For when you venture into the dark
Dinner is just the beginning at these after-hours heavyweights. From DJs and dance floors to skyline views and menus built for sharing well past midnight, these are Dubai’s best late-night restaurants when you’re not ready to call it a night.
1920
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A velvet-curtain speakeasy perched high above DIFC, 1920 channels full Prohibition glamour. Expect live jazz, vinyl DJs, plush booths for whispered gossip and a cocktail list that demands you linger. Come for one drink, stay until last call.
Adaline
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Dinner, live music and a dance floor wrapped into one glitzy DIFC package. With Art Deco drama, a two-hour dining policy and performances that get the whole room moving, Adaline is best booked late — when the heels are higher and the volume is up.
Agatha
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A French-Asian late-night darling in Habtoor City where dinner turns into a club after midnight. Think red velvet chairs, LED-lit walls, DJs, dancing and dishes like snails with yuzu butter and hot-stone cod. Not for quiet catch-ups — very much for party people.
Amelia Restaurant & Lounge
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Steampunk interiors, Nikkei plates and a soundtrack that builds as the night goes on. Amelia doesn’t really wake up until 10pm, when DJs, dramatic cocktails and flaming dishes take centre stage. Stay late or don’t bother.
Bagatelle Dubai
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French food meets full-blown party. Late bookings are essential here — after 10pm is when napkins twirl, tables turn into dance floors and lobster pasta fuels the madness. One of Dubai’s most reliable late-night institutions.
Bâoli Dubai
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Luxury dining by day, high-energy nightlife by night. Set at J1 Beach, Bâoli transitions seamlessly from elegant Mediterranean-Asian plates to DJ-driven evenings by the water. Come for sunset, stay until the Moon Room calls.
Buddha-Bar
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A Dubai classic that still delivers after dark. With its towering Buddha statue, Marina views and pan-Asian menu, this two-level lounge is built for long evenings, late dinners and DJ-led nights that stretch well past midnight.
CÉ LA VI
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Sky-high, slick and undeniably glamorous. Perched on the 54th floor, this rooftop favourite pairs Far Eastern-inspired plates with Burj Khalifa views and a late-night buzz that makes it perfect for special occasions after dark.
Clap
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Japanese dining with serious nightlife credentials. Between the rooftop terrace, DJ-led evenings and buzzing open kitchen, Clap feels more like a night out than a meal — especially once the city lights flicker on below.
Gitano
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Tulum energy, Dubai style. Under palm trees and a disco ball, Gitano serves modern Mexican plates and margaritas that encourage “just one more round”. Ideal for lazy lunches that turn into late, barefoot-style nights.
La Niña
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Modern Iberian-Latin plates meet a dressed-up DIFC crowd. As the evening progresses, the music gets louder and diners spill onto the terrace, turning dinner into a full-blown after-dark affair.
LEÑA
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Charcoal-grilled Spanish cuisine with serious firepower. While refined, Leña’s energy builds into the night — and if you manage to score a seat at the hidden Smoked Room, expect an unforgettable (and very late) dining experience.
Ling Ling
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One of Dubai’s ultimate late-night dinner destinations. Set across two floors at Atlantis The Royal, Ling Ling delivers big energy, Palm views, DJs and crowd-pleasing Asian plates designed for long, lively nights.
Miss Lily’s
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Open until 3am and always buzzing. This Caribbean hotspot on Sheikh Zayed Road is all about reggae beats, jerk chicken, colourful cocktails and a crowd that’s here to unwind — loudly.
Nazcaa
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Nikkei dining with Burj Khalifa views and date-night energy. As day turns to night, the terrace becomes one of Downtown’s most atmospheric spots for late dinners and celebratory evenings.
RARE Brasserie & Bar
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A steakhouse with nightlife swagger. Red velvet booths, DJs and a central Art Deco bar give this City Walk favourite a late-night buzz, making it just as much about the vibe as the beef.
SUSHISAMBA
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High above the Palm, SushiSamba still delivers the wow-factor. Samba beats, robata smoke, panoramic views and a menu built for sharing make this a go-to for nights that stretch on — and on.
TATTU
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Tattu, the award-winning, UK-born modern Asian concept – is a multi-level dining destination that fuses culinary and nightlife into one. The space comprises Tattu Restaurant & Bar, Tattu Sky Pool and Tattu Sky Lounge. Each level tells its own story through dramatic interiors and beautiful views.
Zuma
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A DIFC legend for a reason. With its izakaya-style menu, buzzing atmosphere and late-night crowd, Zuma remains one of Dubai’s best spots for celebrations that don’t end after dessert.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
