Reif Japanese Kushiyaki

Helmed by Reif Othman, a Dubai-based chef and restaurateur from Singapore whose clever twists on Japanese cuisine have garnered him and his restaurants many accolades including the Chefs’ Choice Award in the inaugural MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2022 line-up and the much-coveted UAE Golden Visa. Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is a Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded neighbourhood concept specialising in unconventional Japanese food, a reflection of Reif’s playful personality and his distinctive cooking style. 


Boasting a casual and fun dining experience, Reif brings a modern and witty flair to traditional Japanese dishes through bold flavours and textures,including his Instagram-famous bestseller: the Wagyu sando. A Wagyu fillet is coated with charcoal breadcrumbs, fried to medium-rare with a slice of slightly grilled wagyu sirloin, toasted milk bread, Japanese mustard mayo and tonkatsu sauce.


The all-day lunch and dinner menu, plus weekend brunch allows diners to tick their own choices when placing an order, selecting from multiple sections such as snacks; tiny; star dishes; kushiyaki skewers; hearty ramen and rice dishes.


TERO (The Experience by Reif Othman) is Reif’s celebrated omakase tasting menu concept served at the intimate four-seater kitchen bar in themainReif Japanese Kushiyaki, Dar Wasl Mall. Omakase is the Japanese Tradition of letting the chef design and cook a bespoke menu for guests. TERO is very much chef Reif’s innovation playground, where he personally cooks a refined twist on his trademark unconventional Japanese fare. Two omakase tasting menus are available - eight dishes for AED420, and 12 dishes for AED620 (food only). These can be booked seven days a week for lunch or dinner for a minimum of two people and a maximum of four. Reservations are required five working days in advance to ensure the chef’s availability and the sourcing of exclusive produce.


In the main restaurant, Reif’s childhood comic, Astro Boy, takes centre stage on the entrance wall as a vibrant and interactive 3D panel created by Dubai-based Lebanese artist, Lauris Zailaa. An open-plan kitchen allows diners to soak up the magical creation of Reif’s dishes. Drawers on every table open up to house the cutlery and menu; chair legs mimic chopsticks; a glass window into the kitchen is inspired by those on Japanese street food stalls; and a terrace welcomes diners over Dubai’s winter season.