Phil Johnson

Chief Features Sub Editor

Phil edits content in the Culture and Lifestyle departments at The National. An experienced journalist with more than 20 years of experience in news, sport and features, he moved to the UAE from the UK in December 2023. Phil’s previous roles include sports editor, production manager and group editor at The Scotsman and its sister titles.

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The Alserkal Avenue cafe serves up authentic cuisine, using ingredients sourced from UAE producers and small farm communities in Mexico. Photo: Lila Molino + Cafe

Lila Molino review: Mexican cuisine meets culture in Dubai

The arty district is evolving quickly and American chef Shaw Lash is doing the same by opening her second dining concept this year

LifestyleDecember 15, 2024

Egg Benedict spinach. Photo: AP Kitchen Delights

AP Kitchen Delights: Family-owned restaurant lives up to its name

Waiter-turned-owner is cooking up a storm with quirky high-quality menu from around the world after deciding to go it alone

FoodNovember 02, 2024

The glazed slow-cooked beef short ribs, which take 18 hours in the oven, are served with rice. Phil Johnson / The National

Restaurant of the weekTatel by Ronaldo and Nadal serves Spanish flair in Dubai

Chef Maestro lives up to his name with slow-cooked beef ribs dish – and more – that’s hard to beat

FoodJuly 19, 2024

The pizzetta, with tomato, Reggiano vacche rosse cheese and ventricina sausage, is a worthy main dish. Photo: Toto Abu Dhabi

Restaurant of the week: Ronaldo and Nadal's Toto Abu Dhabi

Fine-dining Italian venue on Al Saadiyat beachfront is pretty much perfect, but the chef says best is still to come

FoodMay 24, 2024

Salmontini Benedict comes with salmon wood-smoked, light-smoked and roasted salmon. Photo: Le Bistro by Salmontini

Taste test: Le Bistro by Salmontini in Abu Dhabi

Salmon aside, the famed French restaurant offers melt-in-the-mouth sea bass, tenderloin and more

FoodApril 20, 2024