Reef Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Ko Samet

We visited this restaurant last month — food was decent, service was great. Fast forward to this week: total disaster.

The moment we landed on the island, first mission was to book a dinner here. The hostess, full of confidence and zero foresight, told us: “No need to book, just walk in!” Classic Thai-style hospitality roulette. We even double-checked: “Are you sure?” She smiled and said again: “Yes, just walk in.”

So we did — ten minutes later. Stepped in, expecting that same warm welcome. Instead? First words from the service staff: “Do you have a reservation?” Are you kidding me?

We explained what the hostess said. Their response? Not “sorry,” not “let us fix it,” but a non-stop robotic chant of “You should have booked. You must have reserved. We only have one table. Far corner. Nowhere near the beach. Enjoy the isolation.”

We asked them to call the hostess. She showed up, and guess what? Her whole problem-solving strategy was: “Oh, I’m sorry.” Iconic.

So there we were, stuck at a tiny table next to the bar — zero view, zero vibe. We asked for the manager. They said: “He’ll be here at 6:30.” We waited. Spoiler: he never showed. Apparently, being invisible is part of the job description.

And now, let’s talk food. Western dishes? Just don’t. Rigatoni with beef ragu — cold-ish pasta reheated from a sad pot of water, topped with a handful of dry meat scraps. Zero flavor. Zero effort. Zero pride. Beef tenderloin? We got the reject piece — chewy, gristly, and totally inedible. Only half-decent dishes were the Thai ones. That pork Thai-fusion pizza? Surprisingly okay. The prawn dish? Not bad. But nothing could save the experience.

We left at 7:50. Manager still missing in action. Probably enjoying his life far away from the restaurant he’s supposed to run.

This was our last visit. And to the manager — wherever you are — bravo! You’ve officially become a myth.

You wanna go to this place? Avoid western food and make sure they get your reservation...

A great idea that was ruined by the unprofessionalism of the staff. The story is simple. Two days before the New Year, I booked a certain table in this restaurant. The same table, at the same time for a week in advance. Guaranteed guests every day. The administrator happily accepted the reservation. But when I arrived on the first of January exactly at the appointed time, I discovered that there was someone else’s reservation on the table, the time of which had passed half an hour ago. There's no one at the table. At the same time, the waiter peremptorily seated me at another table. Okay, ok. Everyone is celebrating New Year, the restaurant is crowded. I came alone, let four people sit, I can sit at a table for two. However, at this table of mine there ended up being two people and no more. It’s strange, what prevented them from sitting at a table for two when this table was reserved by me? On January 2, the situation repeated itself, despite the fact that the restaurant was empty. Seat your guests wherever you want. No, it’s my desk that’s occupied. Moreover, no one knows whether I will come alone or with a group, the reservation is simply ignored. Moreover, with special cynicism. Question, why do you accept reservations? To then humiliate a regular guest who comes to you every day? Will he come anyway, let him pay? What difference does it make to him where he sits and eats?! The attitude is absolutely disgusting. The administrator did not come out, explain himself or apologize. The waitress stood there and blushed. The cuisine in the restaurant is good, but you will soon be eating it yourself if you treat guests like this. Never set foot in either the Tamarind hotel or the Reef restaurant again. ...

Would be 2.5 total, but for now, I need to stick to the lower rating. Did not have a chance to taste the food. One waitress who acts like she knows everything, short lady, has an attitude, you can't miss her. Only one of them like this. Trying to convince the spoiled watermelon is OK taste, also speaks in a hardly understandeable accent, told us pizza will be ready by 4pm, yet she meant pizza crew have a break at 4pm. So we had been waiting for 2 hours for nothing. Miscommunnication with bad attitude on her side. Will update review once they get it right. She does not belong there. Other staff was great. But not sure how spoiled watermelon got onto our our plate.

Update 1: Dom and Micha (มิชา) was absolutely amazing. Dom is from Cambodia, Micha is from Thailand. Amazing service and great food. Main course was slightly small, but overall great taste and food with amazing service. The lady with attitude should change, if she does the place would be excellent.

Overall, drinks are good. The bartenders have a good master.

Pasta was fresh, home made. Great taste! Would go back any time for it!

Pizza made from fresh dough and really great for Samed. Whoever they miss more deeper understanding what makes a difference in pizza, but it is great for the island. For example, too much semolina, preventing crispy crust, higher heat oven for better overall consistency and taste, etc... As you can see it was white on the crust, Not real italian style, but tasty and I would go back for it.

First it was 2.5 but I give 5 for Dom and Micha (มิชา).

Place has lot of potential, it is already great. Eliminate the bad and train the good one more, would make...