Urban Reef image

Urban Reef

Restaurant Cafe Bar Breakfast restaurant Cocktail bar British restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Breakfast restaurants in Bournemouth


Address

The Overstrand, Undercliff Dr, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH5 1BN, United Kingdom

Website

www.urbanreef.com

Contact

+44 1202 443960

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (3.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (10) staff (10) great (10) good (8) friendly (8) lovely (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lyn P. 2 years ago on Google • 574 reviews
    Walking distance, right on the beach, and good fresh food at good value. I've been here for lunch, dinner and afternoon coffee and each time I've been impressed by the friendly service, the choice of gluten free food (and cakes! A choice of cakes that isn't pre packed flapjacks!). I'm becoming a big fan. Fish & chips update : the fish is smaller and the chips are bigger (too big, bordering on roast potatoes but soggy. Shame, because it's one of the few places that use actual potatoes. Please cut them a little thinner!) Food update: disappointed by the quality. Cooks are the same, so I can only think that the new owners are putting undue pressure on the staff. My confidence has been shaken, unfortunately. Please let today's experience be a one-off.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan L. 1 year ago on Google • 82 reviews
    Second visit & absolutely perfect, gorgeous halloumi salad and King prawn baguette. Service was absolutely perfect and the staff are amazing and friendly and the food is always gorgeous Fresh. Amazing service even though there was a minor hiccup, you can not fault this place. Amazing fresh food, the favours amazing, fresh ingredients beautifully presented and served with love and passion. Mistakes can be made & I always feel it’s how it’s handled that makes the difference and these operators were pros truly appreciated the amazing breakfast and service and the whole experience was great x
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 K K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great setting on the seafront. Interior is really colourful. Service was quick and staff are very friendly and helpful. Food was absolutely delicious. Best lobster bisque and fish and chips I've ever had. It is on the pricey side but it was well worth it imo.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Singing G. 1 year ago on Google • 10 reviews
    We always love coming down to Bournemouth and there was not a single trip without Urban Reef! Food is always fantastic! Staff lovely and helpful! We don't know any other place in London or elsewhere, that serves such a great quality oysters too! The only thing, that surprised us in funny way this time- when we started ordering (mind you, when we are going out, we are heavy eaters:), new waitress was trying to convince us to order less, so we don't over eat! Ha ha, thank you for looking after our health, but it would be better for your business, if we do the other way round...:)) Really recommend! Especially first floor for more special ambience!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ruxandra V. 2 years ago on Google
    We came to this lovely restaurant because it was on the sea front and we could have gorgeous views of the sea. There wasn't enough signage to point you in the right direction for the entrance, which was a little annoying... but staff were nice, they gave us a good table, and showed us how the new ordering system works. It was quite a smooth process, apart from the long waiting time. The food was absolutely great, even though it looks like a child's portion (which it was not supposed to be). Dessert was OK, but I was not blown away by it unfortunately. And coffee was average too. If you have no where else to go, it is fine, but to come all the way from London, drive all that way, for the views, quality and service, was a little disappointing.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jacob 2 years ago on Google
    Great views a slow but friendly service, food was also lovely we ordered almost everything on menu, some items just weren't that hot when served and chips were bit of a let down. Sea food tasted fresh with generous portions. Deserts and drink were top notch. Recommended if your looking for a great place to eat.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 C B. 1 year ago on Google
    Expensive and unfortunately not worth it! We had a Flat White coffee, Large Diet Coke, cooked breakfast and a eggs benedict it came to £34! Such a fantastic location and they let dogs in which always gets a plus from me, but we won't be returning. Parking was very expensive at £5 for 2 hours. Poached eggs are the only egg option on the menu, they were well cooked, but no option to change to fried on the full English. Sausage wasn't very special considering it's advertised as a "Dorset sausage" - maybe that just means it's cooked in Dorset?! The place itself is quite tired, seems they're holding the place together with gaffa tape! Service was slow to begin with, it was quite busy when we got there and they didn't seem to be able to cope. Weirdly lots of staff turned up at 11am when the kitchen closed down.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pete C. 1 year ago on Google • 287 reviews
    Very nice cafe. Went for lunch on a lovely sunny Thursday so not too busy. The staff were all very friendly and have great service. Good to be able to see the chefs working, gives a lot of confidence in the did quality. Both meals were very good, freshly cooked and tasty. Very dog friendly providing not only water but beds too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew L. 4 months ago on Google • 81 reviews
    A lovely end to Christmas Eve afternoon, dropped in for hot drinks and mince pies. Great atmosphere, service was really good, and we enjoyed our drinks and food. Also, the Urban Reef were about the only place to do anything Christmasy... and brightened up a very windy, dull afternoon! Thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan G. 2 months ago on Google • 45 reviews New
    Fantastic evening here, for the end of January, It was organised by a friend, very good food, and plenty of it. Worth remembering it is open all year round. Thankyou.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jim P. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a lovely coffee stop on the seafront in the January sunshine. Great coffee, ordered and paid for online using their app. All easy, quick and safe. Loo just inside door, no bustling crowd.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Saurabh D. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent seaside restaurant, the cooking is well above what you’d expect from a pub in this type of location. The staff are wonderful .. friendly and kind towards guests including families with young children. The whole sea bass was done in a rich caper and brown shrimp butter sauce and the fish and chips were a thick tranche of haddock fried in an airy rice flour batter. Nice beer and wine list, not just run of the mill. Bonus points for the Sunday night DJ who was beaming positivity with a funky 70s playlist.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle D. 6 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Had a very lovely cappuccino while gazing out at sea views. Excellent service. Food looked great - couldn't stop that long and was rather jealous!

  • 3/5 Julian C. 2 years ago on Google
    Sadly, slow service for just a takeaway drink. It was busy with a good few customers waiting in the queue for tables and takeaway drinks......it didn't seem very organised. Its a fantastic setting and beautiful tonight as weather good, but expected more in terms of service! Sorry Julian

  • 3/5 Ulrike L. 4 months ago on Google
    Atmosphere and Service top! But when we ordered Avocado on sourdough toast, we did sort of naively expect it to be smashed and perhaps seasoned....not literally half an avocado plonked on a slice of bread (to be fair, at least it was peeled!). Atmosphere is just great and relaxed, love it for that!

  • 5/5 Anu S. 10 months ago on Google
    This a place I will definitely go back and recommend to everyone. Very polite, caring and kind and on top of that food was delicious. The Manager on Saturday evening, Nicky and the other staff were outstanding in their services and great team work. They gave lovely treats for my son on our way back to London from Bournemouth. Keep it up 👍

  • 1/5 Daniel S. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Unfortunately, we couldn't fully appreciate the food or atmosphere as our experience was abruptly halted at the door. Despite waiting to be seated, a staff member informed us that only drinks were being served, citing the closure of the main kitchen for new orders while they catch up. As an ex-chef, I find it surprising to see a restaurant close to new orders during a lunchtime, especially in February when it's not peak season. This clearly highlights a weak area, addressing these issues before peak season is crucial for the restaurant's success. Diabolical

  • 5/5 Lindy D. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely food, staff very friendly. We were lucky to have the best weather so sitting on beach front was perfect. Food delicious, great for long leisurely lunch and great food.. Even my two pooches loved it! Cocktails were excellent also!


Call +44 1202 443960 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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