OpenThe Beach Cafe
9 Pier St, Sandown PO36 8JR, United Kingdom
Welcome to The Reef
The Reef serves as a delightful British dining experience, proudly situated along the picturesque Esplanade in Sandown. This cozy venue offers a vast selection of traditional British classics, including their renowned fish and chips. With a spacious outdoor patio, it’s the perfect place to soak in the scenic views while enjoying a cold beer or a perfectly crafted cocktail. Whether stopping in for a quick bite or settling down for a leisurely meal, The Reef caters to your every craving with a friendly atmosphere. Their well-curated dessert menu, featuring chocolate fondant and lemon tart, beckons for a sweet finish after any meal.
Welcome to The Reef, your cozy seaside retreat in Sandown where traditional British classics come alive! Our inviting patio is perfect for enjoying iconic dishes like fish & chips, paired with an impressive selection of beers and cocktails. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite, we cater to all tastes, including vegan and vegetarian options. Relax in our casual yet trendy atmosphere, whether you're dining solo or with friends. With accessible amenities and a warm, welcoming environment, The Reef is the perfect spot for locals and tourists alike. Join us for a memorable meal where great food and drinks await!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
Customers rave about the freshly prepared fish and chips, widely regarded as a highlight on the menu. The generous portions and crispy batter leave diners satisfied and coming back for more. The extensive gluten-free menu also garners significant praise; it’s rare to find such tasty options for those with dietary restrictions.
Another favorite is the cozy patio seating that provides an inviting atmosphere, perfect for soaking up the sun while enjoying a meal. Guests appreciate the polite and attentive service, with many mentioning the efficiency of the staff during their visits. The list of cocktails adds a delightful twist to the dining experience, especially for visitors looking to unwind with a refreshing drink.
Most Disliked
During busy times, particularly on weekends, the restaurant can become crowded, leading to longer wait times for meals. Some patrons express disappointment with the noise level when the restaurant reaches full capacity. Despite this, many find the vibrant atmosphere to be part of the venue's charm.
The dessert options, while delicious, sometimes run out quickly during peak hours; this can leave diners feeling disappointed if they come for a particular sweet treat. Additionally, on occasion, limited parking options near the restaurant may pose a challenge, especially during the peak tourist season. Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall dining experience remains positive.
User Reviews
sh
sharlene h.
3rd trip to Sandown in year and we always come here for dinner. The gluten free menu is unreal, so many choices of good food and tasty food. Professional, friendly staff and efficient service. Such a pleasure to come here! All the wayy from London for a good gluten free menu! Calamari is delicious with side salad and the fries... lemon tart and. Raspberry annd white chocolate ice cream! Wow wow wow.
gs
gilly s.
Absolutely loved this place. Took our friends here who were visiting us. Great food, polite staff & good atmosphere. A great all rounder. Will deffo be returning.
DF
David F.
Amazing food, wonderful service. The fish was really good, it has a great kids menu (our 5 and 2 year old cleaned their plates) the gluten free options were great, could order so much off the menu. I'd particularly recommend the cajun salmon.
JT
Janice T.
We had our christmas meal today 17th November it was a really lovely, beautifully hot, plenty to eat, wonderful service. Good start to the Christmas thank you.
jh
john h.
We were hungry and decided to give it a go. We are so glad we did. Although it was busy, they fitted 3 of us in, straight away. We had the Sea Bass, homemade Pizza Carne, and the Lamb Pita. All of them were excellent, really enjoyed them, plus the 2 desserts we polished off as well. The 2 girls that served us were very pleasant, chatty, and efficient, which is great to see. A great night.
NS
Nichola S.
I found this restaurant on my GF app. It was really good, great atmosphere and the staff were very welcoming. Had the best gluten free fish and chips
TG
Tyler G.
Great food, great seating area with a view of sea but what really what makes this place special is the table service and team - keep it up guys! But a special thank you to young blonde hostess for all her efforts. Will definitely be back!
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The Reef offers traditional British classics, particularly known for its fish & chips. You can also find a variety of dishes including pasta, salads, and specialty sandwiches.
Yes, The Reef has a lovely patio for outdoor seating. It's perfect for enjoying a meal in the fresh air.
Yes, reservations are accepted for lunch, dinner, and brunch. It's recommended to book in advance, especially on weekends.
Absolutely! The Reef is good for kids and even has a kids' menu along with high chairs available.
The Reef accepts various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
The beer selection is great, but don't miss their cocktails and wine list. For coffee lovers, their tea and coffee selection is fantastic as well.
Why visit The Reef
The Reef deserves a visit for its authentic approach to British dining, set against a backdrop of scenic seaside views. The atmosphere strikes a delightful balance between casual and trendy, offering something for everyone. Recommendations include trying the iconic fish and chips, but also exploring the rotational daily specials that showcase seasonal ingredients. Taking advantage of the outdoor seating during warmer days enhances the dining experience, allowing you to savor your meal with the beautiful coastal scenery as your backdrop.
For families, there’s a well-managed kids' menu that ensures the little ones find something they'll love. The welcoming staff makes dining feel personal; it’s not uncommon for them to remember returning guests. Whether you're stopping by for lunch, dinner, or a quick drink with friends, The Reef is a beloved staple in Sandown that perfectly combines taste, atmosphere, and a warm community feel.
