The lively upstairs bar at Babushka in JBR welcomes guests with heartwarming nights of music and cocktails!

Imagine a warm evening on Dubai’s coast. From the second floor of a cozy restaurant come the sounds of a guitar, guests humming along to a familiar tune, and the scent of freshly prepared appetizers filling the air. It doesn’t matter who’s sitting next to you — what matters is the mood, the music, and the shared feeling in the room.
In a city of skyscrapers and futuristic clubs, soulful lounge bars have become a favorite among those who value character and atmosphere. These are places where live performances and an intimate setting turn an ordinary night out into something truly memorable.
Below, we highlight a few of Dubai’s most beloved atmospheric lounges — cherished by both locals and returning visitors.

Babushka, Slavic Cuisine Restaurant in Dubai

By day, Babushka is a family-friendly Slavic restaurant on the JBR beach, where the scent of borscht and pancakes fills the air. But as the sun sets, “grandma goes to sleep — and the fun begins!” Head upstairs to discover a completely different world: a lounge bar with live music, karaoke nights, and themed parties.
On Fridays, Babushka hosts intimate “apartment-style” concerts — a nostalgic nod to Soviet-era gatherings — where guests sing along to beloved hits from the '80s and '90s, accompanied by guitar and accordion. Once a week, heartwarming karaoke evenings invite guests to perform their favorite songs with applause from a like-minded crowd. The vibe is so unique that Babushka has quickly become one of the city’s most beloved lounge-restaurants.

But entertainment is just one side of Babushka. The venue is also known for its signature cocktails and food. House-made infusions, reinvented Russian classics like chilled okroshka with sparkling prosecco, or signature borscht with beef cheeks — each dish is crafted with soul and a modern twist. During the day, guests enjoy nostalgic recipes from the menu; by night, they return for dinner, wine, live music, and familiar melodies that evoke a sense of home.

Zuma is a cult-favorite contemporary Japanese restaurant that has become a symbol of DIFC’s nightlife over the past decade. Guests are drawn to its distinctive, glamorous atmosphere. As renowned chef Greg Malouf once put it, Zuma “embodies the glamorous spirit of Dubai.”
The upstairs lounge comes alive at dusk. The lights dim to a warm glow, the resident DJ sets the tone with sleek beats, and bartenders craft signature cocktails with precision. Highlights include the spicy chili passionfruit martini and a Japanese twist on the Paloma made with yuzu — these original mixes have become hallmarks of the Zuma bar.
The crowd is as polished as the setting: after-work financiers, celebrities, gourmands, and trendsetters gather here to unwind. Despite fierce competition, Zuma remains a top pick in the city. Its bar has repeatedly ranked among Dubai’s best, and the restaurant consistently draws a queue of eager diners each evening.

Address: Pavilion at The Beach, JBR (Dubai Marina)

Phone: +971 58 908 1100

Highlights: Live music on weekends, karaoke, homemade infusions and cocktails, kitchen open until late

Reservations: Highly recommended via website or phone — the cozy atmosphere draws a full house most evenings.

The venue spans two levels: the main dining area is downstairs, while the lounge bar is upstairs, accessible via a dedicated elevator.

Address: Podium Level, Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai

Phone: +971 4 425 5660

Reservations: Strongly recommended

Dress Code: Smart casual

Age Policy: 21+ only

If you're craving Latin American flair, head to COYA. This Peruvian lounge-restaurant, located at the Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah, instantly captures you with an intoxicating atmosphere — it feels like stepping into a party in the heart of Lima. As noted by the Michelin Guide, COYA brings the vibrant flavors and heady spirit of Latin America to Dubai.
The interior blends contemporary design with traditional Peruvian elements: hand-crafted masks adorn the walls, and lush greenery and vibrant colors fill the space. As night falls, the energy kicks in — live music and DJ sets fill the air, the aroma of fresh lime and coriander drifts from the bar, and mixologists shake up their signature Pisco Sour. Cocktails made with Peruvian pisco are the pride of the house, while the venue’s own COYA Music label curates the soundscape.
The menu offers a bold fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines (known as Nikkei), with standout dishes like fresh ceviche, tuna tacos, and beef heart skewers in anticucho sauce — all served with contemporary flair.

Clap is one of the trendiest newcomers on Dubai’s dining and nightlife scene. Perched atop a skyscraper in DIFC, it quickly became a favorite among aesthetes and design lovers. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious terrace offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Burj Khalifa.
The concept blends a refined Japanese restaurant with a cutting-edge lounge bar. Dishes are served in fine dining style — including an omakase menu curated by the chef — but Clap is just as famous for its vibrant nightlife. After dinner, guests head to the bar and terrace, where energetic electronic music plays each evening. Guest DJs perform regularly, and themed parties are held every Thursday.
Part of Clap’s appeal lies in its variety. Beyond the main dining space, there's a hidden speakeasy bar called Ongaku, tucked behind an unmarked door — perfect for those seeking an exclusive atmosphere. Frequently named one of the best bars in DIFC, Clap offers the perfect setting to unwind to the intoxicating beats of resident DJs while gazing at the illuminated city below.
As the weather warms, the venue’s expansive open-air terrace — the largest in DIFC — becomes a go-to destination, with guests vying for outdoor tables to enjoy sweeping 180° skyline views.

Address: Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah (Jumeirah 2)

Phone: +971 4 316 9600

Address: Gate Village 11, Level 9, DIFC, Dubai

Phone: +971 4 569 3820

Dress Code: Evening attire

Age Policy: 21+ only after 9 PM

The MAINE brings a slice of New England to Dubai. This chic seafood brasserie and cocktail bar is nestled along the coast in JBR, on the ground floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton. It combines the laid-back vibe of a beachside grill with the finesse of upscale dining.
The interior is a stylish blend of New York loft and French bistro: leather banquettes, exposed brick walls, a marble-topped bar — all complemented by acoustic live music in the evenings. The signature draw? Ultra-fresh oysters and premium seafood. Every night, the bar hosts a popular oyster happy hour, where oysters go for just AED 10 apiece.
Beyond seafood, the menu features juicy steaks, gourmet burgers, and crowd-pleasing favorites suited for any gathering. Live music — from saxophone solos to cover bands — often fills the space with festive energy, turning a casual dinner into a lively evening affair.

For a change of pace from DIFC’s glamorous lounges, 3 Fils offers a more intimate, understated dining experience by the water — and has achieved near-legendary status among Dubai foodies. Though it doesn’t serve alcohol (the venue holds no bar license), its atmosphere and exceptional cuisine make it a must-visit for gourmands.
Located in the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, 3 Fils keeps things simple: an open-air terrace by the docks, just a handful of tables, and a focus on bold, Asian-inspired dishes. Helmed by Chef Shun Shiroma, the menu features signature creations like A5 wagyu rolls, tuna tacos, and slow-cooked lamb ribs — dishes that have earned 3 Fils its cult following.
Sometimes, all it takes is a wooden table by the water, a friendly team, and food that speaks for itself.

Address: Ground Floor, DoubleTree by Hilton, JBR (Dubai Marina)

Phone: +971 4 457 6719

Address: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Shop 02, Al Urouba Street, Jumeirah 2

Phone: +971 56 273 0030

Prices are more affordable than the city’s high-end spots — ideal for ending the night in a quiet harbor over pan-Asian delicacies and sea breeze.

Below is a summary of the standout features of each venue to help you choose where to spend your next atmospheric evening:

Babushka

Clap

JBR (Dubai Marina)

Lounge restaurant (Slavic cuisine)

Lounge restaurant (Japanese)

DIFC (rooftop)

DIFC (Gate Village)

Restaurant-bar (Japanese)

Brasserie & cocktail bar (seafood)

JBR (Dubai Marina)

Jumeirah 2

Lounge restaurant (Peruvian)

Gastro spot (Asian fusion, dry venue)

Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

Zuma

The MAINE Oyster Bar

COYA

3 Fils

Live music, karaoke, house-made infusions, homestyle food

Rooftop views, speakeasy bar, DJs, pan-Asian fine dining

DJ sets, signature cocktails, glamorous crowd

Oysters, seafood, happy hour, live acoustic music

Latin beats, Pisco bar, ceviche, vibrant décor

No alcohol, MENA’s #1 restaurant in 2022, harbor seating, no reservations