Sharfin Akter Auni: Redefining Cocktail Culture at Nobu Dubai

In the glittering world of Dubai’s luxury hospitality—where grandeur meets precision—few bartenders have redefined what it means to stand behind the bar quite like Sharfin Akter Auni. As Head Bartender at Nobu Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm, she is not only mixing cocktails but curating entire experiences, blending innovation, storytelling, and technical mastery.

Her role stretches far beyond serving drinks; it encompasses research and development (R&D), training, mentorship, and shaping the brand’s global beverage identity.

Today, she stands tall among Dubai’s most dynamic bar leaders, recognized by industry giants like Caterer Middle East and the World Class UAE & Oman competition, where she was named among the top six finalists. But behind the awards lies a story of dedication, relentless curiosity, and an unshakable passion for hospitality.

---

 Early Life & Inspirations

Like many great leaders in hospitality, Auni’s love for food and beverages began with simple fascinations—flavors, textures, and cultural storytelling. Growing up in South Asia, she was immersed in a culture that valued shared meals and conversations around the dining table. This nurtured in her an understanding of how food and drink can connect people across backgrounds.

Unlike more traditional career paths, bartending was not widely recognized as a respected profession in her hometown. Yet Auni saw it as an art form—an intersection of chemistry, aesthetics, and human connection. Her decision to pursue a career in hospitality was both bold and visionary, a choice that would eventually take her across borders and into some of the world’s most prestigious venues.

---

First Steps in Hospitality

Sharfin’s professional journey began in India, at a time when bartending was still finding its place as a respected career path. With a keen interest in mixology, she eagerly set out to learn the fundamentals of spirits, classic cocktails, and guest interaction.

One of her most defining experiences came at Byg Brewski Brewing Company in Bengaluru, a venue celebrated for its experimental approach to craft beverages. There, she immersed herself in the world of brewing, cocktails, and beverage innovation, gaining hands-on training that sharpened her technical expertise.

At Byg Brewski, she learned a lesson that would stay with her forever: bartending is not just about serving drinks—it’s about creating moments of joy. This philosophy would later define her leadership style at Nobu Dubai.

---

The Zuma Dubai Chapter

Her ambitions soon led her to Dubai, one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs for fine dining and luxury hospitality. Joining Zuma Dubai, a globally renowned Japanese restaurant, proved to be a turning point in her career.

Zuma’s fast-paced, high-expectation environment demanded precision, creativity, and composure under pressure. Working in such a competitive global bar program exposed Auni to the highest standards of service, luxury clientele, and a cosmopolitan bar culture.

It was here that she refined her technical precision—mastering flavor balance, perfecting classic recipes, and learning to deliver excellence consistently. Zuma also gave her opportunities to participate in menu development, which built her confidence to experiment with ingredients while honoring tradition.

This chapter set the foundation for her next big milestone: Nobu Dubai

Joining Nobu Dubai at Atlantis, The Palm

When Auni took on the role of Head Bartender at Nobu Dubai, she stepped into one of the most iconic restaurant brands in the world. Nobu has long been synonymous with innovation, luxury, and Japanese-Peruvian fusion—values that aligned perfectly with her creative vision.

At Nobu Dubai, her responsibilities expanded far beyond mixing cocktails. She became a leader, shaping the bar program’s direction and overseeing operations that now produce over 5,000 cocktails each month.

Her leadership is built on three core pillars:

1. Innovation through R&D – spearheading new beverage concepts and ensuring Nobu Dubai consistently pushes creative boundaries.

2. Mentorship & Training – guiding junior bartenders, hosting WSET Level 2 certification sessions, and fostering a culture of discipline and artistry.

3. Brand Representation – upholding Nobu’s reputation as a global leader in fine dining and luxury hospitality.

Her work for the 20th Anniversary of Nobu was a career highlight—designing menus and experiences that beautifully reflected both tradition and evolution.

---

 The Art of Mixology: Auni’s Signature Style

What sets Auni apart is her ability to infuse storytelling into cocktails. She believes every drink should carry a narrative—whether inspired by a cultural memory, the origin of an ingredient, or a guest’s personal journey.

For her, a cocktail is never just a mix of spirits; it is an experience of discovery. Her menus often reflect the cosmopolitan spirit of Dubai, blending international influences with local nuances.

Her love for timeless classics—like the Negroni or Old Fashioned—is evident, but she often reimagines them through her creative lens, making them both familiar and refreshingly new.

   Sharfin Akter Auni: A Journey of Craft, Culture, and Cocktails

Sharfin Akter Auni’s journey into the world of bartending is a story of passion, precision, and persistence. Born with an innate curiosity for flavors and storytelling, Auni began her career in hospitality with a desire to connect with people and create experiences that linger beyond a single evening. Her early days were marked by exploration, experimenting with blends and textures, and building a strong foundation in guest relations.

Her first major break came at Byg Brewski in Bengaluru, one of India’s most dynamic brewpubs, where she honed her skills in crafting bold, experimental drinks while learning to navigate the high-pressure environment of a bustling bar. Hungry for growth and eager to immerse herself in global trends, she moved to Dubai—a city renowned for its luxury hospitality and international food and beverage scene.

At Zuma Dubai, Auni refined her craft further, embracing the artistry of Japanese-inspired mixology. Here, she learned the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, a philosophy that would shape her professional identity. This experience paved the way to her most defining role yet—Head Bartender at Nobu Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm.

At Nobu, Auni oversees a bar program that serves more than 5,000 cocktails monthly, leading everything from R&D initiatives and menu development to WSET Level 2 training and mentoring bartenders across the group. Her contributions include curating signature menus for iconic events like Nobu’s 20th Anniversary, while also ensuring each cocktail reflects both global standards and local character.

Recognized as one of the top six finalists at World Class UAE & Oman, Auni’s journey is a testament to resilience and creativity. Today, she stands as a role model—an innovator who brings culture, passion, and storytelling into every glass she serves.