The Reef — Restaurant in Newport

Exceeded ALL expectations on EVERY level! Not sure that I have the perfect words to describe the fabulous/magnificent job that the first class team at The Reef did for our 160 person party last Friday. It was a welcome party for our son’s wedding which was the next day in Newport. The Harborside Room and Main Dining area were setup beautifully and the space was super conducive for mingling, drinking, entertaining, eating and partying. The back doors were open overlooking the magnificent Newport harbor and every “wall” was windows/open doors showcasing the water, boats, sunset and wharf. The chef (Giacomo - sp?) and his team (Paul, Scott, etc…) , the wait staff, bartenders, hostess (Chloe) and all managers were in full service mode and offered a high end, memorable experience for all! Wish I had every employees name to mention them specifically - they all deserve it! Prior to the event we worked with Jill, Andrew, and their owner Leslie. All three were extremely knowledgeable, hard working, beyond accomodating and 1000% intent on offering us the best party ever. Their advice and expertise helped us create a super fun party atmosphere and the food was exquisite. Their chef and his team made special meals to order at the multiple food stations and the food was hot, flavorful and beautifully presented. The passed appetizers were plentiful, hot and delicious too. I have never had guests rave about a party like this one. Everything was perfect and the staff was attentive, kind and beyond personable. They truly added to the overall happy/positive vibe and experience. Even some random guests called The Reef days later to praise the staff, event and restaurant. Never heard of anyone ever doing that. Jill and Andrew gave us expert advice and the evening was an A+++++! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard that evening. They willingly honored several of our special requests without hesitance and were a pleasure to work with. We are now thinking of reasons/milestones in our life to celebrate so we can once again throw a party at The Reef! I would recommend this venue for lunch, dinner, special event and you will be met with excellent, friendly service and spectacular food. We can’t thank you enough for treating our family and friends to such an amazing, unforgettable evening in Newport! All the best, Chris...

So I'll start off with,I'm a regular guest here, but usually we sit in the bar. So tonight we were running late,we spent too much time on the water.So no suit tonight, simple slacks and a button down shirt. ,my wife was wearing a cashmere sweatshirt over a dress , We entered the reef and because of the chill in the air opted to sit inside. Upon entering the host stand was vacant. my wife and I, have actually never sat down , at one of the dining room tables.,A we s often meet friends in the bar.But tonight was special,we were celebrating,figuring champagne best served inside.We waited at least 2 songs, as there was live music playing. After the second song I opened the door to the inside bar and saw the head chef sitting at the bar,must be a slow night?The chef was very nice,and we don't blame him at all for sitting l. The chef walked up to us, greeted us, apologied for lack of a host.The chef recommend a dish and xalled the manager over ,he helped us get a table.All in all, turned a bad experience around,So we are led to a table almost in the outside area. We gazed over the menu. Usally we just do appetizers and drinks at the bar or a tower or two. So were hopeful for a good experience, however we had several waitresses walk by and ignore us,after 25 minutes without being greeted ,we left they ran after us begged us to come back i think the bartender recognized us, but was too little, to late. As a long time patron of this place, I've already told my friends what happened ,and we are no longer meeting here for drinks. I would not recommend this place, as we were labeled and mistreated . I mentioned to management when he's sat us if they could recommend a good bottle of Champagne, kinda wish we stayed at the bar. So bar is good but this left a bad taste in my mouth no amount of sorry can u do what happened never felt discrimination before being were both white. The live music was quite good and the cook was good as well wish we got to try his special, he told us he would make it special, oh well and ill end with thwnkfor making my wife of 10 years cry on out...

Objective facts from my experience: Made reservations in early March (offseason and not busy) for brunch they opened at 11am… we got there at 10:50am (with a 2 year old, 5 year old and a grandmother) we walked in the entry area, which was unlocked, and were told by the young manager, that we “needed to wait outside”… in the 35 degree weather (not 50 on the water FYI). Instead of letting us patiently wait in one of the 8 unoccupied igloos that were unlocked… or the sizable heated waiting area. No human decency whatsoever. Just human to human, felt neglected. (minor detail but still awkward) when seated, the waiter didn’t introduce themselves… just tossed down the menus and said “I’ll be back shortly” (another super minor detail) waiter forgot straws for the kids drink carton… which required a straw to puncture (think of getting a Capri Sun with no straw) made two of three cocktails incorrectly (waiter couldn’t figure out how to light the torch for a smoked whiskey cocktail, and just quit after short time, leaving it unsmoked) the wind blew over the syrup on our plate for French toast (again, not a huge deal… but the waiter just stated it happened, without suggesting an alternative of any kind) they forgot a side of bacon… which was included with the dish - not even an add on they forgot to plug in our igloo, so it was unlit, and unheated… just general lack of attention to detail or care towards a customer. You pay $100 JUST TO RESERVE those igloo things, and they didn’t even remember to plug the darn thing in?! the food was decent at best, and the ambiance is a nice concept… but LORD do they need better service. NOT WORTH THE SPEND. Would highly advise trying a different restaurant in Newport. There are SO MANY better options. SO… MANY. the waiter also brought the “check” on electronic pad, and waited in the igloo with us while we filled it out, like a test proctor… terrible etiquette and uncomfortable as all heck… THAT IS NEVER A PREFERENCE OF...