to Thursday 12:00 pm to 2:00 am, Friday 2:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Learn more at cargo-dubai.com
The Scene Pier 7
One more we couldn’t exclude from Pier 7, your traditional British Gastropub with one of the most supreme modern skyline views. Look out for ladies’ night specials, weekend brunch packages and Happy Hour Daily (12:00 pm to 8:00 pm)
Atelier M brings contemporary French dishes that have been reinterpreted with an Asian influence. Set over three levels, it’s a great choice for fine dining. Meanwhile, Asia Asia offers dishes with pan-Asian and regional flavors.
Abd el Wahab serves up Middle Eastern fare with a focus on seafood in an elevated setting, both indoors and outdoors. Fans of contemporary European cuisine can dine at The Scene by Simon Rimmer – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Cargo is another relaxed restaurant with street food-inspired dishes, while the latest addition, Mama Zonia, brings fresh and bold Amazonian flavors to Dubai. Finally, Fumé is all about simple and affordable dishes, made from top quality produce.
Where to find The Scene: 4th Floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina. Open Monday to Wednesday from 12:00 pm to midnight, Thursday & Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 am and Sunday from 10:00 am to midnight.
Learn more at thescenedxb.xyz
Nezesaussi Grill
Need to unwind and catch up on live sports at one of the best sports bars in Dubai Marina? Nezesaussi Grill is casual dining at its best in Dubai Marina. Enjoy favorite hops and signature dishes while enjoying the best of international sports from their multiple TV screens.
Nezesaussi Grill is the ultimate sports hub in Downtown Dubai to enjoy a distinctive casual vibe or watch every major sports event. Guests are invited to experience and enjoy the various themed night offers at Nezesaussi Grill that promises to enliven your week. Savour appetite-whetting servings of the tri-nations’ signature dishes, washed down with a selection of thirst-quenching house beverages every day.
At Nezesaussi Grill, Tuesday means date night! Visit us with your favorite person in the world and settle in for an evening of unlimited sips and two deliciously fresh main courses featuring all your favourite dishes from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Where to find Nezesassi Grill: Address, Dubai Marina. Open Daily 1:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Learn more at addresshotels.com
McGettigans Irish Pub
Best known for its happy hour, live music, great Irish delicacies and enticing Irish ambience, McGettigans Irish Pub is the go-to place for the best of all things Irish in Dubai.
Set in a warm, homely environment, this modern pub offers live sports and the friendliest service in town; authentic Irish hospitality. Look out for huge meal portions that are bound to give you value for your money.
Where to find McGettigans Irish Pub: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JLT. Open Monday to Friday 12:30 pm to 3:00 am; Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am to 3:00 am.
Learn more at mcgettigans.com
Lock, Stock & Barrel
Famous for its finger foods, international cuisine and a wide variety of beer, Lock, Stock & Barrel is a vintage type bar located on JBR The Walk.
Just like most bars in the Dubai Marina area, Lock, Stock & Barrel opens mid-afternoon and offers a buy 1, get 1 free happy hour from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily and 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday. You also get to watch live sports on Saturdays and Sundays, accompanied by Roast of the Day.
Live music is one of the big drawcards of Lock, Stock & Barrel, along with Midweek Madness, Ladies Night and Barrelled Brunch after party on a Saturday, there’s always sure to be something exciting going on.
Where to find Lock, Stock and Barrel: Rixos Premium Dubai, The Walk JBR. Open Monday to Friday 4:00 pm to 3:00 am; Saturday 1:00 pm to 3:00 am and Sunday 2:00 pm to 3:00 am.
Learn more at lsbdubai.com
The Rooftop Terrace Sports Lounge
One of the best places to round out your Dubai Marina nightlife experience, The Rooftop Terrace promises a cosy, intimate and sophisticated experience.
Slightly tucked away within the extensive One&Only Royal Mirage complex, on Jumeirah Beach, The Rooftop Terrace & Sports Lounger offers a dramatic Arabian terrace with flickering candlelight and breathtaking views of the dramatic skyline, Arabian Court and Palm Island.
The Rooftop Terrace attracts the bubbling city’s chic crowd whilst still offering a wonderful, laid-back ambience. Known for screening live sports events in their lobby area, it is a great spot to spend quality time and enjoy banter with friends in a beautiful setting.
Where to find The Rooftop Terrace & Sports Lounge: One & Only Royal Mirage Resort. Open daily from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am/
