From the stuffed camel at the foot of the stairs to the fabulous chandelier glittering over the shimmering, many-textured golden walls of the atrium, you know that thought has gone into Arabesque from the get-go. Seating is at booths, with a low light emanating from behind carved fretwork screens – so far so upscale Arab. The banquette seats are upholstered in gorgeous Azeri
textiles and kilims, which offer a nice counterpoint to the stained glass pendant lamp mood lighting. The service is attentive and the drinks list is good. Particularly popular with the hip young things of Baku’s nocturnal scene, Arabesque is a great place to swing by and kick back over a few drinks or, indeed, sample the pan-arab and pizza snack menu. Afterwards you can climb the stairs to the cushion-lined shisha room, lay out and chill with a fruity concoction from the extensive kalyan list.