Two Dubai bars listed on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023

Mimi Kakushi and Galaxy Bar feature on the prestigious list.

We know that Dubai has some of the best bars in the world, but we love it when it gets the international seal of approval. The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 have been unveiled, and Dubai has come out on top in the Middle East. There are two bars on the list: Mimi Kakushi and Galaxy Bar.

Evoking the allure of 1920s Osaka, Mimi Kakushi is one of Dubai’s leading destinations for authentic Japanese cuisine and mixology, drawing escapists to Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Now, the home of ice-encased cocktails has ranked #40 on The World’s 50 Best Bars, and #1 in The Middle East and North Africa, at a ceremony that took place in Singapore.

For the uninitiated, The World’s 50 Best Bars is a prestigious recognition of excellence within the global beverage industry. Compiled annually, it was originally introduced in 2009 and offers a yearly assessment of the finest bars, determined through the collective input of 680 experts in the field hailing from around the world. This compilation serves as the ultimate worldwide resource for discovering top-tier bars and premier drinking establishments.

The cocktail menu at Mimi Kakushi, aptly named Kikuchi, is a testament to the establishment’s commitment to innovation and creativity. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Kikuchi Shigeya, a performer who is widely credited for being the first to bring American Jazz back to Japan. This ingenious concept seamlessly combines music, mixology, and Japanese culture, captivating the senses and transporting guests to a world where taste, sound, and atmosphere intertwine harmoniously.

The Kikuchi cocktail menu not only delights the palate, but also perfectly complements the unique atmosphere of Mimi Kakushi. The outlet’s inviting interior, with its meticulous attention to detail, evokes a sense of sophistication, and nostalgia. The music, inspired by the vinyl records featured on the menu, enhances the overall experience, providing a backdrop that resonates with guests. This feeling is exceptionally captured through live performances — Minami Jazz Nights take place on Wednesdays and feature a four-piece jazz band playing classical tunes, Kikuchi vinyl pairing tracks included.

Blending music and cocktails was the most challenging aspect; the Mimi Kakushi bar team paired each one of the 13 cocktails with a different vinyl song. Whether melodic, cheerful or sentimental, the menu features different emotions that fit the different energies portrayed by each record, which is then coupled with their respective cocktail. The menu is presented in the form of 13 vinyl cases in a large wooden box, whereby each cocktail is the cover of a vinyl – complete with a short description of the song and the feelings it represents – and inside is the actual record that can be played upon request.

Also on The World’s 50 Best Bars list? Galaxy Bar. Continuing to shine as one of the premier destinations worldwide for outstanding cocktails and an unparalleled celestial experience, it secured its position at #50, solidifying its standing among global leaders in the bar industry for the third year in a row. Situated in the heart of DIFC and celebrated for its setting, this sapphire-adorned bar offers a beautifully intimate cocktail experience where guests can watch expertly crafted cocktails come to life and late nights come alive with excitement.

Since its inception in February 2019, Galaxy Bar’s journey has been marked by growth, innovation and acclaim. In just one year, the bar made a global debut, ranking at #67 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list and earning the title of Campari’s ‘One to Watch’. In 2021, Galaxy Bar reached new heights by securing the #45 spot on the prestigious list for two consecutive years. The Galaxy Bar team has made its mark on the global cocktail scene, with guest appearances in renowned bars in Athens, Bangkok, San Miguel de Allende, and Hong Kong for The World’s 50 Best Asia ceremony. Throughout their journey, Galaxy Bar has consistently represented the Middle East, attracting new talent and curating memorable experiences in the UAE.

GO: Visit www.worlds50bestbars.com for more information.