Samantha Wood

Samantha Wood is a Greek-Cypriot-British resident of Dubai for 25+ years who wears a number of hats – a food writer, event organiser and consultant. She left the hospitality PR world to set up her own business in 2011 - the impartial restaurant review website, FooDiva.net which has scooped a dozen awards, and an engaged following of 100,000+ across the website, Substack newsletter and social media. Samantha also curates sell-out ticketed and bespoke dining experiences, whilst also offering a concierge service of restaurant recommendations and foodie itineraries. She is a Board Advisor for the UAE Restaurants Group; a member of the global Guild of Food Writers; holds a WSET Level 2 wine qualification; and is a freelance writer, speaker and industry awards judge. Over the pandemic, she launched a pro bono social media campaign, #UAERestaurantsUnite to support the F&B industry, which has since morphed into a long term strategy championing the country’s homegrown dining scene.

Professions

Broadcaster, Consultant, Copywriter, Editor/editorial work, Feature writer, Food and travel writer, Restaurant reviewer, Wine/drinks writer

Special subjects

Food, restaurants, drinks, wine, chefs, culinary travel

Regular work

My restaurant review website www.foodiva.net.
Substack newsletter www.foodiva.substack.com. Freelance commissions for local and international publications including Conde Nast Traveller UK, USA & ME - as well as a regular spot on a local radio station. Event curation for chef-led dining experiences.

Advisory boards / Awards

Board Advisor for UAE Restaurants Group.
Top 10 Substack publications in UAE.
Power 50 by Caterer Middle East.
Top 100 Dubai websites to follow – highest ranked food website.
Ahlan Hot 100 influencer.
Best Food Blogger in BBC Good Food Awards.
ProChef Middle East Food Ambassador.
Expat Star Awards.
Gold in Expat Blog Awards UAE.

Languages spoken

English, Greek, French

Commercial interest

Publishing, editorial, copywriting, freelance journalism, event management for dining experiences, F&B/ media consultancy.