Nothing Can “Top” the Views from These Palm Jumeirah Rooftop Restaurants and Bars
What’s better than dining at a restaurant or chilling in a bar? Of course, it’s dining with a view. And if you ask me what place in Dubai offers the best views, I’ll tell you it’s Palm Jumeirah without batting an eyelash.
I love this part of the city not only for being the world’s biggest man made island but also for everything that it has to offer. And for a foodie like me, that means the best rooftop restaurants and bars with a view.
Of course, there’s no gatekeeping here. So here’s my guide of the best spots on the island. Prepare your camera and your appetite!
Above Eleven
Media Credit: aboveelevendubai
Website: https://aboveeleven.com/dubai/
Address: Rooftop West Palm Beach – Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
Contact details: +971 4 666 1420
Operating hours:
- 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday
- 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price: $$$
If you want to impress someone – a date, friend or family visiting Dubai – take them to Above Eleven and trust me, this rooftop bar in Palm Jumeirah won’t fail you.
In fact, it’s my absolute favourite spot on the island because of its unparalleled views, thanks to its location on the rooftop of the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah.
This is where I go to treat myself to a much-needed downtime after a busy week, take my family and friends for a night out whenever they’re in town or even spend time with clients and colleagues.
Being at the top of Marriott, Above Eleven offers the best views of Ain Dubai and Dubai Marina, which really makes it impressive, especially for tourists.
But beyond the views, Above Eleven also has a Nikkei-themed food menu with Peruvian classics like ceviche, anticuchos and tiraditos. And if you’re craving sushi, they also have some of the freshest ones.
Of course, you have to try their amazing selection of Peruvian-style cocktails and drinks that will surely leave your mind blown – and hungover the morning after, trust me.
Pro tip:
Above Eleven follows a strict smart casual dress code. So if you’re planning to visit the bar, make sure that you’re dressed appropriately. Shorts, sportswear and even open toe shoes for men are not allowed.
SoBe Dubai
Media Credit: sobedubai
Website: https://www.sobedubai.com/
Address: W Dubai – The Palm
Contact details: +971 4 245 5800
Operating hours:
- 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday
- 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price: $$
SoBe is my favourite rooftop bar in Palm Jumeirah if I want to see and be seen. It may not be the highest rooftop bar on the island, but it surely has some of the best sunset views.
But you don’t just have the outdoor terrace to enjoy the best views because the bar’s indoor space is also every bit as Instagrammable as its panorama.
On a cool winter night, I love a spot in one of the couches where I can chill with friends over tapas-style bites, drinks and great conversations. And when I say their food is great, I’m not kidding.
I also love that they serve food in smaller bites that make them easier to pick up and eat, which is perfect for a chill night out. And if you’re specific with your cocktails, you’ll be impressed with the curated libations here.
Pro tip:
Treat your best girl friends to SoBe’s “Scandalous” Ladies’ Night happening every Wednesday. For just AED120, you get to enjoy unlimited drinks and 50% off food for three hours.
The Penthouse
Media Credit: thepenthousedubai
Website: https://thepenthouse.co/dubai/
Address: FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel – No.1 Palm Jumeirah
Contact details: +971 52 900 4868
Operating hours: 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM daily
Price: $$$
If you love Japanese food and unique cocktails, The Penthouse is undoubtedly the best rooftop restaurant and bar in Palm Jumeirah for you.
And I’m not the only one saying this because The Penthouse has been named the number one rooftop restaurant and bar in Dubai several times.
The experience begins with some sunset cocktails while you witness the city come to life with its bright lights. And speaking of cocktails, the drinks here are quite controversial.
Just imagine reading “The Naked Pornstar” and “For F*** SAKE” on the menu. But if you want something more familiar, try their “Spice Me Up” and “Gold Digger” for good measure.
But the drinks are just for starters because the highlight here is really the food prepared by award-winning Chef Eric Jung and his team.
Are you a fan of sushi? Get a little bit of everything that they have to offer with the Penthouse Tokubetsu Sushi Selection. They also have maki, sashimi, nigir and hand rolls for you to enjoy.
Now if you love good meat, try their grilled Wagyu tomahawk steak or their Wagyu beef ribeye MB9, and you’ll never be impressed by any other steak again. Of course, they also have fish and vegetarian options to cater to different needs.
Pro tip:
The Penthouse is a highly coveted venue, so make sure that you book a table at least a month before visiting to secure your spot. After all, you don’t want to miss this dining experience while in Dubai.
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
Media Credit: barflydubai
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dxbpjhi-hilton-dubai-palm-jumeirah/dining/barfly/
Address: Rooftop Level 13 – Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah – Palm West Beach – The Palm Jumeirah
Contact details: +971 54 994 1460
Operating hours:
- 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Sunday to Tuesday
- 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM from Wednesday to Saturday
Price: $$
Barfly by Buddha-Bar has always been one of the top rooftop bars in Palm Jumeirah not only for the views and drinks but also for the entire experience.
In fact, stepping inside this bar takes you into a completely different world where you can leave your worries away and just enjoy a night of fun, drinks and good company.
Located at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Barfly offers you panoramic views of the island and the rest of the city skyline. The food here is also five-star with Asian fusion dishes front and centre to tickle your taste buds.
Of course, the signature cocktails curated by Barfly’s bartenders are top notch. Try their “Japanese Mermaid” or “Shadows from the East” and for sure, you’ll be dreaming about these cocktails for days to come.
Pro tip:
Are you a big negroni fan? Experience the newest offering at Barfly by Buddha-Bar, the Negroni Lounge. Being the first of its kind in the Middle East, you’re treated to a unique aperitive experience revolving around the beloved Negroni.
CouCou
Media Credit: coucourooftop
Website: https://coucou-dubai.com/
Address: Level 52 St. Regis – The Palm Tower – Nakheel Mall – The Palm Jumeirah
Contact details: +971 52 451 2188
Operating hours: 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily
Price: $$$
Here’s a little insider secret: if you want the absolute best views of Dubai, don’t go to Burj Khalifa. Go to The View at The Palm instead or better yet treat yourself to dinner with the best view at CouCou.
Located 52 stories high, you can’t get any better view than this, trust me, especially if you want to see Palm Jumeirah in all its glory from a bird’s eye view.
And it doesn’t stop there because you’ll also get treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city that you’ll surely be full even before you start eating.
But I’m sure that your attention will shift from the view to the table once you’re served the restaurant’s signature Mediterranean dishes that include their authentic pasta with truffle cream sauce from Tuscany and their grilled seabass.