Indian tapas
Creative small plates include Shahi Paneer Pin Wheels, Samosadilla and fondue-style chicken makhani.
Indi 16
Business Bay
Indi 16 is an Indian-inspired tapas bar in Business Bay, pairing shareable modern dishes with creative cocktails and premium Indian single malts. Reviews also highlight its shisha lounge, live singers and Bollywood-focused nights in a stylish indoor-outdoor setting.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
570 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Signature drinks
Reviews highlight inventive cocktails such as Kokum Fizz, Jamun-inspired drinks and Smoky Mint Julep.
Shisha separation
The shisha lounge is in a separate section, giving non-smokers a more comfortable dining area.
Live entertainment
Live singers, musicians, Bollywood events, DJs and karaoke give evenings a changing, lively soundtrack.
Skyline views
The 16th-floor setting at Citymax Hotel is repeatedly mentioned for its Dubai skyline views.
Quiz nights
Thursday’s Loki’s Bollywood quiz is a recurring group-friendly feature.
Indoor outdoor
You can choose between indoor seating and a covered, temperature-conditioned outside area.
Helpful service
Several diners say staff gave thoughtful menu recommendations based on their tastes.
Tips for a Better Visit
Try pinwheels. Add Shahi Paneer Pin Wheels to your order; one diner called them the meal’s highlight.
Book Thursdays. Choose Thursday if you want the recurring Loki’s Bollywood quiz rather than a quieter dinner.
Choose sections. If you do not smoke, request the separate non-smoking dining area beside the shisha lounge.
Check deals. Ask about the AED16 drinks deal on Tuesdays and Wednesday Ladies’ Night before ordering.
Expect late dancing. For a livelier night, stay after midnight, when one review says the room becomes a dance floor.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Citymax Hotels - Al Amal Street - Al Khaleej Al Tejari 2 St
Business Bay, Dubai
| Mon | 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Tue | 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Wed | 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Thu | 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Fri | 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Sat | 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Sun | 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Sound levels
Quiz programming can make the venue noisy, and one diner asked for quieter music in the first hall.
Garnishes
One review noted that drinks arrived without peanuts or another crunchy garnish.
Dish consistency
A reviewer found the Trio Lentil Arancini potato-heavy and the Chicken Dilli Makhan Wala less spicy than expected.
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The Bottom Line
Indi 16 is an Indian-inspired tapas bar in Business Bay where the main draw is sharing modern takes on familiar flavours alongside cocktails or single malts. The menu has some memorable ideas: Shahi Paneer Pin Wheels, Samosadilla and fondue-style Chicken Dilli Makhan Wala all receive specific mentions, while the Kokum Fizz and Smoky Mint Julep stand out among the drinks. The setting is built for an evening rather than a quick meal.
Reviews describe a 16th-floor Citymax Hotel venue with Dubai skyline views, indoor and outdoor seating, and a separate shisha section that lets non-smokers dine away from the smoke. Live singers, musicians, DJs and Bollywood-themed events are part of the appeal; Thursday’s Loki’s Bollywood quiz is especially popular, and the room can become a dance floor after midnight. Service is often praised for attentive menu guidance, but sound levels are worth considering: a quiz show made one visit noisy, and another diner wanted quieter music in the first hall.
Portions are not always classic tapas size either, with one solo diner finding several sections intended for sharing. Ask about the AED16 drinks deal on Tuesdays and Wednesday Ladies’ Night before you settle in.