Restaurant Reviews

A personal message. And some light-hearted reading.

Something old. Something new. Something relocated. Something Gordon.

Mar 10 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

Sometimes I give restaurants a second chance

The former executive chef of The Maine Group, Saradhi Dakara's new restaurant Orilla reviewed. The definition of restaurant criticism. How I select…

Feb 25 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

From Mexico to France. Two new Dubai restaurants reviewed.

Cocina Tres and Maison Mer. Homegrown concepts, of course.

Jan 27 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

Is Kraken all it's cracked up to be?

I couldn't resist this clichéd idiom for a headline. Chef Gregoire Berger's new seafood restaurant reviewed.

Dec 9, 2025 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

Is Middle Child worth the queue?

Plus...Results of your poll feedback. Lana Lusa opens a third licensed branch. Bull & Bear's Sunday roast. And my new dining experience.

Nov 3, 2025 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

A trio of new restaurant openings reviewed

Yubi. Three Bros. Piehaus. Would love your feedback on this new review format.

Oct 8, 2025 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

Maison Dali: a dining experience that complements or conflicts?

A palpable relief to review this new restaurant incognito from start to finish.

Jul 1, 2025 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

Have you tried Central American cuisine?

A review of new restaurant opening Girl & The Goose by Nicaraguan chef Gabriela Chamorro. And a no 48 GLOBAL Rising Food & Drink ranking for this…

Jun 12, 2025 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

How does the first "modern Emirati" restaurant in Dubai fare?

Gerbou reviewed. A collaborative concept by restaurateurs Atelier House Hospitality and Tashkeel, Dubai's art and design incubator.

Apr 8, 2025 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

Why I struggle with tasting menus.

But then along comes Thai-inspired Manao. By the chef of much-missed The Yellow Monkey and golden boy Mohamad Orfali. My first five out of five knife…

Feb 24, 2025 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

Where FooDiva Dines In Dubai: A 2025 Restaurant Guide.

My annual Dubai restaurant guide celebrates its tenth edition. A record 47 homegrown concepts have made the cut.

Jan 7, 2025 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

New Dubai restaurant opening, Khadak. By the ex-chef director of Dishoom.

This month's impartial review: a homegrown, modern Indian restaurant in Jumeirah that exceeds expectations.

Dec 9, 2024 • FooDiva - Restaurant Whisperer

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