Reif focuses on creating new, edgy and affordable dishes that represent an unconventional style of Japanese food. Alongside fresh sushi, diners can expect freshly-grilled, skewered meats inspired by Japanese robata restaurants. Chef Reif Othman devotes attention to the different parts of the chicken - from the neck to the tail - in his inventive selection of skewers.
In a dining room that is bright and trendy, guests will receive an enticing selection of starters on Othman's menu - these include traditional options like edamame and miso soup as well as more unique creations like kimchi melon. Beautifully-prepared sashimi and nigri plates follow with colourful fish and garnishes. Moving onto maki rolls, there are the traditional vegetable and California rolls alongside some impressive-looking seafood options. The soft shell crab maki rolls is served with crispy crab legs nestled amongst the maki and the crispy ebi rolls involve a carefully balanced crispy prawn on the top of the roll that is drizzled with a colourful, spicy sauce.
Skewers are really a showstopper on the menu with your choice of chicken meat from breast, to thigh, to wing and each chicken skin and sea salt skewers. All the skewers are coated in a marinade or dressing, carefully selected to maximise Japanese flavours. The Angus beef skewer with nikumiso (a miso meat sauce) shows off Reif's unconventional style as he pairs it with pickled pear for that perfect salty and sweet contrast.
Desserts are a huge part of Reif's brand- delicate pastries and beautifully-presented puddings are a staple at the end of the other courses. The asian exotic cake combines traditonal sponge with rice pudding, creamy layers and an oozing mango gel. The menu nails unconventionality with its mini Reif roll, designed to look like a toilet roll but, don't worry, this dessert is not toilet-worthy. Instead, under the toilet paper facade is a lemon sponge butter with a yuzu ganache and jam.
Experience Reif as an a la carte menu, an unlimited 'brunch' experience or as an omakese chef's table dining treat.