Discover Dragonfly: Four Must-Try Dishes at Reif Othman's New Japanese Restaurant in Dubai

A Stunning Ambiance

Located at the picturesque waterfront promenade in Business Bay, Dragonfly offers a delightful dining experience right from the moment you step in. The restaurant features large windows and high ceilings, creating an open and inviting atmosphere that contrasts with many intimate dining spaces that can feel cramped.

As you enter, you’ll be greeted by two life-size kokeshi dolls, leading your gaze to a striking dragonfly sculpture that hangs overhead. The design sets the stage for the equally impressive menu crafted by Chef Othman, who is known for his award-winning establishments, including Reif Kushiyaki and Hoe Lee Kow.

Chef Othman’s Vision

Chef Othman aims to redefine Japanese cuisine in Dubai, moving away from the familiar offerings that populate the city’s dining scene. “The dishes here are pretty new,” he shares. With his expertise in Japanese gastronomy and a deep understanding of the local palate, Othman has crafted a menu that balances tradition and innovation.

Four Dishes You Can’t Miss

1. Salmon Tataki with Asian Pesto

“Everybody loves salmon,” Othman states. This dish is a clean, straightforward delight, featuring fresh salmon paired with a unique Asian pesto made from coriander and yuzu leaves, complemented by a ponzu truffle sauce.

Taste Test: This dish strikes a perfect balance of umami, citrus, and earthy flavors. The shio kombu adds a briny punch, while the yuzu leaves in the pesto elevate the freshness of the salmon. It’s simple yet decadent—perfect for salmon lovers!

2. Wagyu in Nori Bread with Tonkatsu Sauce

Known for his sandos, Othman introduces a new twist with Wagyu beef served in charcoal and seaweed-infused bread, drizzled with tonkatsu sauce.

Taste Test: The Wagyu is cooked to perfection, boasting a buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the light, airy bread. While I could have used a bit more tonkatsu sauce to enhance the sweet and tangy flavor, this dish remains a standout for its exquisite balance and rich taste.

3. Dragonfly Battera Zushi

This unique sushi presentation invites diners to engage with their food. Served on a wooden plank, it includes nori on the side for a fun, interactive experience.

Taste Test: Othman’s deconstructed approach shines here. The luxurious combination of uni and caviar creates a delightful mouthfeel, while the yukke sauce brings everything together. It’s an enjoyable way to savor sushi, and the flavors are simply divine.

4. Crystal Toast

This intriguing dish looks like toast but is a creative take on sushi, featuring raw fish atop translucent “crystal” bread.

Taste Test: Aesthetically striking, the dish plays with textures and visuals. The crispness of the “bread” contrasts beautifully with the softness of the raw fish. Although the bread has a subtle sweetness, it provides an interesting textural experience, resembling a high-end canape or deconstructed sushi roll.