REIF Japanese Kushiyaki - Dubai Hills

The story

REIF Japanese Kushiyaki - Dubai Hills: Unconventional Japanese Dining in Dubai

Chef Reif Othman’s Vision

REIF Japanese Kushiyaki in Dubai Hills is the work of Singaporean chef-owner Reif Othman, one of the UAE’s few entirely self-funded chef restaurateurs. His philosophy is clear: this is not about quantity, but about relationships. The restaurant describes itself as “unconventional Japanese,” driven by Reif’s heart and talent. It’s the merging of two paradoxical worlds – Japanese traditions with Italian and French fundamentals – that gives the cooking its power.

The kitchen is always in a state of reinvention and surprise. New dishes appear daily, and Reif is known for sparking country-wide trends, from the viral ‘toilet roll’ yuzu and lemon cake during the pandemic to his Instagram-famous Wagyu sando. This commitment to creativity and quality earned the Dubai Hills outpost a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026, recognizing good value and good cooking.

The Dubai Hills Experience

The restaurant describes itself not as a restaurant but as an experience. Diners can expect a dynamic, stylish setting where the focus is on kushiyaki (skewer-grilled dishes) and a rotating selection of small plates. The menu leans into Japanese contemporary cuisine, with nods to yakiniku-style grilling and European techniques. Reif’s cooking is renowned for flavour, consistency, and wit – every dish is intended to surprise and delight.

Whether you’re seated at the chef’s table for an intimate view of the action or enjoying the outdoor seating, the atmosphere is tailored to the moment. The restaurant also offers catering and private parties, extending the experience beyond the dining room.

A Menu of Surprises

While the menu changes constantly, signatures like the Wagyu sando, REIF Marble Bun (with Wagyu, raw otoro, beef bacon jam, and truffle mayo), and an array of kushi skewers are fixtures. The cooking embraces Japanese sensibilities first, but the Italian and French foundations are evident in dishes like the Angus beef with truffle mayo or black pepper teriyaki. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the selection of maki rolls and snacks like chicken gyoza with homemade chili sauce are equally accomplished.

The result is a place where bold, creative Japanese contemporary cuisine meets genuine warmth – a tribute to one chef’s relentless drive to reinvent.