Hidden away in the fine-dining courtyard just off the main strolling boulevard in City Walk is AYA, one of the newest additions to chef Izu Ani’s restaurant empire. Focusing on the Asian (predominantly Japanese) cuisine, it’s wearing off on the cocktails as well, and as the rest of his establishments, quality is a key factor in AYA.

Morimoto is named by the Iron Chef, Masahuro Morimoto, and this place is close to a home run in a lot of aspects; design, food, attention from staff - from a cocktail bar perspective though they have a way to go though, but they're teaming up with the geniuses from Aura Beverages, the team that helped Masti to go from zero to best cocktail bar in Dubai in less than two years, so good things may come to us who wait.

With an entrance hidden away in a bookshelf just off the main lobby in the Paramount Hotel, this place has a lot of things talking for it already from the start. The bar is dimly lit, almost a bit too dark, while the tables are bright as if in the limelight - other way around would be better for seeing what you drink and socializing at the tables.

David Myers is the uncrowned king of Downtown, being the brainiac behind Basta!, Bleu Blanc and Poppys, all located in the Renaissance Hotel. When stepping into Basta!, it's easy to get wowed by the interior, and even though the bar is playing second fiddle to the restaurant itself, it’s reasonably cosy and welcoming.

Having gone through a transformation from white table cloths and super fine dining to a more appealing sharing concept, one could assume that the service and quality of food might have dropped as well - not in this case though. The food is exceptional and the staff is even better.

Brasserie Galliard is a massive restaurant with an outdoor terrace that is absolutely fantastic during the winter months. The food on offer is Mediterranean with a Turkisk/Italian twist, and the execution of the same is impeccable. For drinking cocktails, there are two bars on offer - one inside, which is quirky with a seriously displaced pillar, and one outside with the panoramic views of the Burj.

Hidden away one floor above the lobby of the Intercontinental in Dubai Marina, this place is kind of hard to find, even if you know where to look. It's a bit on the anonymous side interior wise, but for catching up with a friend over a drink or two, it's fine.

Nusret Gökçe is the King Midas of meat restaurants in the world - everything he touches turns to gold (almost literally - because we do remember the 24 ct gold coated tomahawk steak he serves, right?). However, from a cocktail perspective, he’s got a long way to go - his new burger establishment in DIFC lacks in both atmosphere and passion - two of the most important factors in cocktail bars.

This place is a veritable feast for the eye - no matter where you turn your head, you feel like walking in the Narnia of cocktail bars. The signature cocktails all follow the same enchanting theme, even though the result sometimes makes you wish for a more refined execution.