REVIEW: Salmon Guru Dubai
A bold cocktail bar with artful flair
Tucked inside The Opus by Omniyat, the award-winning Salmon Guru Dubai is far more than a cocktail bar. True to its Madrid-born roots, the space is bold and fearless in design, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into an immersive art installation.
From the moment you arrive, the entrance sets the tone: a translucent door framed with sleek black finishes, covered in black-and-white polaroids beneath the cryptic label “Fernet Branca”. It’s part photo wall, part speakeasy tease, inviting guests into a space that blends art, nostalgia, and eclectic charm.
Inside, the buzzing venue is divided into sections that each tell a different story. As you make your way around, you’ll go from comic book whimsy to retro tropical vibes, without missing an Asian street-market’s cool atmosphere.
The bar is the main character here, wrapped in blue, fish-scale-like tiles, its aquatic theme commands a presence that is subtle yet effective. The mirrored ceiling above it reflects the action below, framed by soft, halo-like lighting. The bar’s counter is a deep, rich wood, warm against the cooler tones around it. Beneath the bartenders’ feet, a mosaic of monochrome tiles in shades of white, grey, and black adds vintage flair, making guests feel like they’re back in the 60s.
Behind the bar, a brick wall houses squared shelving filled with neatly arranged bottles, while sculptural rods wrapped in bright circular lights hang overhead, casting a soft white glow. It’s a space made to be looked at, but also one that feels genuinely lived-in and full of energy.
As you venture off toward the back, a slightly more spacious area unfolds, lined by red leather couches and table seating that offer jaw-dropping views of Downtown Dubai, including a direct glimpse of the Burj Khalifa. It’s here that the energy picks up, especially when live DJs are in session. Floating above are delicate, paper-like umbrellas in colourful hues, adding pops of texture and creating a playful sense of chaos.
Walls are lined with quirky art, from playful cartoon-style pieces to splashy abstract prints. There’s even a glowing neon orange fish mounted on the wall, which I’m guessing is a cheeky nod to the bar’s name and mascot.
At Salmon Guru, every detail feels considered, creating a space that’s as memorable as the cocktails.
