Moon Bar by MiMi has launched a new late-night experience for those who know that the best evenings unfold after 10 PM. Moon Bar Lates delivers expertly mixed drinks, rotating DJ talent, and an environment that strikes the sweet spot between relaxed and refined.
Tucked within MiMi Mei Fair in Dubai’s Opera District, the venue channels Chinese heritage through lacquered black surfaces, considered lighting, and hand-painted mirrors depicting Yutu, the mythical Jade Rabbit. Behind velvet drapes and moonlit mirrors, the space weaves together influences from Imperial China, 1920s Shanghai, and London into something distinctly contemporary and decidedly Dubai.
As darkness settles, this cocktail lounge transforms. Four nights weekly, resident DJs including Alonso Perea, Carla Alvarez, Ann Epi, and Miss Rich spin slow-burn disco and hypnotic grooves, bring a steady late-night energy that suit conversation as much as they do cocktails.
The Art of Mixology
Bar Manager Jeet Verma has created a beverage programme that treats cocktails as storytelling opportunities. The approach blends bold Asian flavours with refined technique, balancing elegance with just enough edge to keep things interesting. Each drink unfolds across multiple sips, revealing layers designed to intrigue and refresh.
The Moon Bar Lates menu features thoughtful selections at pricing that encourages exploration. The Soju Spagliato combines strawberry soju with Italian aperitivo elements for something genuinely refreshing. The Lychee Gin Sour delivers clean, bright flavours through basil, lime, and quality gin. For those drawn to bolder territory, the Picante brings jalapeño, pineapple, and coriander together with a hit of heat and tropical depth.
The Xing Sour layers pandan, apricot, and citrus for complexity that rewards attention. The Chá Old Fashioned reimagines the classic with sandalwood, spiced tea, and peach bitters, creating something warming and indulgent for later hours. The Espresso Martini arrives with vanilla-enhanced smoothness, providing that familiar late-night lift.
Beyond cocktails, expect South Australian wines from Arcadian in both Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, Tsingtao beer, and a delicious Sparkling Tea mocktail in strawberry or lychee.
Signature Serves and Tasting Experiences
The Moon Bar signatures draw inspiration from the Yutu legend. The Yíner-Tini offers crisp citrus with subtle earthy undertones. The Mòlìhua Fizz balances floral and fruity notes with gentle bitterness while The Mugwort Mystique delivers pronounced aromatics brightened with yuzu.
These signatures also come as Mini Moons, smaller pours available individually or as a tasting trio. It’s an efficient way to explore the menu, particularly useful for first visits or when you’re curious about multiple serves. The format lets you experience the breadth of what’s on offer in a single sitting.
Alongside them, the MiMi Classics include the Blossom Spritz, Imperial Blush with lychee and basil, and the Lantern Margarita with chilli and yuzu. Non-alcoholic cocktails come alive with Lyre’s spirits, including the bright Juniper Bloom, the soft citrus of Amaretti Sour, and the elegantly effervescent Sparkling-T.
Bar Bites with Bold Flavour
The food menu features bar bites as bold and unexpected as the cocktails. Yutu’s Garden combines sweet potato, asparagus, and shiso leaf with spicy mayo. Moonfire Tempura Prawns arrive with sweet chilli sauce. Salt & Pepper Squid incorporates golden garlic and seven spice. Lunar Pearls of prawn and crab arancini provide satisfying richness. Boneless Chicken Wings come glazed in tai chin sauce, delivering a familiar feast with elevated execution.
The dim sum selection includes Vegetable Spring Rolls, Seafood Treasure Dumplings, Lotus Blossom Dim Sum, and the signature Peking Duck Bao with house-made hoisin. Portions work well for sharing and grazing throughout the evening rather than structured courses. The kitchen operates until 2 AM during Moon Bar Lates, ensuring hot food remains available as the night progresses.
The Space and Atmosphere
Moon Bar by MiMi occupies a discrete location, tucked inside MiMi Mei Fair in Dubai’s Opera District. The interior incorporates Chinese heritage through black lacquered surfaces, soft lighting, and hand-painted mirrors featuring Yutu, the mythical Jade Rabbit. The space gives off a distinctive, contemporary character, with it’s elvet drapes and subtle brass touches add warmth.
Low lounges and sleek banquettes make it easy to settle in, while small tables allow for both intimacy and socialising. DJs spin late-night sets of disco, house, and hypnotic grooves, setting a steady rhythm that keeps the energy flowing.
After-Hours Rhythm
Moon Bar Lates runs Wednesday to Saturday, 10 PM to 2 AM, when the space transforms. Lights dim, cocktails flow, and resident DJs set a smooth, late-night energy that carries the evening well past standard closing hours.
Beyond these times, the full menu remains available, with pricing designed for lingering over multiple rounds. Its Opera District location offers easy access from nearby hotels and residences, while being tucked inside MiMi Mei Fair makes it a natural follow-on from dinner or a destination in its own right. Weekend reservations are recommended, as the space fills quickly with a mix of locals and visitors.