Nestled in Dubai Marina, GABA is an emerging gem offering a unique blend of tranquility and excitement. With its dual identity as a serene tea lounge by day and an intimate speakeasy at night, GABA has quickly become the talk of the town. This article delves into what makes GABA a must-visit destination, highlighting its inviting atmosphere, creative offerings, and overall charm.
So here’s the scoop: GABA has quietly landed in Dubai Marina, and it’s already feeling like that place you want to gatekeep (but won’t, because your friends deserve this too). By day, it’s a tea lounge serving rare brews in a setting that feels calm and curated. There’s a real ritual to it – organic teas, calming vibes, and just enough ceremony to make it feel special.
But stay a little longer (or better yet, come back after dark), and the doors open to a whole other scene. Hidden behind the tea facade is a speakeasy that’s glam yet intimate in all the right ways – vintage touches, velvet chairs, and warm, low lighting. DJs set the mood without overpowering the room, cocktails get creative, and the whole space somehow feels both elevated and chilled. It’s the kind of spot where you can dress up or down and still feel right at home.
The interior
GABA’s design seamlessly combines comfort with a touch of glamour. The tea room exudes simplicity and serenity, while the speakeasy embraces a darker ambiance, enriched with vintage aesthetics. Picture plush seating, gold accents, captivating artwork, and flattering lighting that casts a warm glow. It feels like stepping into a stylishly curated retro living space, yet polished enough for an upscale evening out.
The vibe
This isn’t your typical bar-hopping experience in the Marina. GABA’s atmosphere is laid-back yet lively. With DJs providing a continuous flow of music that’s chill rather than overwhelming, it’s the perfect backdrop for catching up with friends, sharing plates, and shifting seamlessly from tea to cocktails (or both). The ambiance is intimate and refined, ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed night out.
The food
We began our culinary journey with the charred edamame (Dhs35), followed by ebi tempura (Dhs45), cucumber bites (Dhs35), chicken karaage (Dhs45), Kaiso salad (Dhs75), and the salmon tartar (Dhs65). Delving into the Robata menu, we sampled the corn with miso (Dhs40), ume shiso (Dhs45), and the GABA slider (featuring a pretzel bun, wagyu beef, and robata onion jam) (Dhs110) – undoubtedly the best slider I’ve ever tasted (yes, it’s that incredible). For our main courses, the grilled sea bass (Dhs110) was light yet packed with flavor, and the mushroom soba (Dhs75) was executed perfectly. To round off the meal, we indulged in a selection of mochis (Dhs15 each), which were delicately sweet and a delightful way to finish.
The drinks
While we primarily explored the extensive wine list, GABA’s drink selection features an array of inventive cocktails that invite you to explore something truly special.
Verdict
There’s something quietly captivating about GABA. It offers an escape into the evening where you can unwind without the typical club frenzy, accompanied by imaginative cocktails and delectable dishes. This venue brings together a chic house party atmosphere, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking a laid-back yet stylish night out.
GABA, M level, Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina. Tel: (0)55 397 6973. @gaba.dubai
Images: Supplied