The 29-seater, unlicensed restaurant promises a creative twist on traditional Japanese Kushiyaki…

He’s helmed the kitchen at high-end restaurants including Zuma, Play and Billionaire Mansion, and now acclaimed local chef Reif Othman has opened his brand new concept.

The Japanese restaurant, called REIF, can be found in Dar Wasl Mall, and as well as seating inside, will boast a 30-seater terrace that will open in the cooler months.

The unlicensed, 29-seater restaurant promises affordable, unconventional Japanese street food served with Reif’s signature twist. It’s set to be an intimate experience too, with a total of nine chefs and three front of house staff serving guests.

 

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Both the menu and the decor have been inspired by Japanese street food culture with a heavy focus on Kushiyaki, which means skewers in Japanese. From chicken to beef, and a host of deep fried options of Kushiyaki, the menu will also feature ramens and claypot rice, as well as a selection of sushi and traditional Japanese desserts served with a twist.

The restaurant will open six days a week from 12pm to 11pm, staying open until midnight on Thursday and Fridays. After first opening on Monday September 9, the restaurant will be closed on Mondays going forward. Currently, the restaurant is accepting walk-ins only.

Although not yet launched, Reif plans to bring back a version of ‘The Experience’, his chef’s table that opened above Play in the H Hotel alongside the restaurant at a later stage. At REIF, guests will be able to enjoy a chef’s table menu that is separate to the a la carte offering, sampling an extensive menu served kitchen-side, where you’ll be able to watch the chefs at work.

Seasonal ingredients from Japan will be the basis for weekly specials and limited edition dishes.

Is there a signature dish on the menu that’s a must try? Not according to Reif, who advises us that “all dishes are signatures”.

So, I guess we’ll just have to make our way through the entire menu then…

REIF, Dar Wasl Mall, Dar Wasl, Jumeirah, daily 12pm to 11pm, closed Mondays. Tel: (04) 3450761. reifkushiyaki.com

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