World's 50 Best Bars 2023: The Dubai venues that made the cut

Mimi Kakushi has been named the best bar in the Middle East and Africa…

The prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars ceremony, held in Singapore on Tuesday, October 17, unveiled the top 50 bars, with Dubai proudly claiming two coveted spots in the top 50 and another in the extended 51-100 list.

From cozy jazz joints to glitzy rooftop bars, discreet drinking dens to pumping clubs, Dubai’s nightlife scene has you covered for every mood and occasion. So, drumroll, please…

Here are the UAE bars that made the 2023 list:  

40: Mimi Kakushi

The UAE’s best performing bar was Mimi Kakushi which moved up 18 places from last year making it a new entry in the top 50 and the best bar in the Middle East and Africa. Since opening in 2021, Rikas Group’s Mimi Kakushi has become a popular spot for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the Four Seasons Jumeirah Restaurant Village, it’s inspired by 1920s Osaka and serves experimental Japanese cuisine and an extensive menu of creative cocktails, all masterminded by Manja Stankovic, Mimi Kakushi’s Bar Manager. Be sure to try the Sayonara, Mimi Kakushi’s twist on the classic Negroni.

50: Galaxy Bar

This much-loved ultra-luxe cocktail lounge has retained its place in the World’s 50 Best bars, ranking number 50 in the prestigious list and dropping five places from last year. Galaxy Bar, an offshoot of the upscale Avli by tashas, 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. 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

69: Ergo

From Jimmy Barrat of Zuma fame comes Ergo, the master mixologist’s debut solo project that has made the extended list as a new entry at number 69. Located in The Dubai Edition, this cool cocktail bar feels like it’s been plucked straight from one of the bartending capitals of the world. Industrial and masculine in feel, there is an open kitchen surrounded by tables that feel more like a restaurant, but it’s the lounge area, where you find the DJ booth and bar, to head to for the real stars of the show. On the Ergo cocktail menu, you’ll find drinks such as the Skinny Beech, a blend of tito’s, applewood, mango and vanilla cordial and soda.

Ergo, Mezzanine Floor, The Dubai Edition, Downtown Dubai 6pm to 2am Tues, Thurs and Fri, 6pm to 3am Weds, 6pm to 1am Sun and Mon. Tel: (0)4 554 2456. @ergo.dubai

For more information, visit worlds50bestbars.com

Images: Social/Provided