Experiencing Masti, Cocktails, and Cuisine at South La Mer in Jumeirah, Dubai, felt like stepping into a vibrant world where Indian flavors meet a playful twist. Nestled along the stunning shores of La Mer, this spot instantly reminded me why it stays on every must-visit list especially with its lively The Elephant Bath Brunch, offered as a ‘dirty’ brunch package at AED375, US$102, £80, €86, or a non-alcoholic option at AED 215, US$59, £46, €49.
Under the creative guidance of chef Hari Nayak, the restaurant truly redefines traditional dining. I loved indulging in an array of innovative dishes—from butter chicken pizza to tamarind BBQ beef ribs—while sipping expertly crafted cocktails with unique ingredients and bold combinations. The venue welcomes guests with a laid-back vibe and an inviting ambiance, making it a standout in Dubai’s dynamic nightlife scene.
Step inside and you’ll quickly understand why it tops the city’s nightlife charts. Its decor, music, and every detail feel carefully crafted to create a seamless social experience in the heart of the city. It’s no surprise the spot attracts global travellers, offers VIP bottle service, live sports screenings, and maintains a refined yet energetic atmosphere.
MASTI: I Am A Guy, Staring At a Brunch Menu, Asking It To Feed Me, Well
Walking into MASTI on a weekend, I always pause at the oversized elephant mural, thinking about the first time I came here after COVID19, hungry for that mix of breakfast, lunch, and bold booze. I sit with a chilled gin cocktail—a twisted Bramble in a slightly stained glass—trying to make a decision because every brunch here feels like a mini party with Bombay-style vibes that remind me of Bungalow lanes.
As someone who has written review pieces and tasted menus by chefs like Hari Nayak and Vineet Bhatia, I can tell you this brunch menu makes eating feel like flipping through awards and magazines, each plate more tempting than the last. Even after visiting places like Katsuya and admiring Starck designs, nothing beats the playful chaos of Masti’s Elephant Bath energy—where the brunch food truly lands between art and appetite.
MASTI: Heavy on the Vibes
At MASTI’s upstairs lounge, I always feel the heavy yet electric mood the moment I arrive, as the decor blends modern design with a bold interpretation of British Raj style, creating a rich, layered, and fearless celebration of colour. I often find myself leaning back on pool-like teal benches paired with pale wicker headrests, while Green palm leaves, an arch, ornate picture frames, and Batik-style floral armchairs surround glossy wooden tables as the bar glows under art deco-style lighting fixtures, turning the space into a bright escape even on a afternoon.
With a Bramble in hand, the dining partner next to me enjoys the Refreshing vibe while gin-soft jazz sets up the tone for long nights, and I always recommend their quirky playlist where pipes meet obscure remixes of popular songs—the type you Shazam incessantly and never forget, almost like a verb that could lead the quirky characters of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel straight here. By the time you’ve arrived downstairs, the dining space feels equally refreshing with floor-to-ceiling windows letting beach-side sunshine flood the restaurant, Alfresco dining available, skyline views of Downtown Dubai, and unless you’re brave enough to endure oppressive September humidity, you’ll want to sit comfortably upstairs, overlooking the views indoors.
MASTI: The Elephant Bath Brunch Cocktail
When I first tried this playful drink at MASTI, the mix of tangy, citrus, and sweet notes instantly reminded me of the fun, mischief, and “mastified” spirit the place is known for. Its refreshing character works almost like a palate cleanser, pairing beautifully with their cold starter bites like cassava, chaat, salad, and mesclun, each carrying hints of smokey chipotle, tamarind, mint, and coriander. Even dishes like paneer tikka, lamb croquettes, and Kashmiri spices feel more vibrant next to it, especially when dipped into that English pea puree and nutty chutney mix I personally love.
The cocktail’s brightness also complements MASTI’s quirky approach to Indian-inspired subcontinent food that cleverly reimagines tradition—whether you’re enjoying pani puri with diced fillings and a glossy glaze, or rich plates like butter chicken, Saag Lasagna, Veg Biryani, and seafood paella made with arborio rice. I often pair my drink with their pressed spinach and stracciatella, or the crunchy smashed and spiced potatoes, which balance the cocktail’s sour edge. Even the Italian-style pasta sheets layered with tomato purée, mozzarella, and low-rise textures feel surprisingly lighter, almost less soporific, thanks to that zesty sip.
And the best part? It leads perfectly into their trio dessert platter featuring Rasmalai, Coconut Cake, and a traditional pudding with a nutty base, each plated with decorative details like coral, circular swirls, white chocolate buttons, and coconut-laced touches. As someone with a child-like sweet tooth, I adore how the cardamom-scented sponge, strawberry jam, and contrasting black and white tones show real finesse—never soulless, always full of brunch-style joy.
Masti – Cocktails & Cuisine Details
Theme: Indian
Music Style: DJ-led mix of International and English tracks
Music Timing: Starts at 8:00 PM
Operating Hours: 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Cost for Two: AED 535 (approx.) without alcohol
Nearest Metro: Business Bay Metro Station 2
Distance from Metro: Around 20 minutes by taxi
Cuisine: Contemporary Indian
Dress Code: Smart casual, modern, and elegant
Payment Options: Cash, Visa/MasterCard, and international cards accepted
Opening Hours
Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Wednesday: 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday: 12:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 12:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 12:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
