Reif Japanese Kushiyaki Dubai: The Cult Wagyu Sando Worth Queuing For

Our guide to one of the emirate’s most talked-about restaurants—from the iconic wagyu sandwich to booking tips.

Dubai seems to have grown tired of gold on steaks. Amidst the endless race for the tallest, priciest, and shiniest food in town, a new trend has emerged—a quiet revolution led by chefs. Places with soul are now in vogue, where the chef’s personal touch and flavor are valued more than Instagram-worthy interiors. And perhaps the main manifesto of this movement is Reif Japanese Kushiyaki. Behind this name stands the star chef Raef Osman, whose vision has transformed familiar Japanese street food into an object of gastronomic pilgrimage. Forget the formalities of fine dining—here you’ll find something more honest and exhilarating. In this article, we’ll tell you why Reif has become a must-visit for any foodie, what you should try first, and how to plan your perfect visit.

Let’s be honest: people don’t come to Reif for the interiors or the views. They come for the food. It’s the cuisine that drives the hype, the booking queues, and the “must-visit” status. At the heart of the concept is chef Raef Osman’s bold idea: take the all-too-familiar Japanese street food and elevate it to haute cuisine through impeccable ingredients and masterful techniques.

The philosophy of the kitchen: simplicity elevated to genius

The restaurant’s unique offering is a combination of familiar and beloved formats with premium execution. Chef Reif Osman takes Japanese street food—kushiyaki skewers, sando sandwiches, ramen—as his foundation and elevates it to an entirely new level. Here, the focus shifts from the breadth of the menu to the impeccable quality of each ingredient and signature touches that transform familiar dishes into something utterly fresh and unforgettable.

Must-try stars of the menu

Calling the Wagyu Katsu Sando "just a sandwich" is like referring to the Mona Lisa as "just a portrait." It’s the centerpiece, the main attraction, and the restaurant’s hallmark dish. Imagine the tenderest patty made from Wagyu beef with its perfect pink doneness, encased in a crispy golden breadcrumb coating. All of this is served between two airy slices of milky Japanese shokupan bread and complemented by a delicate layer of tonkatsu sauce. The contrast of textures and the pure, rich flavor of the meat are what make this dish legendary.

^{^{Image from}}

But one sandwich won’t keep you full (though many have tried). The menu holds other treasures as well. Be sure to check out the kushiyaki section—miniature grilled skewers—starting with tender chicken wings in a slightly sweet sauce or bold Angus beef with truffle. Be sure to try the sea bass tartare—its citrus freshness from the yuzu sauce literally explodes on your tongue. And the rolls here are a whole different story, far from the usual "Philadelphia": expect unexpected combinations like eel with foie gras.

What to expect (and what not to expect)

Let's be honest: every popular spot has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's what you need to know about Reif's cuisine. Guests and critics alike agree on one thing: the highest quality of meat and fish, original and perfectly balanced flavor combinations, and consistently excellent execution of signature dishes are the restaurant's undeniable strengths. As for areas needing improvement, here's a practical tip: focus on the main courses—people come here from all over the world specifically for those. Many feel that the dessert menu lacks the originality of the main offerings.

Important menu detail: Keep in mind, Reif is not a classic sushi bar. The selection of traditional rolls here is deliberately limited. People come here for unique authorial dishes, not for the standard 'Philadelphia' set.

Atmosphere and service: Casual chic and expert approach

At Reif, the atmosphere and service aren't just a backdrop for the food—they're a logical extension of it. Everything here works toward a single idea, creating that very feeling people come back for.

Design and interior

The restaurant's style can be described as modern Japanese minimalism with urban elements. The interior has nothing superfluous: light wood, textured concrete, and black metal create an honest and stylish space where nothing distracts from the main focus—food. This is a deliberate move away from luxury in favor of functionality and clean aesthetics.

^{^{Image from}}

The centerpiece of the design is the open kitchen, which here serves as a stage. It’s a true gastronomic theater, where guests can observe the cooking process firsthand, adding dynamism to their visit and visually showcasing the team's expertise.

Feelings and comfort

The restaurant is quite intimate—only about 60 seats in total. On one hand, this creates a cozy atmosphere and a sense of exclusivity, like "a place for insiders." On the other hand, be prepared for it to get noisy and lively, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Reif is the perfect spot for a dynamic dinner with friends, but perhaps not the best choice for a quiet romantic date.

Service that complements the cuisine

Service at Reif follows a philosophy of being informal yet deeply knowledgeable. The staff is thoroughly familiar with the menu and always ready to offer detailed recommendations, helping guests make the right choices. The service here is quick, polite, and unobtrusive, even when the restaurant is fully booked. This is one of those cases where the high level of service perfectly matches the quality of the cuisine and the prices, making your visit as comfortable as possible.

Reif or its competitors: How to choose the perfect spot for dinner

Dubai's Japanese gastronomic scene is diverse, and to help you navigate it, we've compared Reif with other iconic establishments.

Looking for authentic ramen and the atmosphere of a Tokyo izakaya? Your choice is Kinoya.
Dreaming of a casual dinner with a waterfront view and a focus on seafood? Head over to 3Fils.
Seeking impeccable classic sushi and rolls presented in a modern style? You'll love Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori.
Want to try something truly unique, signature, and cult-worthy? Then your path leads straight to Reif Japanese Kushiyaki.

What makes Reif unique?: The main distinction of Reif is its strong signature style and legendary dishes that you won't find anywhere else. It's a restaurant people visit not just to eat Japanese food, but to experience the cuisine of Rei Osman himself.

Planning your visit: Everything you need to know

To ensure your visit to Reif goes perfectly, take a look at this practical information.

Booking is key to success

Due to its immense popularity and limited seating, it's essential to book a table in advance, especially if you're planning to visit for dinner or on weekends. You can do this by phone or through the restaurant's official website.

Insider tip: If there are no available tables for your desired date, try booking a spot for lunch or on a weekday—your chances will be higher. Also, check for availability on the terrace.

Price question: what budget should you plan for?

Reif Japanese Kushiyaki operates in the high-end price segment. Be prepared for dishes that match the level of fine dining. As a reference: the flagship Wagyu Katsu Sando sandwich costs around 195 AED, and the average bill for two without alcohol can easily exceed 500-600 AED.

Prices are provided for reference and are current at the time of publication (Spring 2024). We recommend checking the current prices of dishes on the official website or directly at the restaurant.

Prepare for fine dining prices: Don't let the casual atmosphere fool you. Prices at Reif reflect the standards of Dubai's top restaurants. This is an investment in a unique gastronomic experience.

How to get there and a few rules

How to get there? The easiest way is to take a taxi or Uber directly to Dar Wasl Mall, where the restaurant is located. If you're using the metro, your stop is "Noor Bank" (Red Line), but from there you'll still need to take a taxi for 5–10 minutes. For those driving their own car, the mall offers convenient free underground parking.

A few rules: The dress code at Reif is Smart Casual, so it's best to leave beachwear and sportswear at the hotel. Children are welcome at the restaurant, but smoking is permitted only on the open terrace.

Who should book a table at Reif today

Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is a true gastronomic phenomenon in Dubai. A place where haute cuisine has successfully shed unnecessary formalities and presents itself in its most honest and concentrated form. This restaurant is for those who value the essence—flavor, product quality, and the chef's talent—rather than just a luxurious setting.

For gastro-enthusiasts and foodies hunting for unique culinary experiences.
For those who want to explore the cuisine of one of the region's most influential chefs.
For connoisseurs of a stylish, dynamic, and relaxed atmosphere.

Final Summary: Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is a must-visit for any gourmet traveling through Dubai. It's a place where food becomes a real event and leaves lasting memories.

So, is dinner at Reif worth the money? If you measure a dinner not just by the bill but also by the strength of the impressions it leaves, the answer is definitely "yes." It's an investment in a story you'll excitedly share with friends—a story about that very sandwich.