Sobremesa: The Art of Staying Late

In Spanish, sobremesa is the time spent at the table after a meal, when the plates have gone but the conversation hasn’t. The restaurant in Souk Al Bahar takes that idea as its operating principle: everything here is designed to keep people seated.

The cooking is Mexican with Spanish touches, the plates are made to share, and the doors stay open until 1am. It brings a little of both countries to the heart of Downtown Dubai.

Warmth is the brief. Warm wood, amber light and charred wooden sculptures set the tone. A glowing light installation at the heart of the room carries the mood, which changes as the evening unfolds. The space is intimate without being quiet, and it rewards staying put.

The open kitchen, wrapped in hypnotic zebra stripes, is the room’s most striking feature. It belongs to Mexican chef Marco Ferreyra, who takes a playful approach to familiar Mexican and Spanish dishes. Charcoal grilling sits at the centre of the cooking, tortillas are made in-house, and the menu is written for passing plates around the table.

A seat at the bar is part of the plan. The evening opens with a complimentary sangria shot and a bowl of popcorn made from Mexican black corn and spices, small gestures that loosen the table before the first order goes in. From there, the drinks carry the night as far as it goes.

Open from noon until 1am every day, Sobremesa works at any hour: a long lunch on the terrace, an early dinner, or a late plate after an evening around Dubai Mall and Downtown. The pace stays unhurried throughout.