The service was top notch. Beautiful views of the ocean. We dined inside due to the high winds but our table was beside a window. It was the dining on the beach without weather conditions!! We had the spinach artichoke dip. My husband had the filet with lobster tail. I had the Wagyu ribeye. I suggest the mashed potatoes! So delicious. Steaks were cooked perfectly and the lobster was so sweet. I suggest getting the chocolate cake for dessert! read more

The Reef - Spinach artichoke dip - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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The Reef is all about the location. Almost every seat has a view and you can't beat that! As other reviewers stated, the service is very slow. If you go in with that mindset, don't arrive starving and take in the beauty of the Ocean, you'll have a nice night. The complimentary bread is delicious! We both ordered dinner salads, Roasted Beet and Tuna Poke. The salads were fine, nothing special. For the price, I expected a larger salad portion. As I stated, this restaurant is all about the location. There is a large free parking lot and another overflow lot across the street for each access to the restaurant. read more

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Great ocean views and good food! Brunch was well thought out and although I ate from the lunch menu - beet salad, lamb meatball soup and fried manchego cheese, it was all on point!!!! But the REAL star is Kaydee "Kaydy" maybe and wow wow wow!!!! Attentive not intrusive - read the table amazingly well, anticipated 2 year old's needs to keep her calm, and engaged appropriately!!! "Unreasonable Hospitality"? She has a natural talent for this industry. The place is a perfect Florida ocean front spot and the bar is perfect!!!! Kaydee gets 7 stars!!!! Food 4's and 5's Place 4 View 6 stars read more

The Reef - Gaga and Happy (Pappy) and Rhodes Avery - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Ocean front dining. The food was cooked perfectly. The clam chowder is a cross between New England style and minorcan it is definitely a must try as it is Delectable! The service was nice and at a relaxed pace. We enjoyed ourselves. Great spot for birthdays or romantic date night. They have indoor seating that is stadium style so more tables have a view. They also have an outdoor patio. Large size full bar. read more

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The ambiance of this restaurant is beautiful. It is right on the beach with both inside and outside seating options. The service was great. Our waitress was very attentive. The food was very tasty although the portion size could have been larger. We ordered the steak and eggs and the shrimp and grits. I would return. read more

The Reef - Steak and eggs Shrimp and grits Mimosas - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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The best restaurant ever the service is awesome the food always made fresh absolutely amazing atmosphere relaxing and calming bring family and friends enjoy seeing the ocean and so beautiful everything is fresh and delicious beautiful place unbelievable place I love it so much so incredible fun remarkable beautiful amazing wonderful amazing beautiful wonderful place and I love it so much From Lauren read more

The Reef is a must visit when visiting St. Augustine / Vilano Beach. I'm a huge fan of cucumber cocktails and the cucumbertini was very refreshing and the perfect treat to end a long work week. The calamari was very seasoned and crispy and crunchy, but it almost tasted like it was fried in week old oil. The sauce that came with it was a great pairing. The lobster and shrimp risotto was very filling and very flavorful. I loved that it had mushrooms and peas mixed in. The service was very quick and our sever was very attentive and got us drink refills as soon as we needed. The ambiance speaks for itself with the ocean view from the windows. read more

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So good! Our friend in Saint Augustine knew about this place and took us there after our arrival in town. In short, the shrimp and grits are to die for! That sauce is unmatched, and the shrimp is nice. Sadly, the grouper and salmon were sold out so we opted for the Caribbean Grill. Great choice as the fish was flaky, nicely prepared and very fresh. Mussels as a starter, very nice as well. Nice attentive service (thanks Baylie) and the fact that this restaurant is coastal is a great plus.... unfortunately, we were over for a rather late dinner but anyone visiting during the summer should have great ocean views. Highly recommended. read more

The Reef - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Came on a Sunday around 11:00 sat at the bar. CJ was our server and he was great. No hard liquor until 1:00 on sundays until 1:00 but beer and wine is ok. We started with fried green tomatoes that were very tasty with a light breading. I had spring and grits with a datil like sauce that was outstanding. The hubs had a burger that he said was very good. Fries were excellent and he really liked the coleslaw. Our friend had an omelette that he really liked. The place is gorgeous and seats around 200. Outside seating is available and the views right on the ocean can't be beat. There is an upstairs available for private parties. We really enjoyed our brunch. read more

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Super rude hostess. She was very rude to my mom. This was my mom's favorite place. My mom has a huge social circle and has brought a ton of business here. We drove an hour to get spoken down to on 3:00 pm on a Friday on 8/8/2025. Management, please review the footage. Everyone else here is usually super friendly and my mom has always tipped way above average. But honestly, the food here is mid at best. The mixed drinks taste mostly of mix and are in my experience weaker than other local restaurants. I only visited for my mom. I'll never come back here. Thanks for being rude. You just saved me from a long future drive. read more

Food was amazing. Nice view and sounds from the beach. Service was friendly and prompt.

Food was soooo mediocre. Bread was stale. Food bland. Risotto was mush. Yikes!! Beautiful seaside view but the windows were too dirty to see the view. read more

Drove down and had lunch at The Reef. It was an extremely hot day so we sat inside but there is outdoor resting as well. There is a full bar in the restaurant. Our server was attentive and took care of us. We had the Caribbean Grill and the short rib grilled cheese. Both were delicious. The Caribbean Grill was so fresh. The short rib was tender and the grilled cheese portion added so much flavor. We had a great view of the beach and ocean. Overall it was a great lunch. read more

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Go give this place a try!! The food was amazing, our server was even better, and the drinks were good! AND THE VIEW!!!!! Our server walked us through the menu and what items she recommended and steered us away from meh items. The food took a little long but the calamari as an appetizer was great and that and some drinks (they also have mocktails!!!!!) created a nice relaxing atmosphere, and the wait for food didn't feel too long. read more

The Reef - Progress Not Perfection Mocktail - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Went for brunch for the first time and it was outstanding! Steak & eggs had so much flavor and cooked perfectly. And the shrimp and grits was delicious. We will definitely be going back. Outside seating at the reef is exceptional. read more

The Reef - Steak and eggs - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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The seafood trio was fresh and delicious. We upgraded to brussel sprouts with mashed potatoes which was recommended. The sea salt Carmel cheesecake was melt in your mouth good. Save room! read more

The Reef - Cauliflower steak - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Arrived, Wednesday evening 4:30 p.m. Service very slow,server not attentive, Jacqliyn,I ordered a simple pasta house red sauce, no seafood no chicken, just basic I was told no problem food Arrived 50 minutes later,Cold smothered with chunks of cheese, a flower, dried tomatoes, not what I ordered,asked server about it she said,Sorry about that,I paid bill ,I asked why I was paying full price$30 for a tiny bit of Cold Spaghetti ? She said she would check with manager,came back and said I was to pay full price,I thanked her for her mis guidance, paid and left...WILL NOT BE BACK terrible experience, cold food misled on price, What a joke,Stay Away ,the web site is very misleading, much,much better resturants in St Augustine then this place, 2 people in party over$80 read more

Wow Although many were not dressed to be in anice restaurant it was a great experience EXCEPT I had to ask for water 3x on a hot day on the deck. Bartender served up unique cocktails with perfect presentation Thank you read more

Indoor and outdoor seating with a nice bar area and a spectacular view of the ocean. This place feels elegant, yet casual. There's carpet throughout and on this very humid day of two weeks of rain left a slightly musty scent. Still a very clean and elegant setting. Staff is friendly and professional. I ordered a spicy Bloody Mary that was so satisfying. Nicely done! The Datil spiced Award Winning Seafood Chowder was creamy decadence with chunks of seafood and potatoes. My fried shrimp was light and crispy with succulent shrimp accompanied by a side of Datil pepper cocktail sauce. Perfect! My husband's order of Mahi Club was grilled and blackened and topped with smoky bacon and lettuce, tomato, onion and Swiss cheese with a dreamy avocado cream sauce. Amazing! Both our meals came with super crunchy well seasoned fries and Caribbean slaw. This is our first of many dining experiences as we intend to visit again often. Highly recommend! read more

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Beautiful view. Great patio. Lovely dining area. Very helpful staff. Clean washrooms. Easy parking . read more

The view from as amazing watching the waves of the ocean. Our first waiter was super friendly even though he was busy. The good was very good. My husband had fish and chips it looked so Crispy. I had scallops with a purée that was very tasty read more

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I'm really disappointed to be writing this because The Reef used to be phenomenal. Unfortunately, our experience last night -- which was supposed to be my mom's birthday dinner -- was incredibly disappointing. My mom ordered the prime rib, requesting it medium. It arrived completely raw in the middle and was about 75% inedible fat. It was extremely difficult to even cut into, let alone enjoy. I ordered the braised short rib, and it was served so cold that the fat had congealed. It honestly made my stomach turn. My dad ordered the seafood chowder, which was also cold, and later the jambalaya, which tasted pre-batched and unappetizing. For a restaurant we once loved -- and for the amount of money we spent -- this experience was unacceptable. It was especially upsetting given that it was meant to celebrate my mom's birthday. Sadly, we won't be returning. read more

My wife and I were very excited to go for brunch; we love Eggs Benedict. My wife had the Salmon and I had the crab Benedict's, we both agreed, worst we've ever had. The eggs were hard boiled and nearly no Hollandaise sauce, the muffins, potatoes, and fruit were very good read more

The Reef - Over cooked eggs Benny - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

Met family from Jacksonville here while we are camping here at North Beach Camp resort. We were seated right away. Our server Brandon was very friendly, helpful and attentive. We have been before and glad the food was consistent. We ordered a spinach and artichoke dip appetizer. Then ordered meals shrimp and grits , jambalaya, salmon and prime rib. Everything was good everyone enjoyed. We will definitely be back. read more

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We got to 3 stars by averaging the good with the bad. Let's start with the good; it's hard to beat the beach vide as you are literally on the beach. Great spot, they get 4 stars for the patio, it missed the 5 star mark because it could have been cleaner, lots of crumbs and last nights lime wedge still hanging around. The fish tank when entering could use some servicing. Our waitress was excellent more on that later, but she gets 5 stars. Let's talk about what was awful, the food. Simply put it was like Sysco foods came in and wrote the menu for them. My wife ordered the waffles, they came out cold. We asked our waitress if they prepare them, she said no unfortunately we buy them, really?? Making waffles is amongst the easiest things you could do. So easy in fact that many hotels allow guests to make them a la cart at the breakfast buffet. 3 thin slices of strawberries, horrid presentation. It should come off the menu or be completely rethought. I ordered the shrimp and grits. The flavors were good but there was a straight up deal breaker, the shrimp were not cleaned. This is something that is also really easy to do and totally fixable, frankly I would be embarrassed to send that out to customers. Also the thought of eating the digestive tract of a shrimp really kind of kills the appetite, I'm glad I saw it and didn't put it in my mouth. We sent back the waffles and got the fish and chips in its place. I spent years in kitchens and have always run fish and chips, the smell of old fry oil is one that once you smell you don't forget. They need to change their fry oil. More of the same; Sysco fries, Sysco slaw with a little added diced pineapple to the ready mix; at least it came out hot. Our wonderful waitress did the right thing and didn't charge us for the shrimp and grits or the waffles, she was sympathetic and didn't try to make excuses. She was well tipped and praised for doing her job well. Here's a few ideas from someone who has been in the industry for nearly 20 years. Shorten your menu to the items you do really well, there are to many choices. increase your pricing by 10% so that you can increase your food quality. Instead of buying ready made options from Sysco hire an experienced prep cook and have your food ready for your kitchen staff when they walk in, that's an easy person to find because they don't work service and have good hours.if you do it right you will see it's the same price as what you are paying for the ready made items. If you must; have someone local prepare your baked goods and tell your customers a little about them on the menu so that it increases your perceived value and local footprint in the community. I would go back for drinks but not to eat until I knew things had changed in the kitchen. All of these issues are fixable with a little coaching. read more

The Reef - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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I thought it was good and had a nice seafood selection, as well as wine, beer, and cocktails. They have $25 bottles of wine on Mondays, which is a great deal. They also had some deals on the appetizers for happy hour. The restaurant is off by itself and right on the beach, so the views are beautiful. Lots of windows. The waitress was super nice and very responsive. We had a lovely time. read more

For a dining experience that combines stunning views, impeccable service, and incredible food, The Reef is a must-visit. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a romantic meal, it promises to leave you delighted and craving more. Timeless elegance meets breathtaking ocean views at The Reef in Vilano Beach! From the tender blackened Mahi & Shrimp to the melt-in-your-mouth Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna, every dish was a delight. Chef Denzel truly outdid himself with his culinary creations, including the flavorful House-Made Pâté and the perfectly balanced chefs special Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi with asparagus, basil, tomatoes, and orzo. All of our fishes were so fresh with just the right amount of spice, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. And don't miss the Crème Brûlée or warm Bread Pudding to finish your meal on a sweet note. Big thanks to our amazing server Joey for making it extra special with his top-notch recommendations and charming descriptions (shoutout to orzo as "the love child of pasta and rice" ). Under the skilled hands of Chef Denzel Aponte, The Reef delivers seafood dishes that are both creative and delicious. My wife and I were in food nirvana, savoring every course from start to finish. Make your reservation today and savor a dining experience like no other. 4100 Coastal Hwy, Vilano Beach, FL read more

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This was an enjoyable evening listening to the waves from the ocean. The food was good I had the short rib with broccoli and fig jam accented in my dish, but my sister-in-Law had too much fig jam and it was sweet for her. The calamari appetizer was delicious and the seared tuna appetizer fresh. The service was so so. Things came out late. Over all good read more

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Great view even if the windows can get a little salty from the spray. Vilano is relatively close to St. Augustine so this is somewhat convenient for dinner if you are staying in STA or are going to the Amp. The Mai' Tai was pretty good. Crab app was very tasty. The fresh catch was pretty good. Service is laid back. Good beachside vibe with decent food. read more

Probably the worst dining experience we've had except maybe the food. Service, ambiance were terrible upstairs. We made a reservation and they asked if we could be okay with sitting upstairs...unfortunately the upstairs does not feel like the rest of the restaurant and more so like a make shift banquet hall. Apparently they open the upstairs for holidays but there's definitely not enough staff to do that. One server for the entire upstairs. My brother in laws martini came with a pink lipstick ring around the rim. For as much as they charge for entrees, they should really improve the atmosphere and service. We will not be back unfortunately and my family has been coming for years. read more

The Reef - This sat on our table for 45 minutes to an hour - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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FOOD POISONING, DO NOT GO HERE. What started as a nice meal ended in two people getting food poisoning. We ate here last night and the food was okay. Two from our party ordered the prime rib and it was extremely fatty and a little underwhelming. Today, both people who ordered the prime rib are throwing up. We called the restaurant to inform them of the food safety hazard and the manager we spoke with asked for proof. This is a gross way to handle a significant problem. They hung up without providing a resolution, any compensation or even taking the safety concern seriously. Undercooked or expired meat or whatever the issue was, two people are sick and this restaurant doesn't want to take accountability. DO NOT GO HERE. FOOD POISONING CONCERNS. read more

It was one of the first places I went to eat. Good food, great service and I loved sitting by the window so I could see the Atlantic Ocean. They have a really great cheese appetizer.. every time I go there I really love it. And they have a cool fish aquarium inside making the ambience of this place wonderful! read more

Great view super average to bad. Not worth the price for sure. We would never return. Service was good though

We had a great lunch here. The snapper and steak were perfectly prepared.Zack is an excellent waiter, most attentive and professional. We will be back here! read more

A lovely spot for lunch on the patio on a beautiful day with a nice breeze - literally on the beach. It's our first visit with friends who live nearby. They visit regularly and love it for happy our and lunch/brunch. Our server was great and food was good, except for my burger which was overcooked. Not worth sending back and then waiting while everyone else ate. Fries were delicious and the new yo us Datil sauce, made from a local pepper provided some heat. Enough that if you don't LOVE heat, you should get on the side. The warm muffins served as a prelude were terrific as was the little cup of fruit. We had a great time catching up and relishing the view. read more

The Reef - Pre-lunch served hot muffins and butter - Seafood Near Me - Saint Augustine, Florida

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Food was great View was wonderful Service was timely without being overbearing House wines were excellent for the price read more

We had no idea what we were stepping into. We were tired and hungry and pulled in on a whim! Oh I am so glad we did! The service was top notch, the food was amazing and the view was breathtaking! read more

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This was our first time at this restaurant and we were so excited because the location is wonderful...but that's where the compliments stop! The service was horrendous...you could tell that the staff was annoyed to be working today. My husband said his Diet Coke didn't taste right and asked For it to be removed from the bill that he was fine with water, and the waiter seemed to be annoyed. Then it took forever for our food to come out and when it did my grouper was room temperature at best and overcooked. My daughter's shrimp and grits were also cold and shrimp was overcooked, sitting in a sea of sauce! Regarding the restaurant...you are charging enough for the menu items, take some pride in the place and actually update it. The carpet is filthy, the tables are folding tables and the chairs are rickety and old. This place would be beautiful if the owners cared about making the restaurant clean, updated, and inviting... this is clearly a Cashcow for the owners and they don't care about what the place looks like. read more

We were a party of 4 and we all enjoyed our food. The one bad thing was being gluten free I trusted them to make my food as requested. I was awake most of the night with stomach pain. Someone needs to take the allergy more seriously. Service was good too! read more

Fantastic Food with a Killer Ocean View! I'm so glad we chose The Reef for dinner during our St. Augustine trip! The location alone is incredible--right on the beach, with sweeping views of the ocean. We were lucky enough to sit by a window and watch the waves roll in as the sun set. Perfect atmosphere. The food was delicious from start to finish. I had the blackened mahi-mahi, and it was cooked perfectly--tender, flavorful, and paired with fresh veggies and rice. My partner ordered the shrimp and grits, which were creamy and packed with flavor. We also shared the crab dip appetizer... HIGHLY recommend! Service was attentive and friendly, even though they were quite busy. Our server gave great recommendations and kept our drinks filled. Prices are on the higher side, but you're paying for quality food and that stunning oceanfront view--it's worth it for a special night out. Pro tip: Try to go around sunset for the best experience, and make a reservation if you can. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town! read more