The Reef - Kansas City

We went soon after the opening a few years ago, just before the pandemic. The food was good, decor was great, but the service was not good at all. The owner felt so bad, he composed one of our dinners. So we were back this week. What a difference! Our server Michael was excellent. He was attentive, made us welcome and contributed to our wonderful culinary experience. We already loved the nautical ambience. At a closer look, it was amazing how much a collector the owner must be to have everything... I mean, everything goes with the nautical theme. We started with crabcakes that were delicious. Not a bunch of fillers, as you often encounter, all delicious crabs. For the net we ordered trout and salmon. Both were delicious and the accompanying garlic potatoes and asparagus. For dessert, cheesecake with strawberry topping, was a wonderful starting point for a fine culinary experience. We're going back... probably regularly!

Total Groovy ChowHall This place could be mistaken for a pirate bay or a museum. Need more time to check the premises, just a tone of Great Ocean Decor Swordfish was Outstanding, Veggies would have cooked a bit more. Fine line between crispy and undercooked? The staff was decent, only slowly taking into account 20% occupancy. Will be back for another experience

Wow doesn't begin to describe it. The service was very pleasant and the food was amazing. I love seafood, so I'm always looking for the best. I don't think I had salmon melt in my mouth as it was here. By far the best Clam Chowder I've ever had. The chef was happy to be back open after the pandemic. The decor is heavy, what I really love.

My experience in The Reef was amazing!! Call our waiter, Michael, together with Chef David. The decor, excellent. The food, I can't roast enough. I had Co-workers seen my pictures and was thirst for this place I discovered. Food and drink were served quickly, with our first buddy Michael constantly check in. The ambience was romantic, unlike your Long John Silvers every day. The worst part? Not able to go every day. I want to have half my birthday, God's birthday, dog's birthday, every holiday celebrated in this place, of course in the Captain's room. 10/10 would recommend.

Jan 2022 update: Service is fantastic. Drinks were as expected. Ambiance is still cool. Things have changed with the food...... Bluepoint oysters are just not as fresh as Eddie V's or Farina's for some reason. Shrimp were huge, but a lil fishy smell. Prime rib at Summit grill is more tender/flavorful. Might be the grade of prime rib used. They no longer have the giant fried shrimp. 5 star service/ambiance. 3.5-4 stars for food. IMHO. Will try again in future. Jan 2020 update: Back for the 4th trip on V day. It is very busy. Wait staff is so aware of the needs. Food is still fantastic. The new large lobster tail is PERFECTION. The prime rib is still great. Tried the crab dip. Good stuff. Back for 3rd time in 2 weeks. The service is still a A , the ambiance is truly a work of passion by the owner, and food is actually even better than before the 3rd time around if that's possible. The large fried shrimp are still hands down the best in KC. Tried the prime rib tonight, amazing! Swordfish is still the best in KC. Blue cheese salad dressing is spot on. Back for a 2nd trip. Ambiance is even better the 2nd try. Swordfish was still great. Wife skipped filet and did shrimp.... yummy! Sold out of crab cakes and prime rib. Service was still outstanding. Listen up KC, the best seafood is not the Bristol, it's the Reef. The extra large fried shrimp are as good as it gets. The ambiance is like your in Maine. Very nautical and the sea lovers will love it. The service is the best non-Michelin restaurant I've been to. The bar area is unreal, perfect for happy hour. The outdoor area is PERFECT.