Reef Restaurant

4 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  2      Service  7      Value  3     

Came here with my girlfriend, was seated in the corner which had a nice view and very private, but was Very cold, they told us it would warm up. It didn't. So we sat there dining with our coats on. Very unpleasant.

The food was okay, certainly not worth the price though, we ordered the lamb medium and steak medium rare, I think the lamb was about right but by contrast the steak would have been medium to well done.

Service was their main strength, water always topped up, limited but appropriate conversation and very helpful with food and wine knowledge. As for the battery operated candle on the table, very tacky.

May 12, 2012 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

We recently dined at Reef Restaurant for lunch for a long overdue catch up with friends from interstate.

The service we received was fantastic and well above par for the Central Coast. The knowledge of the staff was great and we found the service to be attentive but not intrusive. We really appreciated the small things that are often forgotten in this region, anticipating our needs in regards to our drinks and even ensuring that our water was always topped up.

We had pre-ordered the seafood platter which was very generous and full of beautifully prepared, exceptionally fresh seafood. The wine list has some great wines which are quite reasonably priced. Overall, we had a wonderful lunch and would not hesitate to recommend Reef to anyone.

Jan 20, 2012 

7.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  3      Value  8     

The location will definitely keep you coming back to this restaurant which has arguably the best view of anyone on the Coast. The food is beautifully prepared and the servings are generous. The local oysters are always on our 'must try' list and the chef changes the way he prepares them seasonally. We loved the Barramundi and the pork belly.

The food at this restaurant is certainly some of the best on the coast. The service is the only down side. We've been here a number of times and it continues to be below par. Some of the staff seem very young and have little knowledge of the menu. One young man was so nervous he was shaking while he poured the wine.

By contrast the senior staff was overly familiar, he seemed to recognise us from our last visit and assumed this meant we were friends, perhaps? I prefer my service to discreet, efficient and performed in accordance with fine dining standards. I really don't want a senior staff leaning across me to fill a glass, particularly when he's been smoking. Most unpleasant. I also don't want to know anything about his personal life. We're here to enjoy each other's company, sir, not yours.

It's worth diners being aware that there are two restaurants in this building. Reef is the 'fine dining' establishment upstairs and Cove is the downstairs cafe. I suspect that sometimes the reviews get juggled and some people referring to Reef are mentioning dishes that, to my knowledge, they've never served. Cove is also party to this fabulous view, though from the lower floor. It's cheaper and more casual but still very good.

Jan 11, 2012 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

Had an amazing dinner at Reef on 19/5/2011. Food was delicious, well presented and full of flavour. Service was also excellent. By far one of the better dining experiences we have had. Can't wait to return, Desserts were a highlight and rounded off a fantastic meal! Well Done to the Chefs, Thanks Guys!

May 20, 2011 

4.3 Below Average

Food  2      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  2     

My boyfriend and I recently dined at The Reef and were very unhappy with the quality of food which reminded me of pub grub and, therefore, was extremely over priced.

My fish didn't come as promised on the menu, was overcooked and everything on my plate was over-salted. Not to mention the fact that there was so much going on the plate that there was no room left. My boyfriends steak was ordered rare and came out medium well and was sat on a pile of mush that resembled potatoes salad. The best thing I ate all night was the olive oil and bread before our starter.

However, the staff were very attentive and the view was amazing. On the way out I nearly fell over because the floor was covered in oil which annoyed me all the more. This restaurant has lost it's vision all the food was over-complicated and seems as though they are comfused about the dishes they are serving.

Jan 03, 2011 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

We are local and went to this restaurant with another local couple late December 2010, service provided by Daniel was fantastic and food was absolutely delicious, could not have had a better night. Highly recommended for a special night.

Jan 02, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  4      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Me and my husband dine here every summer and have always loved the food mainly the great fish and chips they used to have. The food lately has changed, it is not as honest as it used to be and seemed very confused. Wish we could get the great fish of the day and chips back that we use to have, instead of trying too hard to be creative. Great view and staff too.

Dec 07, 2010 

4.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  2      Value  4     

Service here was horrible and the staff obviously didn't want us there. We spent most of the night trying to get their attention for service but it was slow and they were insistent on doing the least possible for us. The food wasn't bad but certainly not to the standard for what they charge.

Sep 23, 2010 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  9     

Had our father's 70th Birthday party here last week. Absolutely fabulous location. The staff couldn't have done more in making it a memorable day. Ambience and food 1st class.

Sep 22, 2010 

3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  4      Service  2      Value  3     

Really slow service almost painful. The food isn't terrible but for the prices they charge not worth it. The dishes we had were bland and unappealing. Nice view over the water but this does not make up for the big failings of this restaurant. Give it a miss.

Sep 14, 2010