Dubai, UAE: There’s a new reason to linger in Downtown Dubai. Sobremesa has officially opened its doors in Souk Al Bahar, bringing Mexican-Spanish energy to the heart of the city.
More than just another restaurant or bar, Sobremesa is designed around community, conversation, and the cherished Latin ritual of staying at the table long after the plates have been cleared – a concept perfectly encapsulated by its name, which has no direct English translation but speaks volumes about connection and shared moments.
The essence of Sobremesa – talking, laughing, stretching time into something meaningful – 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 Daniil Chakmin 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.
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: Agave-Forward Conversations
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.
