The icon wins big the fourth year in a row
Celebrations are in order for Dubai-born favourite Mimi Kakushi, as the restaurant and bar has landed the Middle East’s Best Bar title for the fourth year running, while ranking No.42 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026.
There’s no hiding this one. Mimi Kakushi has once again made its mark on the global cocktail scene, taking home the title of The Best Bar in the Middle East for the fourth consecutive year at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards, announced in Milan on 7 October.
The Japanese dining and cocktail spot, part of Paris Society, also secured the No.42 spot on the global list. Since first appearing on the ranking in 2022 at No.58, Mimi Kakushi has climbed as high as No.36, earning a regional title every year along the way.
From Dubai to Miami and Paros
It’s been a big year for the homegrown concept. Born in Dubai in 2021, Mimi Kakushi has taken its blend of Japanese cuisine, cocktails and 1920s Osaka-inspired glamour overseas, opening its first international outposts in 2026.
First came Miami, with a May opening at Delano Miami Beach. The rooftop restaurant pairs Japanese flavours with Art Deco-inspired interiors and Atlantic Ocean views. In August, the brand headed to Greece, opening Mimi Kakushi Paros at Luura, overlooking the Aegean Sea.
The two launches mark its first ventures into the United States and Europe, bringing the Dubai-born concept to three destinations across three continents.
Cocktails With a Theatrical Twist
Behind Mimi Kakushi’s bar success is group beverage manager Manja Stankovic, whose drinks programme blends Japanese influences with technical precision and a healthy dose of theatre.
One standout is the Kōri Kakushi Martini, which is sealed inside a solid block of ice at -20°C before being carved open tableside. The signature serve also features in Kintarō, a cocktail collection inspired by Japanese silent-film star Sessue Hayakawa, under the name Nara Nara.
Earlier this year, Stankovic presented the Kintarō menu at the Cannes Film Festival in collaboration with Campari.
And the accolades don’t stop at the bar. Mimi Kakushi’s original Dubai restaurant is MICHELIN-selected, ranks No.35 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 and holds one toque from Gault&Millau UAE 2026.
From its Dubai beginnings to its growing international footprint, Mimi Kakushi is proving that its mix of Japanese flair, cinematic cocktails and a little old-school glamour has plenty of global appeal.
Image credit: Supplied
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
