Dragon’s Tooth

Tucked away within Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Dragon’s Tooth is a speakeasy bar that channels the spirit of 1920s Shanghai jazz — moody, intimate, elegant, and evocative. Its entrance is concealed behind the hotel’s Dai Pai Dong restaurant via the “Tea Room,” adding to the sense of discovery. Once inside, you’re immersed in a hushed environment of dark woods, brass elements, leather ceilings, and warm lighting. The room is compact — perhaps thirty-odd seats at capacity — making it ideal for whispered conversation, slow sipping, and the occasional showmanship of the bartenders. Cocktails are central. The menu (publicly available) includes Asian-inspired creations: Heart of the Dragon (bourbon, Benedictine, orange bitters), Ginger Margarita, Hong Kong Rickshaw (bourbon with chili/honey syrup), among others. The bar also offers a robust whiskey / Japanese whisky / rare spirits list. Food is modest but intentionally paired: dim sum, small bites, and lighter fare often drawn from Dai Pai Dong next door. Patrons frequently pair steamed or fried dim sum with cocktails. In terms of operation: Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM; Friday & Saturday, 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. It also features Tales of the Orient nights (Thurs/Fri, 5–8 PM): storytelling plus themed cocktail + dim sum pairing. The tone is elegant but not cold. Reviewers note that while it’s hidden and refined, the staff are warm and the drinks adventurous. Because of its size and secrecy, it’s often busy — arriving early or booking is wise. In effect, Dragon’s Tooth is a cocktail lounge that doubles as a drama — a portal from Rosewood’s opulence into vintage intrigue, where each drink is a little performance.