In the heart of Downtown Dubai, hidden behind a nondescript door inside the stylish Alba Restaurant, lies a bar so secretive that its very name, Himitsu — Japanese for “secret” — feels like an invitation to enter a different world. This is no ordinary drinking spot; it is a sensory experience that fuses clandestine glamour, avant-garde cocktails, and refined Japanese-inspired dining.
The brainchild of acclaimed interior architect Tristan Du Plessis — the creative force behind some of the region’s most lauded venues — Himitsu is a jewel-box space of just 800 square feet, designed for an elite audience of only 15 guests at a time. Inside, intricate floral murals and delicate nods to traditional Japanese craftsmanship set the stage for an evening that unfolds like a perfectly scripted performance: slow, seductive, and entirely immersive.
At its heart is a cocktail program unlike any other in the city. Guests are invited to play mixologist with a bespoke mechanical ‘cocktail tetris’ — a one-of-a-kind system that offers over 1,200 possible combinations. Each creation is both a personal statement and a discovery, guided by the deft hands of bar manager Dikshant Tanwar, a 24-year-old rising star whose artistry bridges precision and playfulness. Alongside this interactive menu, a curated selection of fine wines, Champagnes, and perfected classics rounds out the liquid offering.
True to its speakeasy ethos, Himitsu is more than just a bar — it’s an ever-shifting stage. International guest bartenders, whisper-only DJ nights, and a loyal clientele of insiders ensure that no two evenings are ever the same. The unspoken rule? You leave with a memory worth keeping, and a story you may or may not choose to share.
Open Thursday to Sunday, with no closing hour but “when the last guest leaves,” Himitsu is by reservation only — accessible via a quiet phone call or a discreet WhatsApp message. For those lucky enough to find the door, it is less a place you visit than a secret you become part of.
