Hidden entrance
The tea ceremony-style entrance and concealed bar create a distinctive two-part night out.
GABA
Dubai Marina
GABA is a bar in Dubai Marina with a calm tea-lounge entrance that leads into a hidden speakeasy atmosphere. Customers come for creative cocktails such as Green tea & Vanilla, DJ-led evenings, and small Asian-inspired bites including tempura and yakitori.
Reputation Score
4.9
★★★★★
579 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Creative cocktails
Reviews repeatedly highlight unusual, balanced drinks, including whisky cocktails and inventive flavour combinations.
DJ atmosphere
The DJ and music are a major part of the experience, adding energy without always overpowering conversation.
Welcoming service
Customers describe the team as attentive, friendly and helpful with drink recommendations.
Strong tempura
The tempura is specifically praised for being crisp, light and not greasy.
Artful interior
The chandelier, artwork and detailed Japanese-influenced design give the venue a gallery-like feel.
Tips for a Better Visit
Find entrance. Allow extra time to locate GABA: one customer found it hard to find and used the stairs or elevator.
Visit later. For dancing and a livelier bar atmosphere, arrive after 10 p.m.
Check stock. If you are visiting for food or drinks, confirm availability first because Noam beer and chips were unavailable for one guest.
Check bill. Before accepting suggested shots or drinks, confirm the price and review the bill carefully.
Plan the visit
Practical details
M level - Marina Promenade
Marsa Dubai - Dubai Marina, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Green tea & Vanilla
This named cocktail was recommended as creamy, sweet and refreshing.
Salmon tartar
A customer praised the salmon tartar for its freshness, presentation and balanced flavour.
Chicken thigh yakitori
This specific yakitori dish was singled out as particularly successful.
Plum sake with apricot liqueur and Parmesan foam
A customer highlighted this unusual drink and accompaniment combination.
Common Concerns
Small portions
One dinner review found the portions too small, including three one-bite mini burgers.
Poor value
A customer felt the food prices did not match what was served, especially for dinner.
Menu gaps
Some requested items were unavailable, including Noam beer and even chips as a snack.
Bill caution
One customer was surprised by a Don Julio 1942 charge after accepting suggested shots and complimentary drinks.
Dress enforcement
A review criticised the enforcement of the dress code, particularly for smart shorts and sandals on hot days.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
120 AED
three mini burgers
“For example, three mini burgers cost 120 AED, and they were literally one bite each”Google review · April 2026
AED 780 for two shots
Don Julio 1942
“We agreed, but later discovered Don Julio 1942 listed at AED 780 for two shots! Guests should be cautious with such offers — this unexpected addition nearly doubled our bill”Google review · October 2025
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
GABA is a Dubai Marina bar built around a reveal: customers enter through a calm, tea ceremony-style lounge before discovering a darker speakeasy below. It suits date nights, small gatherings and evenings when the music matters as much as the drinks. DJs and occasional live music shift the room from relaxed conversation to a livelier late-night atmosphere.
The cocktails are the clearest strength. Reviews mention the Green tea & Vanilla drink, whisky cocktails, plum sake with apricot liqueur and Parmesan foam, and unusual flavour combinations made with care. Food is available too, with salmon tartar, tempura, skewers and chicken thigh yakitori among the more specific dishes customers discuss.
The tempura was praised for being crisp and light. The design is a big part of the visit: chandeliers, artwork, detailed interiors and the concealed entrance give it a gallery-meets-tea-house character. Staff are generally described as friendly, attentive and good at explaining drinks.
Budget carefully if you are coming for dinner. One customer paid more than 450 AED for very small portions, while another reported AED 780 for two Don Julio 1942 shots after accepting a suggestion. Menu availability can also vary, so check before settling in.
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