There’s a new reason to linger in Downtown Dubai, and it’s not just the new fountains. Next month, Sobremesa opens in Souk Al Bahar, bringing a tequila and mezcal-forward, Mexican-Spanish energy to the heart of the city. More than just another restaurant or bar, Sobremesa is about community, conversation and staying at the table long after the plates have been cleared.
The name says it all. Sobremesa is a word with no direct English translation, describing the cherished Latin ritual of lingering after a meal – talking, laughing, stretching time into something meaningful. That essence has been distilled into a 60-cover neighbourhood hangout where expats, residents, and travellers alike can eat, drink and connect.
The creative spirit behind Sobremesa is driven by Chakmin Daniil and Hekim Setdarov, a visionary duo bringing a wealth of international experience across hospitality, retail, and large-scale operations. Together, they combine Daniil’s track record as a restaurateur and catering leader with Hekim’s expertise in business strategy and innovation to deliver a dining experience defined by passion, professionalism, and creativity.
The Kitchen
At the helm is eccentric Mexican chef Marco Ferreirа, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate whose career spans Hollywood dining rooms and Moscow’s cult kitchens. His menu reimagines comfort classics with flair – tortillas pressed in-house, a charcoal grill adding smoke and
swagger, and fresh ingredients at the core. Highlights include the Truffled Quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese, mushrooms and avocado salsa, and the Duck Carnitas Taco layered with
BBQ sauce, jalapeño aioli, and pickled onion – already tipped as a Downtown favourite.
The Bar
But if the food draws you in, the bar makes you stay. Guided by Beverage Director Irina Golubeva, Sobremesa’s drinks programme is unapologetically agave-forward, with a curated collection of mezcals, tequilas, Spanish Jerez, and a line-up of inventive cocktails. Expect playful twists on classics – the Mezcal Negroni Sorbet arrives icy and bittersweet, while the Electric Paloma fizzes with crackling energy. Here, drinks aren’t just for sipping – they’re designed to spark conversation.
The Design
Created by the award-winning DA Bureau, the interiors capture the brand’s philosophy: charred wood sculptures evoke fire gatherings, sparks flicker along the bar, and a digital sun glows overhead. The result is intimate but alive – stylish without pretence, deliberately cosy, and built for connection.
The Ritual
From the moment you arrive, rituals set the tone: with your order, comes a surprise: sangrita and a tasting pour of tequila or mezcal. Rotating with different brand partners, this light hearted initiation invites guests to discover agave’s heritage and stories – part education, part mischief, all sincerity.
Speaking on the launch, General Manager. Andrey Kryuchkov, said: “We’re bringing something unpretentious, refreshing and new to Downtown Dubai. It’s about creating a home away from home where people can relax, enjoy great food and drinks, and stay longer than they planned. That’s what Sobremesa is all about.”
With its playful food, agave-driven cocktails, and a philosophy rooted in connection, Sobremesa is the bar Downtown Dubai has been waiting for. Opening daily from 6pm until late, it promises to be the city’s newest spot for those who want to eat, drink, and stay a little
