Cooking Diary® is a narrative-heavy time-management simulation that differentiates itself through deep character customization and a family-legacy storyline. While it maintains a high 4.7 rating, it is currently experiencing a decline in user sentiment and grossing ranks (#96-98 US). Its primary value proposition is an ad-free, offline-capable experience, though this is currently being challenged by aggressive monetization and technical issues.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Casual gamers who enjoy time-management challenges, narrative-heavy simulation games, and creative customization features.
What does it look like?
Key features
An immersive storyline involving family legacy, mystery, and character interactions.
Extensive options to dress the chef in trendy, stylish outfits for self-expression.
Collect and interact with cute pets that accompany the player.
Ability to play the game without an active internet connection or Wi-Fi.
How much does it cost?
The game markets itself as 100% ad-free, shifting the monetization burden entirely to microtransactions. Recent sentiment indicates this has led to a 'predatory' feel in the Ruby economy.
Velocity
Active developmentnew contentseasonal eventsmonetizationShow more...
The app maintains active development momentum with a significant content drop in March 2026. Version 2.51.0 introduced a new restaurant, expanded the plot with 'Project Digitization,' and added seasonal event mechanics. Development is currently focused on expanding the game world through new locations and time-limited content cycles.
Who built it?
Mytona
4 apps tracked · Games
Chef Friends: Cooking Game
Ravenhill: Find Hidden Objects
Seekers Notes: Hidden ObjectsUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads mixed. Users appreciate engaging gameplay and visuals and design, but report aggressive monetization.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Engaging Gameplay
- Visuals and Design
Unlock 2 more frustration themes, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Cooking Diary® Restaurant Game
How's the Games market?
The rivals identified
By Smart Fun Limited
Both apps compete for the same casual time-management audience by utilizing restaurant management mechanics as the primary loop for player progression.
- Cooking Diary® features narrative-driven progression and avatar customization, while Crazy Diner focuses on rapid service challenges.
- Cooking Diary® provides an ad-free, offline-capable experience, whereas Crazy Diner relies on standard freemium service models.
Rising Super Chef 2 - CookingContender
Cafeland - Restaurant CookingContender
Cooking Frenzy®️Contender
My Restaurant: Cooking GameContender
Kitchen Craze Cooking GamesContender
Chef TownContender
Cooking Town - Restaurant GameContender
Tasty Diary: Chef Cooking GameContenderShow 1 more
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Cooking Diary® Restaurant Game
Where is it heading?
- Grossing ranks fell to #96 and #98 (Mar 2026) — indicating a downward revenue trend.
- Users report: Mixed mood with high-frequency 'predatory' monetization complaints — signaling high churn risk.
- Active content investment with 'Green Home' and 'Chef's Pass' (Mar 2026) — showing the game is not in maintenance mode.
The SWOT
- Superior narrative depth and family legacy storyline
- Extensive avatar and pet meta-progression
- 100% ad-free and offline-capable marketing
- High iOS user rating (4.7)
- Modernize UI to compete with aging nemesis Cooking Fever
- Integrate cafe renovation mechanics to match 'New Kids' like Cooking Live
- Leverage 'Chef's Pass' for better non-payer retention
Next best moves
Audit and cap pre-gameplay pop-ups
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Larger variety of restaurant types (Cooking Fever has 40+) +3
Bottom line
Cooking Diary is a narrative leader in the genre, but it is currently trading long-term retention for short-term monetization. If I were the PM, I would immediately reduce pop-up friction and fix the progress-loss bugs to stabilize the declining sentiment before the 'New Kids' with better 3D visuals erode the loyal player base.
Unlock 4 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeReport last updated