Sexy Fish Dubai – An Immersive Underwater Dining Fantasy

Sexy Fish Dubai, opened on December 4, 2024, redefines luxury dining with glamour, art, and high-energy entertainment

Project Overview
Building on the global success of its sister venues in Miami, Mayfair, and Manchester, Sexy Fish Dubai made its grand entrance on December 4, 2024. From the outset, it set out to redefine luxury dining in the Emirates, blending glamour, cutting-edge art, and high-energy entertainment into a vibrant space. This Japanese-inspired dining destination is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience, designed to captivate guests from the moment they arrive.

The Vision: A marine maximalist wonderland
Sexy Fish Dubai takes guests on an underwater journey, embracing a “marine maximalist” aesthetic that is as bold as it is breathtaking. The adventure begins right at the entrance, where a soft, aquatic glow casts light over an eye-catching Damien Hirst octopus sculpture—an introduction that signals this isn’t your typical restaurant.

Touches of coral pink, alongside intricately sculpted columns, infuse the space with drama and sophistication. The experience heightens on Level 11, where an iridescent mosaic floor
glimmers like sunlight dancing across ocean waves. Throughout the restaurant, sensual siren sculptures and organic patterns help blur the line between fantasy and reality, crafting a dreamlike world where customers can enjoy the finest global cuisine in some of the finest surroundings.

Design Expertise: Where art and elegance collide
Designed by the renowned MBDS studio, the interiors artfully blend mid-century brasserie charm with fluid, ocean-inspired motifs. Rich textures and luxurious materials bring a tactile quality to every surface, creating an environment that’s both visually stunning and sensorially engaging.

The bar stands out as a true centrepiece—a sweeping, golden sculpture in itself, crowned by floating fish installations that heighten the aquatic fantasy. Even the bathrooms have become a social media sensation in their own right, featuring shell-shaped onyx sinks, vibrant coral reef visuals, and a floral ceiling that completes the venue’s surreal, underwater allure.

Lighting Design: Setting the scene under the sea
Lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping the restaurant’s immersive atmosphere. Designed by 18 Fifty and brought to life by Acoulite with BW Interiors, the lighting scheme was custom- tailored to highlight every intricate detail while remaining flexible enough to adapt as the mood shifts throughout the evening.

In the reception area, carefully placed downlights accentuate the curves and textures of the Damien Hirst sculpture, while soft floor lighting enhances the warmth of the coral-hued walls. The interplay of light and shadow here sets the tone for an experience that’s equal parts theatrical and intimate.

In the main dining space, the golden bar glows from within, thanks to integrated lighting that subtly draws the eye without overwhelming the room. Sculpted columns are accented by discreet LED lights, their deep red tones and delicate patterns adding a sense of depth and movement across the space.

The bathrooms are no afterthought either—LED strips behind mirrors cast a soft glow that enhances the luxurious, otherworldly vibe, while subtle floor lighting highlights the details of the onyx sinks, creating an environment that feels both opulent and serene.

Advanced lighting controls for seamless mood shifts
A sophisticated smart control system gives Sexy Fish Dubai the ability to shift its ambience throughout the night. A custom-designed app allows staff to fine-tune lighting scenes and adjust colour temperatures with ease. This gives the venue flexibility to seamlessly transition from a vibrant, energetic atmosphere during peak hours to a softer, more intimate glow as the evening progresses—enhancing the immersive dining experience without interrupting the flow of service.

Challenges overcome
One of the biggest hurdles the team faced was fine-tuning the correlated colour rendering (CCR) to ensure every design detail—whether a texture, material, or colour—was shown in its best light. The solution? A meticulously planned lighting scheme that complemented the rich palette of materials without dulling their vibrancy.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Design and Experience
Sexy Fish Dubai isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a sensory journey that transports diners into a luxurious, underwater-inspired realm. With stunning artistic elements, thoughtfully designed interiors, and masterfully executed lighting, it has carved out its own space as one of Dubai’s most unforgettable dining experiences. A true collaboration between MBDS, 18 Fifty, Acoulite and BW Interiors, the venue stands as a testament to what happens when art, design, and culinary innovation come together seamlessly.