After softly opening pre-pandemic, The Reef is officially opening on Newport’s waterfront
Situated on Newport’s idyllic waterfront at 10 Howard Wharf, The Reef brings international flavor from the seven seas to the heart of beautiful Newport, RI. Following a soft opening pre-pandemic, The Reef is making its official debut onto the Newport dining scene with a fresh, new renovated look.
Boasting panoramic harbor views and internationally inspired cuisine, The Reef is a not-to-miss waterfront dining destination serving international cuisine inspired by the travels of sailors everywhere and owner Robert Flaxman’s lifelong love for boating.
Transporting guests to ports around the world, The Reef’s menu offers a unique and thoughtfully curated spin on typical Newport dining. In addition to New England classics like a hot and cold lobster roll, menu highlights include international, chef-driven fare including lobster a la vodka, tuna poke, seafood bouillabaisse, empanadas, and chickpea fries. Perfectly complementing its flavorful food menu, The Reef’s beverage menu offers a wide variety of refreshing cocktail, wine, beer, and liquor options.
Further bolstering The Reef’s culinary program, the restaurant is excited to welcome Jon LoPresti to its team. As Director of Culinary Development, LoPresti will oversee all culinary programming and planning for the brand, including the development and execution of the internationally inspired coastal menu at the restaurant. Prior to joining The Reef team, LoPresti was the chef de cuisine at Newport’s Stoneacre Brasserie/Garden at Stoneacre and executive sous chef at 41 North – “The Grill,” also in Newport. Having spent most of his career in the New York area, LoPresti has held executive culinary positions at Laurel Links Country Club, Ocean Grill, Oceana and The Water Club, in addition to Bullshead Bar & Grill and Bridgehampton Cafe in The Hamptons.
With a capacity for up to 500 guests total, The Reef’s newly renovated, coastal-inspired space makes for a picturesque setting for intimate gatherings and large celebrations alike, while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for casual come-as-you-are dining and drinking on its waterfront patios. For regular dining, the space offers three distinct indoor dining areas showcasing stunning sailing photography and ocean-inspired color palettes, three bars, and two gorgeous, waterside patios complete with fire pits, lounge seating, free-standing tables, and Newport’s only grove of palm trees- ensuring that each and every one of its guests feels like they’ve discovered a little slice of restaurant paradise. The property also boasts Newport’s only waterfront restaurant that has a dinghy dock and free parking for restaurant patrons.
Overlooking Newport Harbor, The Reef’s breathtaking waterfront views are the ideal backdrop to any event. The multi-functional spaces can accommodate all types of occasions from corporate events, birthday parties, wedding celebrations, and more. Guests can delight in an elegant, formal dining room celebration while admiring spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, or opt for a lively patio party complete with a bar and live DJ.
With the health and safety of guests and team members The Reef’s top priority, the restaurant will continue to implement strict safety measures and cleaning protocols in accordance with the guidance of the CDC, the state of Rhode Island, and local Newport health officials. In order to safely serve the community, The Reef spaces tables six feet apart and thoroughly sanitizes between seatings; frequently disinfects high-touch surfaces; requires team members to pass a health check upon arrival, wear protective masks at all times, and practice personal hygiene practices including frequent handwashing; and use advanced HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters in inside dining rooms and bars; among many other protocols.
The Reef is now open for indoor and outdoor dining on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Hours will be expanding to 7 days as of Memorial Day Weekend. Takeout and delivery is available Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. The Reef is located at 10 Howard Wharf, Newport, RI 02840. For more information, please contact (401) 324-5852 or visit www.thereefnewport.com. Follow @thereefnewport on Instagram and Facebook for updates and announcements.