I came here since their TTDI debut, and speaks of our dining experience.
TLDR - No longer recommended.
Food -
They claimed to get their fish fresh daily from the opposite market when we asked during their debut, 4 months down we see their workers carrying 'Frozen' fish in large plastic bags from the storeroom upstairs (staircase turn left you will see a door).
After dining a total of 10 times at different hours (lunch/dinner), their portion size just keep shrinking, served fish is now so small, I could order 2 plates for own self. Ordering grill fish will leave you hungry for another 2 more plates. (this was reflective of other 2 stars reviews, so its not just me)
While plate out fish quality is still decent (Heinz tomato is no longer provided, replaced with local variants; Tartar sauce is now 35% of dipping bowl), but the quality of grill fish had dropped significantly, at that price, it opens itself to more premium competitions. Just stick to their battered fishes.
Atmosphere - Solid walls makes this a cafe, not a restaurant; noise reflections upstairs make a horrid dining experience. Toilets are clean, tableware is clean.
Service - The main killer of our experience and making this place 'no longer recommended' or even avoid for us.
We came in a pax of 5, ordered our food, confirmed our order, waited 35+ minutes (not complaining about wait time since its a busy night), before our food came out 1 by 1.
By the time the 4th order came out, 1st & 2nd ordered food was finished, 5 minutes later we asked to confirm the 5th order, and the waiter confirmed food is on the way. 15 mins later (1 hour since sitting & 4 diners food finished) we asked to reconfirm the order, which the waiter panicky mentioned the order was not key'ed in and will place the order in.
As a normal restaurant, such a mistake (1 hr wait time + missed order after many re-checking), the next order/fish out of the kitchen should quickly be given due to the delay, but another 20 mins passed and we saw 2 other patrons who ordered the same fish got their food. We asked to check when will the 5th person get their order and was notified another 20 mins.
We cancelled the order and proceed to settle the bill. Upon paying, the manager downstairs unsympathetically apologised for the miss order, that's about it, knowing the 5th person waited and was not able to eat anything for the last 1.5hr+, not even going to bother looking into their operations for improvements.
It was an experience not to be forgotten, as we left angrily never to return back.
To the management (be it Penang or TTDI), its one thing when your restaurant could not handle peak hours, but its another when you had no damage control training or hiring managers with zero emotional quotient. The easiest way is to implement order checkers slips for each table after each order was made.
Other diners...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Blue Reef Fish and Chips in TTDI, and I must say, it was a truly memorable experience! From the moment I stepped in, I was impressed by the cozy ambience reminiscent of the original one in Straits Quay, Penang. The attention to detail in both the food and service was outstanding, making it a top-notch dining destination.
The first thing that caught my eye was the generous portion size of their fish and chips. It was evident that they take pride in serving their customers with not just a delicious meal but also a hearty one. The fish was perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the chips were simply addictive!
The service at Blue Reef was nothing short of excellent. The staff was attentive, friendly, and went the extra mile to ensure that we had a pleasant dining experience. They were knowledgeable about the menu and readily accommodated our requests, making us feel truly valued as customers.
One aspect that stood out for me was their selection of fresh draught beer. It complemented the fish and chips beautifully, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal.
Now, let's talk about their legendary tartar sauce – it was indeed to die for! Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, it elevated the fish and chips to a whole new level. I couldn't get enough of it!
Besides the fish and chips, I was also recommended to try their mushroom soup, and I must say, it was the best I've ever had. Velvety smooth and bursting with rich flavors, it left me craving for more.
Finally, I had the chance to indulge in their fish sandwich, and it was a delightful surprise! The fish was tender and accompanied by fresh, flavorful toppings that made every bite a true delight.
In conclusion, my dining experience at Blue Reef Fish and Chips in TTDI was outstanding. From the great portion sizes and appetizing dishes to the warm service and cozy ambience, it's a gem of a restaurant. If you're a fish and chips enthusiast or simply appreciate delicious food in a welcoming setting, I highly recommend you pay a visit to Blue Reef. It's a place where attention to detail meets...
Read moreOddly situated in TTDI, if you are driving, you'll approach the back end of the restaurant first and may think it's closed but the main entrance is actually around the corner and has plenty of seating for AC indoor and el fresco dining. The staff are very well trained. Ching was at the door with a big smile to warmly welcome you and show you to a table. Tables are clean and the place is well ventilated. The serving staff all gave great efficient service with a smile and are very observant. The menu is quite extensive, serving traditional fish n chips, pan grilled fish, pastas, burgers and family platters. A good choice for those not into seafood and groups We were here for their Traditional Fish n Chips, so we ordered single servings of Halibut (RM 47.00), Snapper (RM 41.00 x 2) and Barramundi (RM 33.00) all in beer batter. All the fish came out freshly deep fried with a side of straight cut french fries, a refreshing salad and a tartar sauce dip. The snapper was outstanding- moist sweet and flaky. The barramundi was also well cooked and fresh. The halibut was good but as it is an imported fish, you can tell it's been frozen a while. Overall, all of our orders were delicious. I especially liked the tartar sauce and was cleaning the bowl out with a french fry when Ching came over and offered me another serving of the tartar sauce which I graciously accepted. As we all only ordered water (FOC) both warm and cold, it came in a glass but when they noticed we had finished our water, they immediately offered a carafe. Our bill came out to RM 189.00. I paid by card but they also accept cash and online payments. Would I recommend it? Most definitely! The food was great and the service (on a busy night) was impeccable. A shout out to Ching for her warm friendliness...
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