Chef Reif Othman will launch two new licensed concepts in the UAE – Reif Japanese Kushiyaki – and separately, TERO Chef’s Table. Both restaurants, which are entirely self-funded, are set to open in the new district of Dubai Hills Estate Business Park in Q4 2022.
The 80-cover Reif Japanese Kushiyaki restaurant with its own dedicated entrance and terrace will boast a more extensive menu than the original Dar Wasl premises, with some of the limited-edition specials now going on the à la carte, as well as a compact wine and spirits list. In good news for Dubai, despite the elevated dining experience, the pricing will remain the same, making the first licensed Reif Japanese Kushiyaki a compelling value-for-money establishment. The interiors by designer Govind Shepley will retain some elements of the existing Reif Japanese Kushiyaki look and feel, whilst adding a bar lounge and booth seating.
Meanwhile, TERO Chef’s Table (TERO translates to ‘The Experience by Reif Othman’), also with its own separate entrance, will seat up to 12 guests. Overlooking the kitchen, guests will have full view of the chefs in action. The cosy apartment-style décor will allow this tasting menu experience to be booked as a private dining room for a group gathering, or individual covers.
“We have been scouting for the right licensed location for a long time now. The Dubai Hills complex will allow us to bring both the restaurant and chef’s table concepts into one destination – each with its own identity. Like with Dar Wasl, our strategy is to pick premises that come with their own following, enabling us to constantly reach out to a new customer base, whilst also catering to our existing clientele,” said Reif Othman, chef and co-owner, Hotaru Holdings.
This forthcoming opening by chef Reif Othman, who was awarded the peer-voted Chefs’ Choice award and a number 16 ranking in the inaugural MENA’s 50 Best programme, follows on from the recent signing of a new cuisine category with an unconventional Korean BBQ restaurant. Hoe Lee Kow will launch in the UAE’s first five-star boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown in September with a 220-cover indoor and outdoor licensed rooftop restaurant.
Across in Saudi Arabia, the first of three new franchised Reif Japanese Kushiyaki locations in Riyadh with Majd Luxury Ltd. opens in The Esplanade Mall late in the summer months with 200 covers.
Meanwhile in Egypt, the opening late last year of Reif Japanese Kushiyaki in New Cairo’s 5A By The Waterway complex with franchised partner Baky Hospitality seats 140 diners in a licensed indoor and terrace restaurant.
Back in the UAE, the launch earlier this year of new unconventional streetwear store and café, Soleside by Reif in Al Wasl Vita Mall is a showcase for Reif’s personal clothing passion
