MENA's 50 Best (top 30). Reif Japanese Kushiyaki at City Walk is one of the standout yakitori restaurants in Dubai right now. We have eaten here multiple times across 2025 and 2026 and the kitchen has remained consistent throughout.
City Walk's yakitori den. Most-craved Japanese cuisine in Dubai right now.
Here is the full case for what to order, what it costs, and how to book.
The Setting: Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
The Reif Japanese Kushiyaki dining room runs the yakitori idiom faithfully — the kind of fit-out that signals genre commitment rather than trend-chasing. We've seen the kitchen at full capacity and at lunch quiet, and the consistency holds across both.
Service is professional and pacing is correct for the cuisine. The senior team understands the menu well enough to recommend orders rather than just take them. Smart casual dress code applies.
The Food
The Reif Japanese Kushiyaki menu is the result of a kitchen that knows what it does and doesn't dilute. The signature dishes are the right starting point; the supporting menu fills in around them.
The Must-Orders
12-Stick Tasting Set
Twelve binchotan-grilled skewers. Chicken thigh, wagyu, mushroom, foie gras.
Chicken Thigh Yakitori (3)
Three thigh skewers, charcoal grilled with tare glaze.
Wagyu Skewer (2)
Two large wagyu skewers, salt or tare.
The Menu — What to Order, What to Skip
| Dish | Category | Price (AED) | Order? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Stick Tasting Set | Signature | 395 | SIGNATURE |
| Chicken Thigh Yakitori (3) | Must | 95 | MUST |
| Wagyu Skewer (2) | Must | 165 | MUST |
The Verdict
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is a kitchen that delivers what it promises — yakitori cooking executed with discipline, sourcing that holds up, service that knows the menu. TimeOut Dubai recognised it: MENA's 50 Best (top 30). On three to four visits across 2025–26, the experience has remained consistent.
Our Scorecard
Why It's Worth It
- MENA's 50 Best (top 30) in Dubai
- Signature 12-stick tasting set is the canonical version
- Service knowledgeable and well-paced
- Sourcing and execution consistent across visits
- Books within 1–2 weeks for most nights
- Cocktail/wine program supports the yakitori cuisine
Things to Know
- Books out further for Friday/Saturday peak
- Pricing reflects fine-dining tier
- Vegetarian menu more limited than meat program
- Acoustics get loud at full capacity
- Parking can be tight at peak weekends
- Side dishes weaker than headline mains
If you have a dinner in Al Wasl and want yakitori done at fine-dining level, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki is the pick. The 12-stick tasting set alone justifies the trip.
Compare against: other yakitori restaurants in Dubai · our take on TimeOut Dubai 2026 · Best Restaurants Dubai 2026.
How to Book / Get There
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki uses SevenRooms or property concierge.
Friday/Saturday: 2–3 weeks ahead.
Weekday dinner: 5–10 days.
Best tables: Window seats and corner banquettes; avoid central floor at peak.
Dress code: Smart casual.
Reserve a Table →
Your Questions Answered
How much does dinner at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki cost?
Budget AED 350-600pp. Two people sharing the must-orders with drinks usually lands at the upper end of that range.
What should I order at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki?
The 12-Stick Tasting Set (AED 395), Chicken Thigh Yakitori (3) (AED 95), and Wagyu Skewer (2) (AED 165). Three dishes between two people is the canonical order.
How far ahead should I book Reif Japanese Kushiyaki?
Friday/Saturday dinner: 2–3 weeks. Weekday: 5–10 days. Cancellations open 48 hours before sold-out targets.
What's the dress code at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki?
Smart casual. No shorts, beachwear, or sportswear at dinner.
Is Reif Japanese Kushiyaki good for groups?
Manageable for groups of 4–6. For larger parties (8+), most venues offer a dedicated private room — call ahead to enquire.
How does Reif Japanese Kushiyaki compare to other Dubai yakitori restaurants?
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki sits in the upper tier of yakitori dining in Dubai. It won MENA's 50 Best (top 30) which is the editorial benchmark.
More Reviews & Guides
Internal links: Al Wasl area guide · Yakitori cuisine · Best restaurants Dubai · TimeOut Dubai 2026