The story
REIF Japanese Kushiyaki's Dar Wasl venue is the original and most intimate expression of chef-owner Reif Othman's vision. Located in Dar Wasl Mall, this cozy space features a terrace for al fresco dining during cooler months and operates on a walk-in basis only. Counter dining puts guests close to the action, while the overall atmosphere is one of relaxed energy—true to the chef's belief that the restaurant is not about quantity, but about relationships. Here, Japanese Contemporary cuisine is redefined with a modern twist.
Singaporean chef Reif Othman is one of the UAE's few entirely self-funded chef-restaurateurs, known for his dynamic, tireless style. His cooking merges Japanese sensibilities with fundamentals from Italian and French cuisine, creating dishes celebrated for quality, flavor, consistency, creativity, and wit. New dishes appear daily, and his knack for sparking trends has made the Wagyu sando, kushi skewers, and the viral 'toilet roll' yuzu lemon cake local icons. The power of his work lies in merging two paradoxical worlds, always in a state of reinvention.
The restaurant's commitment to bold, refined flavors at accessible prices earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a nod to good quality, good value cooking. It's a fitting acknowledgment for a kitchen that prizes reinvention and surprise, and that sees its work as an art form in constant evolution.
This Dar Wasl outpost offers a menu of award-winning kushiyaki, ramen, and sandos, all executed with the precision and flair that define Reif Othman's style. The space is sleek yet welcoming, with attentive service and a buzz that mirrors the chef's own energy. Whether dining on the terrace or at the counter, guests step into a world where unconventional Japanese flavors feel both familiar and thrilling.
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