Reif Othman opens two new restaurants inside the world's longest cantilevered building
Reif Othman is one of the UAE's most popular chefs. He is behind FACT Award-winning restaurants and was named our Chef of the Year in 2022. Now, the celebrated chef has launched two new concepts inside The Link at One Za'abeel.
Known for his unconventional take on Japanese street food, SIO is a dedicated ramen house that dives deep into the soulful simplicity of Japanese comfort food. Taking its name from the Japanese word for 'salt,' the concept elevates the traditional noodle shop experience with a refined yet heartfelt menu. Highlights include the signature SIO Ramen, a bowl brimming with homemade broth, tender steamed chicken, marinated egg and a bright pop of sudachi citrus; the indulgent Carbonara Udon, crowned with an onsen egg, crispy beef bacon and shaved pecorino; and the bold, broth-less Spicy Vongole Ramen, where fresh clams combine with hojiso, shiso leaves, and a fiery kick of yuzu togarashi.
Next door, KONA — meaning 'powder' or 'flour' in Japanese — marries Italian tradition with Japanese flair. This bold pizzeria offers more than just the familiar Margherita and Pepperoni. Signature pies include the Diavolina, layered with gochujang tomato sauce, marinated Wagyu ribs, and galbi mayo; the Ama Ebi, which combines spicy tomato sauce, red yuzu kosho, and fresh shrimp; and the daring Spicy Kaki, topped with beef nduja and sweet persimmon. While KONA might be new, pizza is hardly uncharted territory for Reif, who was behind the marvellous menu at Moonslice Pizza when it opened in 2021.
'SIO and KONA are very personal projects for me,' says Chef Reif Othman. 'They reflect my love for pure, bold flavours and my passion for pushing culinary boundaries while always staying true to craftsmanship and authenticity. I'm excited for guests to experience these concepts and taste something both familiar and completely new.'
Reif hails from Singapore and has made his mark on Dubai's dining scene. Throughout Reif's career, he has garnered numerous awards, including a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and a spot on the inaugural MENA 50 Best list. His restaurants include Hoe Lee Kow, Reif Kushiyaki and TERO (The Experience by Reif Othman). Later this year, he will team up with 7 Management to open Yubi Handroll Bar on Dubai's first licensed street.
SIO and KONA can be found in the space formerly occupied by Arrazuna in The Link and are open daily from 12pm to 11pm.
GO: Follow @siobyreif and @konabyreif on Instagram for more information.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
2 days ago
- The National
After a decade under lights, Amna Al Qubaisi steers her career in a new direction
Emirati racing driver Amna Al Qubaisi didn't realise the impact of her story until she saw it through the eyes of others. From the day she first took the driver's seat at 14, her dream was to finish what her father, Khaled Al Qubaisi – the first Emirati to reach a podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France – had started. She wanted to win, to hear the UAE's national anthem play where it had never been heard before. 'I was always just trying to represent my country in a really good manner,' she tells The National. 'I was focused only on results. I wanted to prove to the world that we were not there just to participate – but to win.' In those early days, as she began turning heads on the track, she was unaware of the effect she was having. 'When I was 14, my dad was very strict with my social media. He took full control – I barely even had a phone. And I'm glad he did, because of him I thought everything was normal.' It wasn't until years later, when she began running her own accounts, that she realised she had both changed perceptions of what a racing driver could look like – and of what an Emirati woman could be. 'A lot of girls were messaging me,' she says. 'One thing that really caught my eye was when they told me their bond with their father became much better because they saw my dad supporting me. 'They told me, 'Our father is now supporting us because we showed them: look, her dad's supporting her in motorsports, he's always there for her.' Now they're getting the same reciprocation from their dads.' Starring in Netflix's F1: The Academy Since then, Al Qubaisi has grown increasingly aware of the effect that her story can have. In May, along with her younger sister Hamda, she was one of the central stars of the Netflix docuseries F1: The Academy, which chronicled her final season racing for Red Bull in the all-female F1 Academy championship. 'We were really happy that we were a part of it,' says Al Qubaisi. 'We got to share our personality, our side of our story, and how seriously we and our dad take this.' At the same time, she was disappointed that her family was portrayed, from her point of view, as the wealthy upstarts compared to the seemingly more humble European drivers – even though virtually everyone gets there as the result of massive financial investment into their talent. Al Qubaisi explains: 'When we say we're Emirati, automatically, people think we have a mansion made of gold and an endless fleet of cars. But racing is very expensive and those costs apply to all racing drivers. Anyone who's joining in motorsport has the money. 'The way they made the other drivers look like they were selling stuff to be able to race is completely inaccurate. It's kind of sad that they singled us out and made it look like we were the only ones who had it easy.' She believes, whether on screen or off, that the deck was stacked against her through the second year of her F1 Academy experience – in which she dropped to 15th in the standings a year after she had placed sixth overall, collecting two wins in her first season. 'The first year was less political, as it was the first championship to be held. My sister and I finished very strong. In the second year, it felt like they didn't want a Middle Eastern person to win. I got an engine that was around seven to 10 kilometres slower down the straights and I couldn't do much about it. I talked to Red Bull about it, and they told me, 'just deal with it'.' When she realised winning was near-impossible, she started paying more attention to the Netflix cameras following their every move – and grew more involved in how her story was being told. 'In the first few rounds, I would tell them, 'I don't want to do anything. I'm too focused. But then I thought I might as well just take advantage of it and try to give myself some exposure for future sponsors. I said, 'I've got nothing to lose', and I gave them full access.' That strategy, which made her one of the show's most visible stars, proved emotionally challenging as her struggles mounted. 'We were still there to win,' she explains. 'So having them film me at my most vulnerable, and at my worst, was hard. I didn't want the world to know. It was a big fear of mine. But now that it's out there, I think people can relate. 'And if there's criticism against my driving ability, I don't mind. My sister takes it more personally than I do. I have a fan account that I created that I will use to start roasting them back,' Al Qubaisi laughs. Why she moved to endurance racing In the wake of her F1 Academy experience, Al Qubaisi, who had previously raced in Formula 4, has decided to give up on her Formula One dreams. Instead, she's charting a new course in endurance racing that has allowed her to rediscover what she loved about racing in the first place. Moreso than in Formula racing, endurance racing tests the durability of equipment and participants. Teams of multiple drivers using the same car in shifts attempt to cover a large distance in a single event. 'When it comes to Formula racing, it's too expensive. Because of our budget, we were constantly behind the pack. 'So this year, we decided to move into endurance racing, where it's much cheaper and the costs are split between drivers. When I moved into endurance racing, it was the first time I felt like I was actually enjoying driving in a long time.' In some ways, her path to endurance racing mirrors the fictional journey of Brad Pitt's Sonny Hayes in F1 The Movie, in which Hayes finds himself constantly at the back of the pack and has to figure out a way to turn that to his advantage. 'In F1 Academy, I was always starting from the back and I took that as practice for overtaking,' Al Qubaisi explains. 'I learnt to get through traffic and find a gap. Now, in endurance, I'm always catching up to the guys up front, because I know how it's done. 'In endurance racing, you have to really plan – you have tyre management, fuel consumption and overtaking through traffic – because you're racing with different categories. 'It's so much more enjoyable. In single seaters, you're just praying and hoping for something to happen. But in endurance racing, anything can happen. Someone can be leading a race and then have a problem and you have a whole hour to strategise.' Al Qubaisi and her sister will continue their new path towards endurance racing on August 22 and 23 the Spa – Francorchamps Heat as part of the 2025 Ligier European Series. The series marks the third tier on the endurance racing ladder of Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the company behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. 'Sharing a car, we work together and help each other. We go through data together and strategise together. Having each other makes this decision easier, as we're both really good and we know each other, so we have an advantage.' What is the future of women in F1? Back in Formula racing, Al Qubaisi is rooting for the many young women working towards a spot in F1 but believes the sport as not a level playing field. 'It's very difficult to have a female in Formula One, no matter how good she is, no matter how big her achievements are. The Formula One teams need to have really big trust in those female drivers. 'They will need to invest in women drivers from a young age. I think they just need to start trusting women more to be able to reach that point too. 'Because now, all the girls who are working so hard in single seaters, who've made it to the top 10, who won races, nothing is done for them. No opportunity is provided and then they end up on the sidelines as a development driver or reserve driver, which isn't enough. If it was a male competitor, he would immediately have support, a test drive in a Formula One car.' Basic engineering was also an issue. Al Qubaisi faced difficulty with singer-seater cars that were built only for male bodies – 'we can't fit in that car' – which caused her and other women drivers to complain to the FIA regulatory body to ensure cars were built for both men and women. That issue was fixed, but Al Qubaisi feels it's symbolic of the inequality that exists in the sport. Telling her own story As she sets off on a new racing journey with her sister, Al Qubaisi feels that every bump along the way has prepared her for the difficulties ahead – not just as a racing driver, but as a public figure. She will rely less on how others tell her story and start to take an even greater hand in telling her own. 'I have a cameraman and we're doing our own YouTube docuseries for the racing championship. Every race weekend we show everything from our perspective and it's very authentic and very natural,' she says. 'I've learnt that I don't need anything polished and professional. These days, I just have to be real.'
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SBA lays groundwork for SAC 2026 with strategic visit to Japan
This trip is part of SBA's long-term strategy to build upon the reputation of Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) in being a globally recognised platform that fosters year-round collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the growth of the animation industry across the MENA region . Since its inception in 2023, SAC has quickly grown into an important event in the MENA region's animation calendar. Far beyond an annual conference, SAC is part of SBA's broader vision to create a sustainable, year-round platform for creative exchange, offering both regional talent and international industry leaders a space for collaboration and development. This visit to Japan marks a key step in strengthening SAC's future, with a focus on knowledge transfer and forging partnerships that will enrich the creative ecosystem in Sharjah . Long-term cultural and creative exchanges During the trip, the delegation, comprising Khoula Al Mujaini, SAC Executive Director; Pietro Pinetti, Artistic Director of SBA; and Moza Al Rand, Head of Events at Sharjah Book Authority; held strategic meetings with some of Japan's most influential animation companies; including industry heavy-weights such as Nippon Animation, Oh Production and Toei Animation. Extending their outreach to the publishing sector, the delegation also engaged with leading Japanese manga and book publishers Kodansha and Shogakukan, as well as media conglomerates and entertainment groups, including Kadokawa Corporation and Bandai Namco . Importantly, the meetings laid the groundwork for collaboration in preparation for the SAC 2026, where industry professionals from around the world will gather to explore business and investment opportunities in the animation sector. The discussions also focused on developing new content that resonates with Arab audiences while preserving the cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of Japan. These potential collaborations aim to bring Japanese animation expertise to Sharjah, elevating the conference and creating long-term cultural and creative exchanges . Khoula Al Mujaini commented on the trip's significance, stating: 'This visit to Japan is a critical part of our long-term commitment to SAC. We are building something far beyond an event; our vision is to create a sustainable, vibrant ecosystem for animation in Sharjah and the wider Arab region. By connecting with global leaders in animation, technology, and education, we are bringing world-class expertise to Sharjah and ensuring that SAC continues to evolve as a platform for creative collaboration, cultural exchange, and knowledge transfer .' Discussions with creative tech leaders The delegation also met with AlphaCode, a leader in creative tech, to explore the integration of digital storytelling formats, gamification, and immersive media into SAC's future offerings. These innovations will allow SAC to expand its scope, offering audiences an interactive and evolving experience that blends traditional animation with cutting-edge technology . ' Sharjah's position as a strategic gateway for international creative industries has become increasingly evident in the past decade. With its strong infrastructure, cultural commitment, and growing influence in the MENA region, our emirate offers Japanese media and creative companies an ideal gateway for entering or expanding in the Arab world, and SAC forms a key component of this effort, positioning the city as a vital player in the global creative sector', Al Mujaini added . A significant aspect of the visit was also the exploration of educational partnerships, and the delegation engaged with Wacom, a global leader in digital drawing and animation tools, and a key sponsor of SAC's annual gathering. Discussing potential training programmes, workshops, and talent development initiatives; this potential collaborative expansion is designed to directly benefit Sharjah's young creatives, giving them access to world-class resources and expertise, while empowering them to contribute to the future of the global animation industry .
Emirates Woman
3 days ago
- Emirates Woman
Weekend Ready: 7 Friday night brunches to book in Dubai
Who said your weekend can't begin early? These Friday night brunches in Dubai are definitely the best way to kickstart no more early mornings. Each of these venues offers a unique experience, catering to various preferences—from sophisticated rooftop settings to lively party atmospheres. So, if you're looking to enjoy a Friday night brunch in Dubai, the city offers a vibrant selection of venues that combine delectable cuisine with lively entertainment. Here are some top spots to consider: Fouquet's Enjoy an extraordinary Friday Night Brunch from 9pm to 12am where you'll embark on a culinary journey featuring unlimited hot and cold starters, a choice of main course, and indulgent desserts—all set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Burj Khalifa. Nestled in the vibrant Burj Plaza, Fouquet's is a true Parisian gem blending sophistication with contemporary flair, featuring opulent red velvet armchairs, classic wood-panelled walls, and striking black-and-white Harcourt portraits that celebrate its cinematic legacy. The evening comes alive with vibrant live music and a dynamic DJ, creating an upbeat and energetic atmosphere, perfect for kicking off the weekend in style. Guests can also enjoy unlimited beverages in this stylish setting, all starting from Dhs350 per person. Reserve your table now for an unforgettable night that promises to delight all the senses. For more information visit Gohan View this post on Instagram A post shared by @gohanbluewaters Here you can expererience a night of French elegance and Japanese precision. Indulge in a curated set menu with an alcoholic package at Dhs480 and enjoy the best of both worlds with the option to order from the menus of both La Cantine and Gohan. Enhance your evening with live singers, saxophonists, and electrifying performances by Gohan's DJ, drummer, and dancers. End the night in style at Gohan's exclusive after-party. It takes place every Friday, from 8pm to 11pm at Bluewaters. For more information visit Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar Indulge in a night of culinary delight at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar! Savour a sumptuous 3-course sharing menu featuring tantalising appetisers, mouthwatering mains, and decadent priced at Dhs350 per person for hops and grape, Dhs450 per person for premium beverages and Dhs650 per person for bubbles. It takes place every Friday from 8pm to 11pm and promises breathtaking views of Dubai. For more information visit Aura Skypool Want to celebrate at the world's highest 360 degree infinity pool? You can kickstart your weekend with the AURA Night Brunch, served in the Lounge every Friday evening from 8pm to 11pm. Enjoy three hours of free-flowing drinks and savor our Pan-Asian inspired set sharing menu. AURA's resident DJ will set the perfect mood for an unforgettable start to your weekend. It's priced at Dhs550 per person with unforgettable views at this infinity pool in Dubai. For more information visit En Fuego This highly-charged Latin American restaurant and bar En Fuego is fun whenever you go. But it's really fun on a Friday night, when the Fiesta Brunch brings the liveliest Latino vibes. You'll get the full En Fuego show, with a mix of dancing, mariachi bands, acrobatics and even fire breathing contortionists. All while tucking into house guac, beef antichucos, chicken quesadillas and more. The package is priced at Dhs375 for House beverages, Dhs450 for sparkling and it takes place on Friday from 9pm until midnight. For more information visit The Citronelle Club This Roaring Tiger brunch is must-try. The stylish night brunch you must go to, if you haven't been yet! Dress up, drink up and dance to DJ Nicole's set. Food is so good, that you won't be able to sing along. Feast on fine Asian street food, savour delectable Dim Sum, and sip punchy hand-crafted cocktails. It's priced at Dhs395 for house beverages, Dhs495 for premium beverages and Dhs280 for soft drinks. It takes place on Friday from 8pm to 11pm at SO/ Uptown, Uptown. For more information visit Ammos Ready for a taste of Greece? Expect Aegean classics like tzatziki, melitzanosalata, taramosalata, kalamaraki and more. There are sharing platters of souvlaki, grilled fish and more, plus a live singer and top Ain Dubai views. It's priced at Dhs355 for house beverages, Dhs395 for the sparkling package, and Dhs295 for soft drinks and it takes place on Friday from 8pm to 11pm. It's located at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR. For more information visit – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied Feature Image: @karenwazen
