The Reef
Biloxi, MS
A three-story seafood spot right on the Biloxi boardwalk — charbroiled oysters, a wraparound Gulf view, and a Sky Bar upstairs for after.
Atmosphere
The Reef sits right on the Biloxi boardwalk, and the dining room takes full advantage — floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound deck put you eye-level with the Mississippi Sound, with the kind of open water view that makes waiting for a table on a Friday night feel less like a chore. A hand-painted underwater mural by local artist Marty Wilson covers the north wall, all coral and fish scales, which sounds gimmicky until you're seated under it with a plate of oysters. Climb the stairs (or take the elevator) to the Sky Bar on the third floor and the view opens up even further — 270 degrees of Gulf, good for a sunset beer even if you skip dinner.
What to Order
Start with the charbroiled oysters — char-grilled in butter and parmesan, and the dish regulars mention more than anything else on the menu. Crabmeat Monica, a New Orleans staple of pasta tossed in a spicy cream sauce, shows up loaded with lump crab and gets its own following here too. The Royal Red Shrimp Basket is a good bet if you want something simple and fried, and the Firecracker Shrimp Pasta covers the spicy end of the menu. For sandwiches, the shrimp po'boy and the mahi tacos both get called out in reviews, and the seafood platter — fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, and a homemade crab cake — feeds two easily. Save room for the Key Lime Pie.
Good to Know
The Reef is open 11am–10pm Monday through Saturday and 11am–9pm on Sunday; the third-floor Sky Bar runs later, from 4pm Friday and 11am on weekends. It's a walk-in restaurant — no phone reservations — so plan on a 20-to-30-minute wait most weekend evenings, longer for a big group. Dress is beach-casual; flip-flops and swimsuits are normal here. There's a parking lot on-site, and an elevator reaches the second-floor dining room for anyone skipping the stairs. Kids are genuinely well cared for, with one of the largest children's menus on the Coast and a small playground out front. No to-go orders by phone.
Our Take
The Reef earns its beachfront reputation on the charbroiled oysters and the view alone — the deck at sunset is worth the wait, and the Sky Bar upstairs makes it easy to turn dinner into a whole evening. Service swings between genuinely warm and stretched thin on busy nights, and it's not cheap for what's essentially fried and grilled seafood, so temper expectations if you're chasing fine dining. It's the right call for families with kids in tow, first-timers wanting a classic boardwalk seafood night, or anyone who wants a beer with their feet still sandy.
Details last verified August 2026. Always confirm current hours and menu directly with the restaurant.