About Liam.

I am Liam Collens, a restaurant critic and food and travel writer based in the Middle East.

I write criticism and long-form food writing that prioritises clarity, context and fairness over hype. My work spans restaurant criticism, culinary culture, travel, wine and the people and places behind them. Alongside my writing, I regularly appear on the radio and podcasts to discuss dining, hospitality and food culture.

Readers, customers and the public deserve criticism—fair, honest and detailed— that entertains and informs, offering both perspective and pleasure.

Not all experiences are equal, but all deserve to be assessed on their own terms — from neighbourhood cafés to fine-dining tasting menus.

This is the nature of food and travel. My reviews consider quality, technical skill, originality, context and value, drawing comparisons only where they meaningfully illuminate the experience.

Where can you find me…

At a high level, please find below my publishing, appearance and press history:

Publications

I co-authored a forthcoming book on Indian cuisine and contemporary dining with Trèsind Studio—the world’s first three-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant—published by Phaidon Press.

As Founder & Editor of EatGoSee. My work has appeared in Vogue Arabia, FACT Magazines (Dubai, Saudi Arabia and London), Savoir Flair and AMEX Essentials.

Media and Podcasts

I have appeared on Nourish by Spinneys, DubaiEye 103.8FM, and food and hospitality podcasts across the region, including the Chef JKP Podcast.

Press Trips

Press travel has included culinary and hospitality assignments across Europe, the Middle East and Asia for the last five years.

Judge

I have served as a judge for regional and international food and hospitality awards.

Personally

Born in the Caribbean and educated in the UK, I have lived in the UAE for over a decade and travelled extensively for food and hospitality experiences across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. I continue to invest time in wine education and hold WSET Level 2 with Distinction, with a particular interest in Northern Italian wine and grape varieties.

I also have nearly twenty years of legal experience, which informs my analytical approach to criticism and my interest in structure, standards and accountability. On a personal note, I live with my wife, our son, three cats and a dog, all rescues (with the obvious exceptions).

Where invitations are accepted for meals, stays or press travel, this is always disclosed in the interest of transparency. EatGoSee also publishes work from emerging voices in food and travel writing, and pitches are welcome.

I am available to consult with hospitality businesses, offering clear, constructive feedback on concept, execution and guest experience.

You can contact me via email, or follow my work on Instagram under @itsliamcollens and LinkedIn.