One of the best parts about living or working in a vibrant district like Downtown Dubai is the experience that it offers after sunset. Downtown is one of the best areas in the city to enjoy a relaxed evening or an elegant night out, whether you are unwinding after a long day or just catching up with some friends. Home to award-winning destinations and leisure attractions, Downtown Dubai has a wealth of options to explore that will liven up the night, including a fantastic selection of lounges located in the district’s most highly reputed hotels. Here are the best lounges that you can find in Downtown Dubai.
1. At.mosphere
At.mosphere holds the record for being the highest bar and lounge in the world. Situated on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa at a height of around 440 metres, it provides a panoramic view of the city and the distant coastline that you will get from no other vantage point. The lounge, which was renovated over the last quarter of 2022, provides a unique social experience in a refined Art Deco-inspired setting.
As you walk past the stylish reception area, you are welcomed into a rich sapphire-hued space that features blue velvet seats and booths, dark marble-topped tables, and a bar that is circled by a magnificent chandelier and features a beautiful floral backdrop. It may lead you to believe you’ve been transported to an American speakeasy in the early 1930’s until you look out the floor-to-ceiling windows and see the full expanse of Dubai spread out before you. It makes for an especially dramatic sight at sunset, when you can see the play of light and shadow across different areas of the city as the evening wears on.
The menu at At.mosphere is equally impressive, featuring a selection of gourmet dishes and exquisite cocktails. If you prefer to go a bit earlier in the day, you can experience the award-winning afternoon tea, appropriately called High Tea, which is served until 4 pm and offers a lovely combination of sweet and savoury dishes.
2. Armani/Lounge
Located along the lower levels of the Burj Khalifa, Armani/Lounge embodies Giorgio Armani’s signature style, blending understated modern interiors with a serene ambiance. The look of the lounge is sleek and sophisticated, showcasing a high-contrast palette that includes plush white seats along with dark wood and marble accents.
The menu has a similar focus on refinement and simplicity, offering a selection of dishes that are uncomplicated in appearance but have been prepared to perfection. The Armani Afternoon Tea is always a popular option, letting diners enjoy the best of the lounge’s hospitality and small bites that highlight its rich flavours. And if you are looking for something a bit more ostentatious, there is the Armani Golden Cappuccino made with premium Arabica beans and topped with 23-carat gold flakes.
3. Buhayra Lounge
An outdoor setting inspired by traditional social gathering sites combined with the best of modern five-star service – Buhayra Lounge at the Palace Downtown Hotel creates a truly unique experience in the very centre of Downtown Dubai. It is situated near Burj Lake, where the dynamic Dubai Fountain light and sound shows are held every evening. The lounge also looks out over a direct view of the Burj Khalifa, which makes the perfect backdrop to any outdoor meeting.
The menu at Buhayra Lounge features a variety of Middle Eastern and international cuisine, with an extensive selection of traditional mezze paired with cocktails and premium mixed beverages. Directly overlooking a swimming pool that is lined with palm trees, it creates a laidback setting where you can enjoy the sunset and the buzzing Downtown atmosphere.
4. Above Rooftop at Sofitel
Above Rooftop opened in 2022 on the fifth level of Sofitel Downtown, offers a stylish and vibrant atmosphere with stunning views of the Dubai skyline. The lounge doesn’t open before 5 pm, which makes it the perfect option for a sundowner or a catchup with friends that runs late into the evening. The interior space has a stunning contemporary look with neon lighting along the walls, gold-accented furniture, and marble flooring.
The outdoor terrace is designed for all seasons, with full-height windows and glass ceilings made up of sliding panels so it can be completely open air in the winter or enclosed for the summer. Guests can enjoy a selection of gourmet dishes and an extensive cocktail menu, including both classic favorites and innovative creations.
5. Karma Kafe
Located in Souk Al Bahar, Karma Kafe is a fusion of design inspired by the Far East and an atmosphere that reflects Dubai’s modern cosmopolitan charm. Known for its signature red hues, which can be found across all of its decor elements including red-leafed trees located around the dining room, Karma Kafe has a distinctive sense of style. It bills itself as the ‘Best Table in Dubai’, offering a spacious sweeping outdoor lounge that looks into the heart of Downtown and provides a front-row seat to the evening show at the Dubai Fountain.
The pan-Asian menu features everything from small bites such as sushi and tempura to curries and Karma Kafe’s signature dish, ‘Angry Chicken’. Guests can choose from a variety of packages to make their visit more personal, including the ‘Romantic Table’, a premium dining experience for couples with a direct view of the fountains.
6. Eden at Dubai Opera
Eden is a lush rooftop lounge and garden meant to offer a small slice of paradise in the midst of the busy Downtown district, evoking its famous namesake. It is part of Belcanto, the Dubai Opera’s fine dining restaurant, and has to be accessed via the main dining room, creating a sense of anticipation for visitors. Once past the restaurant, they are greeted by a large open space with wood flooring, jungle-inspired floral prints, and lots of trees spread all around. The lounge is framed by a high wall that provides a sense of privacy at the expense of skyline views – save for the Burj Khalifa, which looms tall right alongside the opera house, and a few of the nearby buildings that come closest to matching its impressive height.
The menu features a range of gourmet dishes and artisanal cocktails, along with a selection of small bites and a special Izakaya menu with Japanese staples like sushi, nigiri, and prawn toast. Eden is ideal for pre or post-show drinks at the Opera, but it’s advisable to book a table in advance.
7. NEOS Lounge
Located on the 63rd level of the Address Downtown, NEOS is nestled right in the centre of the district and features a curved design framed by tall windows that look out over incredible views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. The lounge has a design that’s quite modern, relying primarily on a darker palette with a lot of Art Deco inspiration.
The menu is international, focusing on tapas-style small bites along with the bar’s extensive range of cocktails. Coupled with the refined decor and dynamic setting, NEOS is one of the best places to go for a relaxed night out.
Final Take
Downtown Dubai has always been known for its nightlife as much as its daytime attractions. The lounges listed above, as well as several others around the district, provide the ideal setting to watch the sunset and experience the vibrant performances that light up the Burj Khalifa while enjoying food and drink with some good company.
