Rooftop views
The rooftop overlooks the marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah promenade and Bluewaters.
Barfly by Buddha-Bar Dubai | Rooftop Restaurant In Dubai
Palm Jumeirah
Barfly by Buddha-Bar Dubai is an Asian fusion rooftop restaurant and lounge at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, known for skyline views, cocktails and dinner. Reviews particularly mention sushi such as king crab sushi and live performances as reasons to make an evening of it.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
946 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Live entertainment
Dancers, singers, DJs and recurring shows turn dinner into a lively night out.
Cocktail craft
Several reviews praise the cocktails, including creative gin, peach, rum and banana combinations.
Sushi quality
The menu gets especially strong feedback for sushi, including a specific recommendation for king crab sushi.
Celebrations
Reviews describe attentive planning and service for birthdays, intimate meals and a 12-person celebration.
Non-alcoholic option
An evening brunch review specifically praised the solid non-alcoholic brunch option.
What to Eat at Barfly by Buddha-Bar Dubai | Rooftop Restaurant In Dubai How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Barfly by Buddha-Bar Dubai | Rooftop Restaurant In Dubai, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
These items at Barfly by Buddha-Bar Dubai | Rooftop Restaurant In Dubai got the most positive mentions in user reviews. Check them out!
Food 10
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Avocado salad Net +1
“Asian food is great. We ordered spicy soup, avocado salad, sushi Plato. Main course fish and chicken - tasty and big dishes!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Asian food is great. We ordered spicy soup, avocado salad, sushi Plato. Main course fish and chicken - tasty and big dishes!”June 2024
-
Black cod Net +1
“Now the main courses were really yummy, I got the black cod and my husband some beef (I'm pescatarian so I am not sure about his dish name), but he finished it all, so he really liked it.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Now the main courses were really yummy, I got the black cod and my husband some beef (I'm pescatarian so I am not sure about his dish name), but he finished it all, so he really liked it.”December 2023
-
Bling bling peaches Net +1
“Batender Yash is very attentive, knowledgeable, and professional. I love the garden spritz and bling bling peaches you made btw!🍹All the staff worked seamlessly together, ensuring that every need was met promptly with a smile.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Batender Yash is very attentive, knowledgeable, and professional. I love the garden spritz and bling bling peaches you made btw!🍹All the staff worked seamlessly together, ensuring that every need was met promptly with a smile.”January 2024
-
Chicken satay Net +1
“The chicken satay was nicely presented, juicy, and flavorful, with a good balance of marinade and sauce.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chicken satay was nicely presented, juicy, and flavorful, with a good balance of marinade and sauce.”September 2025
-
Cirtrus cheesecake Net +1
“Desserts- Cirtrus Cheesecake and Matcha Tiramisu was so yummy! ✨️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Desserts- Cirtrus Cheesecake and Matcha Tiramisu was so yummy! ✨️”January 2024
-
Furai roll Net +1
“We ordered for starters- Furai Roll and Sunset Roll and this is to die for I swear!🍣”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered for starters- Furai Roll and Sunset Roll and this is to die for I swear!🍣”January 2024
-
Fusion cocktails Net +1
“The fusion cocktails were truly unique and expertly crafted, providing a one-of-a-kind taste sensation.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The fusion cocktails were truly unique and expertly crafted, providing a one-of-a-kind taste sensation.”January 2023
-
Grilled lamb chop Net +1
“Main Course- we ordered Grilled Lamb Chop- was excellent and it was cooked perfectly as I requested medium well, and Percik Grilled Baby Chicken.✨️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Main Course- we ordered Grilled Lamb Chop- was excellent and it was cooked perfectly as I requested medium well, and Percik Grilled Baby Chicken.✨️”January 2024
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Iftar menu Net +1
“The iftar menu we had was a 10/10; made with love 🍽️🌹 special thanks to Zizou for being so sweet, assisting & engaging with us.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The iftar menu we had was a 10/10; made with love 🍽️🌹 special thanks to Zizou for being so sweet, assisting & engaging with us.”March 2025
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King crab sushi Net +1
“The food was delicious and the views of the marina were amazing. Via was our waitress and made so many incredible food and drink suggestions. We cant thank her enough for making it such a special experience there. We will 100% be coming back and highly recommend the king crab sushi!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food was delicious and the views of the marina were amazing. Via was our waitress and made so many incredible food and drink suggestions. We cant thank her enough for making it such a special experience there. We will 100% be coming back and highly recommend the king crab sushi!”November 2024
Honorable mentions (9)
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Lobster gyoza Net +1
“First, the food was fantastic! I was starving as I was coming straight from the gym, so I got the tuna ceviche which is 5*, sushi, bao, and the lobster gyoza (this one has such a luxurious presentation, being topped with eatable gold).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“First, the food was fantastic! I was starving as I was coming straight from the gym, so I got the tuna ceviche which is 5*, sushi, bao, and the lobster gyoza (this one has such a luxurious presentation, being topped with eatable gold).”December 2023
-
Matcha tiramisu Net +1
“Desserts- Cirtrus Cheesecake and Matcha Tiramisu was so yummy! ✨️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Desserts- Cirtrus Cheesecake and Matcha Tiramisu was so yummy! ✨️”January 2024
-
Negronis Net +1
“We had such a wonderful time at the Negroni lounge. And without a doubt, the Negronis I tried were so good. Very chilled lounge, not forgetting our kind Servers May and Alvina…so welcoming. In overall, this is a place to be💃🏽💃🏽We’ll be back, most definitely”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had such a wonderful time at the Negroni lounge. And without a doubt, the Negronis I tried were so good. Very chilled lounge, not forgetting our kind Servers May and Alvina…so welcoming. In overall, this is a place to be💃🏽💃🏽We’ll be back, most definitely”June 2025
-
Percik grilled baby chicken Net +1
“Main Course- we ordered Grilled Lamb Chop- was excellent and it was cooked perfectly as I requested medium well, and Percik Grilled Baby Chicken.✨️”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Main Course- we ordered Grilled Lamb Chop- was excellent and it was cooked perfectly as I requested medium well, and Percik Grilled Baby Chicken.✨️”January 2024
-
Spicy soup Net +1
“Asian food is great. We ordered spicy soup, avocado salad, sushi Plato. Main course fish and chicken - tasty and big dishes!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Asian food is great. We ordered spicy soup, avocado salad, sushi Plato. Main course fish and chicken - tasty and big dishes!”June 2024
-
Sunset roll Net +1
“We ordered for starters- Furai Roll and Sunset Roll and this is to die for I swear!🍣”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered for starters- Furai Roll and Sunset Roll and this is to die for I swear!🍣”January 2024
-
Sushi plato Net +1
“Asian food is great. We ordered spicy soup, avocado salad, sushi Plato. Main course fish and chicken - tasty and big dishes!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Asian food is great. We ordered spicy soup, avocado salad, sushi Plato. Main course fish and chicken - tasty and big dishes!”June 2024
-
Tuna ceviche Net +1
“First, the food was fantastic! I was starving as I was coming straight from the gym, so I got the tuna ceviche which is 5*, sushi, bao, and the lobster gyoza (this one has such a luxurious presentation, being topped with eatable gold).”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“First, the food was fantastic! I was starving as I was coming straight from the gym, so I got the tuna ceviche which is 5*, sushi, bao, and the lobster gyoza (this one has such a luxurious presentation, being topped with eatable gold).”December 2023
-
Vegetarian sushi Net +1
“Probably the best vegetarian sushi I’ve had, creamy and crunchy right when you want it, and the presentation was a delight in itself.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Probably the best vegetarian sushi I’ve had, creamy and crunchy right when you want it, and the presentation was a delight in itself.”January 2024
Drinks 4
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Garden spritz Net +1
“Batender Yash is very attentive, knowledgeable, and professional. I love the garden spritz and bling bling peaches you made btw!🍹All the staff worked seamlessly together, ensuring that every need was met promptly with a smile.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Batender Yash is very attentive, knowledgeable, and professional. I love the garden spritz and bling bling peaches you made btw!🍹All the staff worked seamlessly together, ensuring that every need was met promptly with a smile.”January 2024
-
Gin and peach Net +1
“The drinks are also so special, I tried their best seller with gin and peach and then another one with rum and banana, absolutely fab drinks.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The drinks are also so special, I tried their best seller with gin and peach and then another one with rum and banana, absolutely fab drinks.”December 2023
-
Prosecco Net +1
“The Prosecco was crisp and refreshing, served perfectly chilled.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Prosecco was crisp and refreshing, served perfectly chilled.”September 2025
-
Rum and banana Net +1
“The drinks are also so special, I tried their best seller with gin and peach and then another one with rum and banana, absolutely fab drinks.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The drinks are also so special, I tried their best seller with gin and peach and then another one with rum and banana, absolutely fab drinks.”December 2023
What to Avoid (1)
Food 1
-
Brunch menu Net −1
“We tried the brunch menu at Barfly and unfortunately the food was not good. However, the ambiance and the music were great and created a nice atmosphere.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We tried the brunch menu at Barfly and unfortunately the food was not good. However, the ambiance and the music were great and created a nice atmosphere.”February 2026
Tips for a Better Visit
Request terrace. Ask for an outdoor terrace table if the view matters; reviews say it gives the best Marina and skyline perspective.
Try sunset. Plan a date or drinks around sunset, when several reviews highlight the views.
Use valet. Valet is described as convenient, with car collection from the air-conditioned B-level parking.
Check brunch. If food is your priority, check the current brunch menu and feedback before booking; brunch reviews are notably mixed.
Verify offers. Ask about current Monday ladies’ and gents’ offers before visiting, as one review reported a special deal.
Confirm bookings. For a large prepaid event, reconfirm operations and deposit terms directly before travelling.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Palm West Beach - Rooftop, Level 13
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Common Concerns
Brunch inconsistency
Brunch reviews are mixed, with complaints about cold, oily or tasteless food despite strong atmosphere and music.
Limited vegan choices
One group found hardly any vegetarian or vegan options, and considered the available dishes average.
Slow service
A company-event review reported inattentive staff and long waits for drinks and orders.
Booking communication
One customer reported no advance notice of a closure and was still awaiting a refund on an AED 5,000 deposit.
Noise issues
A party review mentioned an unsuitable sound system and noise during the meal.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
149 AED
free flowing alcoholic beverages for ladies for 2 hours
“They have a free flowing alcoholic beverages for ladies for 2 hours for only 149 AED and a special menu for food with discounted prices”Google review · May 2025
AED 125 and AED 155
2 or 3 course meal
“You get to choose between 2 or 3 course meal for AED 125 and AED 155 served along with edamame”Google review · December 2023
AED 5,000
deposit
“I had a confirmed reservation for 35 people for the 14th of March and had already paid a deposit of AED 5,000 (paid deposit in February)”Google review · April 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Barfly by Buddha-Bar Dubai is an Asian fusion rooftop restaurant and lounge in Palm Jumeirah, at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. The draw is the combination of dinner, drinks and a skyline backdrop: reviews mention sushi, bao, black cod, chicken satay and creative cocktails, while outdoor tables look towards the Marina, JBR, Palm and Bluewaters. It suits sunset drinks, date nights and celebrations more than a quiet, purely food-focused meal.
Entertainment is part of the proposition. Guests describe DJs, singers, dancers, fire performances and live shows throughout the evening, with the rooftop atmosphere often receiving stronger praise than the food. The Negroni Lounge is also mentioned for its namesake drinks, relaxed setting and karaoke nights.
Non-alcoholic brunch drinks are available, too. Food quality is not completely consistent. Some diners call the sushi exceptional, while others found brunch food cold, oily or underwhelming and noted limited vegetarian and vegan choices.
Service is often described as warm and attentive, but one corporate-event review reported slow drinks and order handling. Ask for a terrace table and consider sunset. Valet parking is described as convenient.
Reported offers include a two-hour ladies’ drinks package for 149 AED and weekend two- or three-course menus for AED 125 or AED 155. If paying a large deposit, confirm operations and refund terms before booking.