Dubai Restaurant Reviews By FooDiva

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  Tasca by chef José Avillez: why first impressions count

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  We arrive a little early for a 7pm booking on a Friday at Tasca, Portuguese chef José Avillez’ first international restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Dubai. Our ‘welcome’ greeting from...

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  Would I return to Pan-Asian steakhouse Matagi?

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  “Cold sea. Cold earth winds. Fire sea. Fire earth. Hot bowl earthenware pots. Master meat cuts. Sprouts greens. Happy happy joy joy.” All these terms are bizarre menu headers. Going by the selection of dishes, cold and fire...

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  Can Ena become more than a ONE-hit wonder?

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  Avgolemono. A traditional Greek egg and lemon soup. It may not sound particularly appealing, but if cooked correctly, it is. Trust me. This chicken-infused rice broth, whisked with eggs and the juice of freshly squeezed lemons is pure...

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  Hell’s Kitchen Dubai: dining hell or not?

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  I wasn’t looking forward to lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s latest Dubai restaurant opening, Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace Bluewaters island. In my mind I had painted a picture of dining hell – a garish, kitsch Las Vegas concept...

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  Is a table worth bagging at the new Hakkasan Dubai?

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  I tried three times over the last month to book a table at modern Cantonese restaurant import Hakkasan, which recently relocated from Jumeirah Emirates Towers to Atlantis The Palm Dubai. On all three...

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  Ammos: slick service devoid of overt upselling

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  Overt upselling in a restaurant (or anywhere for that matter) is a tremendous turn off. No one likes to smell the sell. The diner has wisened up and can spot when a waiter tries to upsell a more...

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  Le Frenchy: is good food alone enough to make me return?

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  If you like 'French' fare with a side order of loud R&B tunes, and don’t mind dining in an empty restaurant, then by all means, pay new Dubai opening, Le Frenchy...

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  Modi Georgian Restaurant: a new cuisine for Dubai

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  Dubai now boasts its first licensed Georgian restaurant, and, arguably, the first establishment here dedicated to this rich and fragrant cuisine. We have had the odd café serving food from across the...

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  La Carnita Dubai: do first impressions always count?

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  When I call a new casual Mexican restaurant just open in Dubai, La Carnita, on a Friday, for an evening reservation, the hostess advises that only a 7 to 9pm slot is available. A booking strategy or is...

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