The Reef — Restaurant in Biloxi

I apologize for the long read. As a local guide with nearly 14 million views on my restaurant reviews, I rarely post negative feedback. When I do, I strive to be fair and always attempt to communicate directly with management.

The Reef has long been my preferred dining destination in Biloxi, and I was genuinely looking forward to returning after several months away. The weather was perfect, and I enjoyed the 30-minute walk to the restaurant, eager to dine outdoors and take in the beautiful view.

Upon arrival, I noticed some recent updates, including a new bar and what appeared to be new management. While my previous experiences at The Reef have always been positive, my visit a few nights ago was unfortunately quite disappointing.

After waiting several minutes (which I did not mind) specifically for an outdoor table, I was seated and excited to enjoy the beachside atmosphere. The view of the beach and water, combined with the refreshing breeze, made for a wonderful setting.

However, shortly after my meal arrived, the manager, Emily, decides to close all of the exterior shades without any notice or explanation. This action completely obstructed the view and blocked the pleasant breeze that many guests, including myself, had waited to enjoy. The area quickly became uncomfortably warm, and it was clear that several tables around me were upset by this abrupt change. I overheard a guest at a nearby table express her frustration, stating, “We waited 30 minutes to sit down outside and now all we have to look at is this shade, with no breeze and no explanation. WT F? I’m not coming here again.” I found myself agreeing with her sentiment.

When I asked my server about the decision to close the shades, he was unable to provide an explanation and did not follow up with any further assistance. He only came back with the check. Overall, the service did not meet the high standards I have come to expect from The Reef, and it appears the restaurant may be moving in the wrong direction.

When I spoke with Emily, the manager of The Reef, she explained that she decided to close the shades in response to a customer complaint about the breeze. However, this decision seemed to disregard the preferences of the majority of outdoor diners who waited to sit outside primarily for the view and the sea breeze. I suggested that, in the future, it might be more considerate to ask guests if they would mind the shades being closed, or to offer alternative seating to those who are uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the conversation was not productive, as Emily’s response was negative and confrontational, which only exacerbated the situation.

Regrettably, my interaction with The Reef management was not positive. Emily appeared irritated by my questions and responded curtly when I asked for her name, stating in an unfriendly (aka nasty) tone, “My name is Emily, and you can pick up my business card at the front door.” This lack of professionalism and customer care was both unexpected and very disappointing. Do better!

As a business owner myself, I treat my customers like gold. I was once told, “If you don’t treat your customers with respect and consideration, someone else will.” While I do not believe the customer is always right in every circumstance, in this case, I was simply asking management a few questions and offering a constructive suggestion. The response I received from The Reef’s management was, unfortunately, disrespectful, disappointing and should be unacceptable to any reputable restaurant owner.

I hope The Reef will reconsider its approach to customer service and communication, especially given the many excellent dining options available, including some along the beach, just a short walk away.

I sincerely wish The Reef restaurant success and hope to see improvements in the future, should I decide to return.

Looking at the newest reviews (late May, early June 2025) there are obvious issues at The Reef. I hope they get their act...

What a find...

After a series of disappointing restaurants in the Big Easy, over my son's spring break, we decided to leave N'orleans and head for Biloxi Beach. An afternoon of sand, sun, wind and water made for some famished vacationers... and an earlier walk along the beach brought us past an inviting looking restaurant. The Reef.

Inside we found a warm comfortable setting with views up and down the beach and out into the Gulf. We had the option of eating out on their deck or inside. We usually like to dine outside, but it was a little windy and cool, so we opted for a window facing the setting sun.

My son ordered chips and salsa for starters and ended with Quesadillas & fries. Both were a hit... and I can vouch for the fries. They were killer, some of the best i have ever had. Even good cold!

My wife and I started with raw and charbroiled oysters. The raw were fresh and refreshing... but the charbroiled babies were to die for. Get a dozen of these bad boys... Hec, get two. Make it your meal. Between the charbroiled oysters and the fries you have reason to travel... just to get your mits on them. You won't be disappointed.

For dinner we had the Mandarin Tuna Salad (medium-rare) and the Smoked Tuna Avocados Salad. We couldn't decide which we loved more. The tuna was cooked perfectly, was flavorful and melted in your mouth and both the Orange Ginger dressing and the Honey-Lime-Siracha were spot on.

My only complaint of the evening was with the wines. I started with a glass of their house cab (their only Cabernet). It was terribly sweet. I don't know how it could be called a cab. So, I tried a glass of their Merlot, Clos do Bois. Don't Do It!!! Sweet also. I finished with a Pinot Noir, Mirassou, and it was delightful. I did have a taste of one of their 30 draft beers, Lazy Magnolia's Southern Pecan Ale. It's a keeper. Almost had me going against my doctor's orders and ordering a pint.

We finished the night by ordering a piece of their very rich and moist, VERY chocolatey cake (whose name escapes me). We planned on taking it to our hotel, but after spending a little more time on the beach we decided to go up to the Sky Bar deck and wash it down with a couple of coffees. It was mmm-good (think of how Andy Griffith would have said it). 😁

All and all one the high-lites of our trip... And if you should get Ashley as your server all the better. She's a treasure.

So, if you want great food, in a comfortable setting, with some beautiful views I suggest you head on down to The Reef.

... P.S. Sky Bar is 21 and older after 9:00 PM and they offer live entertainment... multiple...

We frequent the reef anytime we are in Biloxi, Mississippi, which is a few times a year. On this particular trip, we were leaving Louisiana heading back to Mobile, ALabama. We decided to stop by the casino, then we gased up and headed to the Reef we had not eaten at all that day because we had business in Louisiana earlier that morning, which is a Saturday morning and this is usually a rest day for my husband and I. After getting off of the elevator and approaching the customer service desk, a young lady asked if she could help us. My husband advised Two for a booth, since every both In The view of the door was completely empty and anyone that has ever eaten there knows that at the front door just by the front desk you can see from the front door to the back door. The young lady said there was a wait of 30 minutes or more. We advised that all of the booths were empty and even the tables that we could see. The young lady continued by saying that she is holding them for someone, but they weren't reserved, and there was no one waiting but us. She advised that they were giving the kitchen time to catch up. From what I asked. She said that they were backed up. We spoke for a moment amongst ourselves, and finally, we just left. We should have just eaten at the casino. We li e the reef, and the service has always been great until this date. There is no waiting area to sit and wait, so after standing conversing amongst ourselves, we left and went to someone else. I'm not sure if we will be back. When we pulled in, the parking lot was pretty empty when they were normally packed out busy. We were even able to park right across from the elevator door. We sent so many friends and family to this establishment when they were going to Biloxi, and they have always thanked us for recommending the reef. I do t think that I will recommend it to...