Dubai's first independent, homegrown, licensed restaurant returns in a new location
And, guess what, it's a Palestinian-owned Japanese concept. My review. Plus more dining news bites.
As always, welcome to new subscribers :) Scroll down for some links at the end to previous newsletters. And for those who joined this community a while back, I hope you’re enjoying the Substack journey as much as I am. In contrast to the torturous times in our region, I find this platform so liberating.
I promised in my last newsletter that I would work my way through Palestinian-owned restaurants. Our custom helps support all these businesses with family and friends in Palestine. First up is a review of a new opening, by the name of…
Okku
The original Okku that opened in 2009 became Dubai’s first independent, homegrown, licensed restaurant concept. Remember the wild disco brunch and Sunday L.O.V.E. promo? Those heady, old-school times are forever ingrained in my memory. Five years after closing, the modern Japanese trendsetter has popped up in a new location. Palm Jumeirah at the Marriott. How does the new Okku compare to the OG? Click here to find out. And yes it’s Palestinian-owned - by the same operator as Claw BBQ. What’s your favourite Okku memory?
Where else have I been dining?
More Palestinian-owned restaurants. But firstly, if you’re wondering why the watermelon is used across social media as a symbol for Palestine, have a read here.
Three by Eva on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2. Mama Eva and her two daughters, run this charming, two-storey villa café, serving classic and contemporary Palestinian dishes. At AED75, you’ll spot the most affordably priced bone marrow in town - and the most generous portion. There’s also a pantry to stock up on artisan produce, like goat labneh balls. Walk-ins only.
Kave at Al Serkal Avenue. A café including B612, a coffee stall. A community working hub. And pop-up boutiques with gorgeous artisan clothing and handicrafts. I bought three keffiyeh-style outfits from Heba’s Closet.
Ordering rice bowls from Maiz Tacos, the Mexican eatery in JLT.
I’ll continue to share more of these outings on my Instagram stories.
One venue. Three new openings
Time Out Market Dubai has welcomed three new vendors! Odeon, Little Jun’s and Onda by Alici - replacing The Lighthouse, 21grams and Fulvio’s respectively. On my dining bucket list.
A bit random, but self-care is important
With the weather cooling down, I do love a pool day, in particular when it’s adult-only.
La Baie at the Ritz-Carlton JBR is my go-to, and likely the most wallet-friendly at a AED200 p/p minimum spend on a weekend.
Fairmont Palm's adult pool is massive. AED250 p/p on weekends fully redeemable against F&B.
Any more adult pool deals with zero blaring music? Or is that an oxymoron?
In the press
Online ‘reviews’ come in all forms and sizes. Fake. Invited. Gifted. Sponsored. And those with a no-freebies policy. Which ones can you trust? A discussion on Dubai Eye 103.8FM with yours truly.
My sobriety journey quoted in Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. By Claudia de Brito.
Newsletter archives. Plus my most popular guides
My welcome launch newsletter here - and a special edition newsletter in support of all things Palestinian here.
The FooDiva annual guide to top Dubai restaurants. 2023 edition here.
I update My Little Pink Lifestyle Book here with new finds every month.
A bientôt,
FooDiva. x
