VNYL Hi-Fi, located on Dubai’s Bluewaters Island, is a genre-defying venue that reimagines nightlife through a fusion of music, design, and culture. Blending a hi-fi bar, vinyl record store, recording studio, and creative space, it offers an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Retro interiors and a state-of-the-art sound system set the scene for everything from relaxed listening sessions to exhilarating parties, with a hidden spiral staircase leading to a disco-inspired lounge.
Sundays come alive with the SAKE BOMB DRUNCH, a session of refreshing beverages, delicious bites, and stunning views of Ain Dubai and the Marina skyline. A live DJ spins soul, funk, hip-hop, and nu-disco, making it the ultimate spot to wrap up or kick off the week.
Highlights
Settling in as a group of three, we were excited to explore the well-curated fusion menu. To begin, I chose the Sunomono Salad, a refreshing and textural mix of seaweed, Japanese pickled cucumber and lotus crisps, lightly dressed and punctuated with crunch. One of my dining partners went for the Shishito Peppers, which arrived well-seasoned with furikake and sea salt—simple but moreish. The other opted for the Edamame, showcasing steamed soybeans tossed with lime, sriracha and Togarashi spice for a punchy, addictive kick.
Moving on to sushi, I selected the Salmon Tiradito, which married delicate slices of salmon with a tangy, zesty dressing—bright, fresh, and beautifully balanced. The Dynamite Tuna roll, chosen by one of my guests, packed more punch, laced with spicy mayo, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Among the starters, the highlight was undoubtedly the Brisket Gyoza, which I had—generously filled with smoked brisket and accompanied by a roasted pepper relish that lent a lovely, warming depth. The Duck Gyoza, chosen by one of my dining partners, offered a slightly sweeter profile thanks to the mandarin reduction, while the third selection, the Cheese & Onion Gyoza, proved a playful take on comfort food with gooey Emmental and savoury soy notes.
For the Binchõ-tan course, my pick was the Miso-Glazed Eggplant, which arrived tender and richly lacquered in sweet miso, with toasted sesame providing contrast. Across the table, the Chicken Yakitori was well-cooked and savoury, its crispy Tanuki udon garnish adding an unexpected but welcome crunch. The third choice, Sesame Prawns, was succulent and bathed in yakitori sauce with a subtle smokiness from the grill.
To finish, I went for the Thai Coconut ice cream, which was light, creamy, and gently aromatic—a perfect palate cleanser. My companions chose the Black Sesame and Dark Chocolate scoops, respectively, each offering a sweet yet light finish to round off the evening.
Book now
From AED125 per person. Call +9714 553 8109 or +97152 249 4004. Visit website.