This special edition of Art Dubai 2026 brings the city into full creative swing, with conversations spilling out of the fair and into restaurants, rooftops and late-night dining rooms across town.
Whether you’re dining with an artist friend, a collector, or a visiting client, these are the spots to keep on your radar... all focused-on design-led interiors, relaxed energy and spaces made for connection after a day at the fair.
Come for post-fair drinks that feel equal parts Madrid nightlife and Dubai cool at Salmon Guru, where theatrical cocktails set the tone after a day at Art Dubai.
Stay for the music and offbeat, maximalist interiors, a natural gathering point when the fair crowd rolls in for the night.
Visit: salmongurudubai
This tucked away spot in Souk Al Bahar has quickly become a Downtown favourite. For Mexican sharing plates, Sobremesa is the perfect place for unwinding after a day at the fair.
Stay for the cocktails and warm, candlelit interiors that keep conversations flowing well beyond the last plate.
Visit: Sobremesa
DIFC has plenty of buzzy eateries to choose from, but if you’re in the mood for tapas over a long lunch, opt for Barrafina where you can dine counter-side.
Small plates made for sharing and a lively, food-focused energy make it a great spot for a midday stop between fair visits or a day in the city.
Visit: Barrafina Dubai
If you want to impress with a standout dinner after Art Dubai, head to Arrogante, where Southern Italian-inspired plates meet full Burj Khalifa views.
Perfect for hosting or entertaining, it’s the kind of place that turns a post-fair meal into a proper occasion.
Visit: arrogantedubai
Drift into Le Trottoir de Paloma for easy drinks, coffee or a casual bite as the city slows into evening.
With French Lebanese flair and a walk-only street buzzing around it, it’s made for informal catchups, at any time of the day.
Visit: trottoirdepalomadxb
Chic interiors and sea-facing views at Canary, a laid-back bar and restaurant for relaxing after the fair.
Come for easy, sun-soaked afternoons by the water. Stay for drinks at sunset and a relaxed golden-hour atmosphere as the day comes to an end.
Visit: canaryclub
One of Dubai’s favourites, all year round. The perfect spot for post-fair drinks or a dinner with a view at CÉ LA VI Dubai, where the skyline becomes part of the experience.
With Burj Khalifa front and centre and chic interiors made for evening dining, it’s a fitting final stop after a jam-packed day.
Visit: celavi
Hayley is passionate about everything 90s, from art and fashion to music. Her love for glossy, artful coffee table books started early during her days in book publishing and has only grown since. She collects luxury magazines from around the world, enjoys exploring creative workshops around the city, and always chases dinners with a view, preferably by the beach.
