Reef Restaurant Reviews

Food was good but very expensive for what you get aka the portions as well as the service is quite slow

I have lived in St Augustine for 5 years and this is my first time trying The Reef. We went for Happy Hour to check out the appetizers to get a feel for the restaurant. With a great view of the ocean it is the perfect location for a seafood restaurant. The server told me the coconut shrimp was great and i am a Calamari lover so i ordered both of those appetizers. Sorry, but the Coconut shrimp was not close to fresh and tasted like it had been fried earlier and microwaved for me. The Calamari may have been the worst i have ever eaten. Definitely not fresh and the batter was soggy and the calamari rubbery. For the first time ever i could not finish the dish. My wife had the Herb Crusted Seared Tuna and liked it, which is why they get 2 stars instead of one. The prices for dinner are extremely high for the area, considering Aunt Kates and Caps on the Water are a stone throw away. Based on the lack of freshness of the seafood i ordered, i will not come here for a main course.

First time visiting. Here for a friend's wedding ceremony. Great atmosphere, service and food and even better view..

The food is great. The view is nice. Pricey but worth it

I love it, it is a very cozy place, very rich food and very good service. Everything was delicious. I recommend it.

The hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed Happy Hour at The Reef. We ordered the spicy clam chowder, calamari, oysters piquant, smoked duck stuffed piquillo peppers and pate...SCRUMPTIOUS!!! And, because it was Happy Hour, we saved $8 on our appetizers!!! Chris, the bartender, served us with a smile while we dined on the oceanfront patio, drinking cold beer, enjoying the cool breeze and emerald green ocean...it was a good day!

We had lunch at the Reef to celebrate my birthday and my daughter's birthday. We just moved to North Beach and it was our first visit to the Reef with friends from the area. We enjoyed delicious pot roast soup and a fresh garden salad, plus area beer on draft, served by a delightful waiter. My daughter's mountain high burger - the special of the day - was as tasty as it was tall. Birthday dessert was "on the house" and we loved the round key lime pie presented with a happy birthday greeting spelled out in raspberry and key lime flavored lettering, with ice cream and whipped cream. Can't wait to return.

Dinner Saturday night was a disappointment. Party of 6 we ordered 3 appetizers that were way too small for the price. The risotto was gummy and the worst I ve ever had. It used to be creamy but they added dried tomatoes, mushrooms and peas. Lobster was over cooked and others ordered prime rib med rare and it was well done. Everyone had an issue. Very pricey and not worth the money. The service was ok. When greeted at the door we saw they were busy and the hostess advised us we needed reservations but had room in the bar area. Won t go back.

Nice staff. Great view of the ocean. Food was above average.

Not worth one star. Dinner was so very salty I could not eat it. Told the server how bad it was after three bites. She brought us the bill. The salty entre was still on the bill (mind you, we had two rounds of drinks and two appetizers prior to ordering) no problems. My husband ate his entre but didn't say anything. Then he had a bite of mine and also thought it was horribly salty. I was flabbergasted when the server took my plate away minus three bites and returned with a tab charging us for the horrible entre. I told my husband I absolutely refused to pay for the entre the server endorsed as "her absolute favorite" when it was so horribly salty. So, I told her I just couldn't pay for it in good conscience. She took the bill back to her manager whom I asked to personally speak to. The manager never showed up yet sent the server to us again with the bill, taking only half off of the salty entre. At that point we were so pissed, we just paid the bill and went somewhere else to each. The last thing I can say is it was all our own fault for eating at a restaurant with a top notch ocean front view, with only three cars in the parking lot. Now we understand why! Fool me once and me we again!

Great as always, get the duck stuffed roasted pepper appetizer, it's a must!

The fish was overcooked was not that special should have stuck with the shrimp cocktail in the crab cakes and the appetizers like I'd planned those look delicious hello

I love this place. The food is really good, and the staff is wonderful.

I was with a party of 4. My second visit to this restaurant. Both times we went for happy hour and appetizers. Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Cheese, Grouper Cheeks, Coconut Shrimp, were some of the appetizers on our table that were so good. Great view. We sat outside and got a glimpse of the rocket launch also. The experience was especially great because of the outstanding service from our server, Laura. She was informative about the restaurant menu as well as the history of the area. She even took pictures of our group. Good time had by all.

My family has been to the Reef many times and had great meals, good service and nice atmosphere.
This past Friday evening was not that at all. When we all arrived 3 adults and a 2 yr old we were seated upstairs at 6:30pm which was fine. A half hour went by with No service. Husband went downstairs asked where our waiter was and they then gave us a table downstairs.
We were seated and our waiter came and brought drinks, bread and took our meal order. Time flew by with no meal. 7:45 we asked our waiter what was going on. He said he would check. He came back and said it will be out shortly. By that time we have a hungry irritable 2 yr old. And Our daughter had a headache and went to the car. We told the waiter to pack the meal and we ll take it home. We asked to speak to the manager. He came and apologized but didn t give an explanation. We asked if there was a big party going on and he replied no. Earlier we noticed a bride and groom walk by our table. Was very dissatisfied with his answer. He took $30 off our meal which didn t matter..our family night out was a bad experience at the Reef and we were all hungry and frustrated. We ate our meal at home at almost 9:00.

Good food,views and great service a little dark inside during the evening but over all its really nice!

We've only been here for the Thanksgiving brunch buffet so keep that in mind as you absorb my words of wisdom with the weight of gold. The service here is mostly great! For a busy restaurant on Thanksgiving Day, the staff is pretty on top of things. It's a buffet, so I'm not sure if that's easier or harder on the staff but this year there were a couple of times where I had to wait or wave down a server to get something. 1st world problems for sure that I had to wait an extra 4 minutes to get my drink refilled but it's also the difference between 4 and 5 stars from my perspective. The buffet itself is decent...lots of choices and plenty of food...but again, nothing I'd go out of my way for. My wife LOVES the crab legs so maybe if you're into that sort of thing, you'll be as impressed as her.

Best blacked fish tacos and amazing endless ocean view

One of our favorite places to eat. It never disappoints.

Probably the best meal I have ever eaten. I had tuna. It was most excellent. The tenderloin small plate is incredible

The Reef, the food might be good if you where smoking reefer!! The water taste like a homeless mans bath water. The grouper was by far the worst grouper I've ever had. You can get better grouper in the frozen food Isle of your local grocer. Save your money and your taste buds. Go somewhere else!

Extraordinary view, decorations are very elegant, great food, great wine selections. Nice for romantic dinner and friendly lunch.

The best spot on Valino beach for DATE NIGHT!! FOOD IS AMAZING!!

Just needed to let my 11 year old daughter use the restroom, was told "unless you are dining in, you are not welcomed to use our restroom." I get it, the rest room is right next to the host stand.

Great food, great service made for a really great time

Great experience!
Our server Jeffrey did a great job. The food was delicious, we had lobster and shrimp risotto & Jambalaya. The beach view was priceless....

Great views, loved the fried shrimp. Very good service.

Friendly service, great food, outstanding atmosphere
No downside to this place

Best Brunch around!! Love the mimosas, omelet station, datil grits and the crab legs.
Dinner is pretty good as well.

Brilliant views. Their Sunday brunch is by far the best and the staff takes care of you.

A pleasant location on the beach. Their food is good. Love the shrimp. And this is one of the only places where I've eaten calimari that is not over cooked. That is, NOT rubbery.

Food was delish. Great view of the ocean. Server was nice and engaging; service a bit slow however. Overall enjoyable experience.

If you have never been. It's worth going to check it out.

Nice view and water went out of his way to be helpful.

The Reef has the best "Sunday Brunch" I've ever experienced. The atmosphere, the view, the service & the food are all top notch. Definitely 5+ stars for this food establishment!

First class restaurant with fine dining, specializing in sea food.

My problem is that for the prices, you should have great tasting food an great service. The waitress provided great service, but the food was not so good. The swordfish was very dry from overcooking it, as was the lobster, and the grouper was very plain. And to add when I asked to speak wit the Manager, Jermey Ticehurst about the issues I had, he was very rude. Not only rude, but arrogant and ignorant. Luke I was the problem. For that very reason I will not be back.

We just attempted to have dinner at the Reef on everyone's recommendation to celebrate an engagement. They quickly sat us in the back and no approached us to serve us. We asked twice if anyone would serve us and they said they would get to us eventually. We then watched 3 other tables be served before us. After 25 minutes and asking twice for service we left without eating as apparently they were not going to serve us. We were extremely disappointed based on the great reviews to celebrate our special event.

Had a wedding anniversary here in July 2017. Just the steak was excellent, Jerk chicken was a bit dry. Good locale overall, very enjoyable! Management and staff were superb!

Very disappointing, although the bread is very good...since they don't make it. We went today for drinks and a few appetizers during happy hour. The first three beer selections we chose from the menu they were out. Settled for a bottled beer and terrible Florida Tonic. After waiting 15 minutes and finally receiving a beer...we also received our soup, salad, and meal all at the same time! The bread came out after our meal was over.

Food:
Mussels - COLD, half of the mussels were not even open and should not have been served. The saffron sauce was about as bland as only having saffron in it.
Fried Green Tomatoes - COLD, but decent.
Side Salad - inedible wilted lettuce - must have been prepped days ago.
"Soup" of the Day - COLD - supposedly tomato and bean soup but really just tasted like terrible chili.
Calamari - how do you make fried food cold?

All in all this was the worst dinner we have had in a very long time. I couldn't even begin to complain to the staff because I would have to complain about every aspect only to be served more sub-mediocre food.

One of the few restaurants open on Christmas Eve. Glad it was. Spectacular views from just about every table. We sat upstairs normally reserved for banquets/weddings/groups. But also gives you a wider view. Food was top notch, our server Jeff was phenomenal. I had the Caprese Grouper and was not dissapointed. Next time will go for the brunch!!

This was the first time we had been to The Reef. Unfortunately, our food was overcooked, the service was very slow, but on the upside the view was spectacular. For the price, this was quite disappointing.

Terrible service had to leave before we got our lunch

The only reason they get a 2 star is for their lovely location to the ocean and the delightful people on the wait staff. Richard was our waiter as well as our bartender. He made me a tropical drink I very much enjoyed. Things were different when the food came. Moms lamb was a freezer but mess. My stuffed shrimp were over cooked tough and dry. They replaced Moms plate with lobster that had been frozen. Unfortunately that was the best protein on her plate.let me know when you hire a real chef we may give you another try.

Great view! Food was good. I had the lamb; only needed an additional touch of salt/seasoning. Definitely recommend visiting.

I love the seafood chowder and tuna appetizer on the deck. Then of course a walk on the beach for dessert.

Beautiful ocean view. Food was delicious. The shrimp and grits was amazing!

Wonderful service. Food was different and delicious. Even the kid's pizza was great

Went here with family and it did not disappoint. Excellent food and service. Great drinks and a stellar view!

Highly recommend. Great food. Great service and right on the beach. Good prices.

Came to the reef for a special occasion. Seated outside without service for 15 minutes. Came inside and went without service after an inside table for another 15 minutes. The managaer did apologize for the problems but it was too late by then. Food was very good once served. Bring lots of patience if you plan on visiting.

Great atmosphere! Jeremy the manager is always present checking on patrons. Staff is super friendly and always smiling. Great organization. Excellent food. Fabulous music and atmosphere.

The atmosphere, customer service and food was one among one of the top dining experiences we have had in Florida. I highly recommend it.

Excellent food, great service, ambiance and ocean view. Must try their Fried Manchego.

Amazing amazing amazing if you have the $$$$ to spend it's a wonderful place great food, very lovely view, over the beach.

Delicious food. Wonderful ocean view. Excellent service. Definitely go there.

This is a very nice place to enjoy a lunch on an outdoor deck that goes directly on the beach.
The food is great, freshly made and I got the impression that everything was cooked fresh, especially desserts.
I won't give the fifth star because of the water they bring in the glass, which had a very bad taste.

Great ocean view, but the food is mediocre and the servIce is worse.

Didn't take pictures it was a after memorial service but I will Definitely be back, what quality seafood, great service and a fantastic on the beach {Vilano} view. See you soon

Do yourself a favor and grab a table outside. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the ocean and some well-prepared seafood.

Seaside restaurant, nice place, clean, good food! Without Wi Fi what can be considered good or bad, I ended up enjoying it!

I didn't stay. The outside looks very deceiving. It looks a lot better inside. The price of the food doesn't fix atmosphere. It's not classy enough

Was very good ...staff wonderful...good great....we will go back for brunch very soon

Food was good. Deck overlooking the Atlantic was nice

Fantastic Sunday brunch with outdoor deck seating on the beach.

Reminded me why you don't order steak at a seafood restaurant. Firmly subpar.

This is not your typical Florida beach front restaurant. It's 4:00 and drinking Sonoma Cutter and eating smoked red peppers stuffed with duck ( and they are amazing). Not to mention, one of the most beautiful views anywhere.

I thought the food was delicious, small portions and a bit pricey. However you are probably paying for the location of the resturant. Wait staff was very polite and accommodating.

We went for dinner on a weekday. The view of the ocean is spectacular. Our waitress was very friendly but not very knowledgeable about the entrees. We had heard good things about this restaurant but we were so disappointed. My shrimp and grits ended up being the better of the four meals. The grouper was dry and had no taste. The scallops were gritty and undercooked. The waitress said the mahi-mahi was a thick piece of fish. When it came out, it was a thin piece of fish that was overcooked and the dish was missing clams that was supposed to be part of the dish. This was a special occasion and ended up being a waste of a lot of money. It seemed to us that it was left over fish from the weekend and second rate cooks in the kitchen. Note to self: do not return.

Great location but the food is mediocre. They don t try very hard. Waiter was excellent!