Twilight Tipples: Is Q’s Bar and Lounge the best live music venue in Dubai?

When it comes to live music in Dubai, there is nowhere better than Palazzo Versace Dubai’s intimate jazz lounge.

Known for its intimate ambience, unmatched acoustics, innovative cocktails and a delicious a la carte menu, Q’s Bar and Lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai offers a late-night venue that showcases performances from emerging artists handpicked by Quincy Jones himself.

Located off the lavish lobby with its inlaid mosaic of Versace’s famed Medusa head logo, Q’s Bar and Lounge feels far removed from the glitz and glamour of Dubai’s premier fashion hotel. Passing through the sound-proofed doors and into the compact venue, it feels like we’ve been transported into a basement jazz bar in New York or New Orleans. 

Q’s Bar and Lounge is a venue unlike any other in the city. It’s small and boasts a sultry aesthetic that is only enhanced by the venue’s petite stature. Here, inside a space that feels more like a living room than a bar, guests can relax on Versace-designed leather couches whilst enjoying the unrivalled acoustics from the live band. At times, Q’s feels like one of Dubai’s best-kept secrets. A venue that is always packed (reservations are essential) but only frequented by lovers of live music and those in the know.

Following recent residences from the likes of Tracey Preston, Tarion Taylor and Jeremy Issac, the multiple FACT-Award-winning venue has welcomed American singer Ayanna Joni for a three-month residency. And if her name sounds familiar, it’s because you might have seen her belting out Demi Lovato’s hit “Sorry Not Sorry” as a contestant on Season 15 of The Voice.

The New York-based singer has also opened for Ludacris and Gym Class Heroes in the past whilst also serving as a background vocalist for artists such as Kid Cudi, 2 Chainz and Royce Da 5 9. The reality is that Jonni has us captivated from the moment we take a seat at a low mahogany table in close proximity to the stage. At Q’s, there is no bad seat in the house, as Dante Kennedy, Palazzo Versace’s Music Director, and his live band weave captivating melodies through the dark and broody venue. The band offer the perfect complement to Joni’s dulcet tones, which are captivating on tracks such as Rihanna’s Reggae-infused “Man Down”, Alicia Keys’ power-ballad “Fallin” and Bruno Mars’ undeniably catchy “Uptown Funk.” The resulting performance over three, 45-minute sets leave the audience entranced and waiting with bated breath on each note and change of key.

If you can tear your eyes away from the stage, Q’s offers a compelling beverage list inspired by the achievements of Quincy Jones himself. Highlights include Off The Wall, a beguiling concoction inspired by the Michael Jackson album of the same name that mixes cognac and Champagne with saffron-infused heather honey and velvety egg white. Elsewhere, the Fresh Prince (of Bel-Air) is inspired by the Will Smith-starring sitcom produced by Quincy Jones and offers a sweet hit from a winning combination of vodka, Chambord and butterscotch liquor.

Ultimately, Q’s Bar and Lounge offers an unrivalled music experience in Dubai that can be enjoyed whilst snacking on a menu of sushi, sliders and (our personal favourite) charred octopus. With music and opulence running through the venue’s veins, Palazzo Versace Dubai’s all-leather interior jazz bar and lounge provides old-world charm and a venue deserving of applause.

Imitators have come and gone, but Q’s Bar & Lounge continues to lead the way when it comes to live music in Dubai.

A minimum spend of AED 250 per person on weekdays and a minimum spend of AED 350 applies on weekends.

GO: Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for reservations and more information.