Dubai, UAE – We recently had the opportunity to pay a visit to the esteemed restaurant/speakeasy lounge, AMELIA, at the iconic Address Sky View, in Downtown Dubai. Hailing from Beirut, Lebanon, one of the top nightlife destinations in the world, AMELIA has made its way to Dubai, offering up some of the city’s best mixology, gastronomy, and music.
A very grateful THANK YOU to the warm hospitality of their bar team, led by mixologist extraordinaire Alain Achkar.
As you approach Amelia, the entrance draws you in through colorful, well lit arch ways, decorated with hibiscus flowers. It’s the start of your culinary journey made up of diverse and flamboyant flavors; of Japanese and Peruvian origins.
Upon entrance, the atmosphere switches to a more mellow atmosphere of dim lights, soft deep house music, and a variety of tropical plants and greenery strewn between the guest tables. The atmosphere is emphasized by the high ceilings, massive center stage resembling a cathedral altar adorned with airplane and navigation themes, with shades of brown and copper. To top it all off, the center stage has stunning views of the Burj Khalifa.
Once we finished taking in the mesmerizing decor of the venue, I made my way to the bar, as one does 🙂 After being joined by our mates, we then went on to indulge in Amelia’s liquid culinary crafts. The menu was launched about two months ago. To start, I ordered one of their signature cocktails, “the M.I.A,” which teleported my taste buds to the warm nights of tequila sipping in Mexico, with the cocktail’s smokey and citrusy notes. Another one of our favorites was the “Japanese Fizz;” a delicious mix of fruity notes with hints of spice. If you are feeling adventurous, we recommend their cognac/bourbon cocktail which is continuously maturing in a terrarium that mimics a Japanese forest! The drink is a sophisticated mix of wood, and peat with a silky finish. Very original!
We enjoyed the signature cocktails thoroughly and definitely recommend pairing them with their bar bites. We tried their guacamole, edamame, and plantain strips, which were simply delicious!
The bar team was engaging in their service and very entertaining with their fun and original cocktails. The service was so good that we thought for a second we were the only ones there, but the place was packed! This is amplified by the tempo of the music which is turned up after 11PM, gripping you in a trance of groovy deep house music.
Since it was a Tuesday, we can only imagine what the venue is like on weekends. This was truly an unforgettable night out at Amelia. From the ambiance, food, and cocktail offerings, boasting a finely articulated blend of Nikkei Cuisine with Mediterranean hints, great tunes and impeccable service. A must try!
