Big Fish Café

"Perched on the banks of the Smith River where it joins the lower Umpqua in Reedsport, Big Fish Café operates out of a repurposed Coast Guard ship with a sunny garden patio seating area. With lunch and dinner menus spotlighting local seafood and produce in classic dishes, as well as a full bar, it’s the upscale but casual restaurant Reedsport has been missing. Check out the exhibit at the Umpqua Discovery Center next door, then take in the waterfront from the nautical dining area upstairs. Start with a cocktail and the scallop sweet potato chowder — a nice twist on the coastal classic. For dinner, try Kobe beef sliders, huckleberry-glazed salmon, or Oregon bay shrimp Greek salad with tzatziki." - Jennifer Burns Bright

"Perched on the banks of the Smith River where it joins the lower Umpqua in Reedsport, Big Fish Café operates out of a repurposed Coast Guard ship with a sunny garden patio seating area. With lunch and dinner menus spotlighting local seafood and produce in classic dishes and a full bar, it’s the upscale casual restaurant Reedsport has been missing. Check out the exhibit at the Umpqua Discovery Center next door, then gaze out on the water from the nautical blue dining area upstairs; start with a cocktail and the scallop sweet potato chowder — a nice twist on the coastal classic. For dinner, try Kobe beef sliders, huckleberry-glazed salmon, or Oregon bay shrimp Greek salad with tzatziki." - Jennifer Burns Bright

Kari S.

Yelp

what a wonderful find. we were camping at Winchester Bay decided to go out and find some good food. looked for best places in Reedsport. The people were great, the history of the place was super cool. Food and drinks were delicious. The owners were there and very friendly and had a great story. Highly recommended a visit.

Brian S.

Yelp

Great atmosphere, the restaurant is in an old boat! Fantastic craft cocktails created by the owner; we had the Cohotini, dark and stormy and manhattan. The seafood spaghetti was amazing as well.

Lisa W.

Yelp

We haven't been back since our first and only visit in May 2022. It's just hard to believe that ours was the only less than satisfactory dining experience. The waitperson "squeezed us in," giving us a table upstairs. (Apparently downstairs is for diners with children). We received a tour of the place during the day when we made the reservation. So, we're seated and order cocktails. No selection of single malt scotch so we order G & Ts. We soon order our dinners and a bottle of wine. When the wine arrives the waitperson tells us we're not permitted to have cocktails AND wine on the table at the same time. Which BTW is complete fiction. We slug our drinks back and the food arrives faster than Denny's, which is scary. My scampi was ok, my husband's salmon super dry. Yes the brown bread in the pot was cute and edible. So now the couple arrive that are next in line for our prized table. The waitperson assured us we have time to order and eat dessert. Right after it arrives we're told we have to move. NOW! So we pick up our desserts and walk 10 feet over to the empty bar. The not friendly to us at all owner barks at us that we may Not finish our meal at the bar. We eat outside. I guess the owner didn't like the looks of us or perhaps that we were unknown to him? Hard to believe we're the only people that have ever had a less than stellar experience at Big Fish. It's too bad such a nice location is being wasted.

Mary S.

Yelp

Amazing dinner last night. We didn't have reservations but we were seated. Full house and we can understand why. Service was great and friendly. Food was fantastic. Potted bread is a must try. Halibut special. Fish was caught in the morning. Soooo Fresh. I wish I could have remembered to take pictures. Will return.

LI G.

Yelp

Great food, service and atmosphere.....we enjoyed our dinner out immensely!! Hard to find places like these anymore.....thank you for such an enjoyable evening!!

Debbie Z.

Yelp

Great food. The owner spent time telling us the history of the place and showing us his artwork.

Aaron C.

Yelp

Super friendly, great food, creative cocktails. Took my parents here and we had a great time.

Colleen C.

Yelp

Great fish and chips! We brought out of town guests with us and the both raved about the French onion soup. They both said it was the best they have ever had.

David C.

Yelp

Great place and great food! The view is outstanding I want to thank Doug for the referral. We will be going back.

Brandon S.

Yelp

Hands down, one of the best restaurants I have been to in years. Many options were not expected but so tasty. We ended up getting a bit of everything and even ended on dessert, we never get dessert out. Best fish (and chips) I have had on the oregon coast and possible ever had. Tried both the cod and halibut. Homemade tarter sauce and coleslaw were fantastic. I never eat the fries, although my wife liked them. Clam chowder is how is should be. So many places are thick and pasty. This was just perfect. Sadly, they were sold out of their shrimp bisque. We stopped by close to closing, and happy to try other items. Other items that were fantastic were: Huckleberry lemondrop Firecracker shrimp roll Huckleberry glaze salmon Chocolate brulee Stop here! It is such a wonderful place. We were there after the sun went down, and it was wonderful. We wish we could have seen it in the daytime because it looks like a perfect view. Owner also is very kind and gave me and my 4 month old a tour. Server, wish we got her name, was so nice and just happy to be there. Everyone had a story we spoke with and really wish there were more places like this. It is now going to be a stop anytime we drive, though, and unfortunately, that might only be once or twice a year. Keep it up because this was a very special, and completely unexpected stop. We only stopped because our baby needed food and a break.

Nancy A.

Yelp

A gastronomical surprise! From the moment you go through the front door the experience begins! Every detail has been carefully addressed. The food was perfection. If I lived in the area I would be a regular.

Stan W.

Yelp

Great food, great service. Be sure to get a reservation and specify upstairs. Great view.

Waheto W.

Yelp

I can see how this is a 5 star spot, the food was amazing and leaving you wanting more - but in a good way since the portions are sizeable. Was visiting Oregon coast and we came across this on yelp and decided to check it out. The restaurant opened at 4pm, we were there at 3:55 since we had no reservation ( there's a small interactive museum to kill time at). Owner welcomed in and gave us a tour of the boat ( decommissioned USCG boat) and they have preserved parts of it for part of the experience. Service was great and timely, they explained the specials and the menu options. Loved the space, wonderful view and even little touches as a binoculars so you can watch the birds and surrounding sea life. The food was amazing, firecrackers and ahi tuna was our all time fave ! I would recommend it without no doubt, we also ordered two orders of the clam chowder and pot bread because it was amazing and fresh ! Worth checking out and waiting, from what we heard reservations fill out so fast and it's one you need to do way out in advance, and by 6pm you wouldn't be able to do a walk in. Also since most items on the menu is fresh, things can run out. Great spot and family owned !

M S.

Yelp

My husband and I was amazed at this place. The clam chowder was awesome. I had the cup and my husband had the bowl. They also have piping hot flour pot bread white & brown. We both had fish &chips. My husband had halibut and I had cod. I apologized for not taking a pic of the food. I forgot. The owner was so nice and such a beautiful restaurant. My husband and I are traveling up the Oregon coast!

Michael L.

Yelp

The food is amazing! It's just off the main road, but there's rv parking and room at the marina boating parking ring across the street. The food is all made in-house--including the ice cream, which I highly recommend! Seating is flexible with room for two to twenty, plus the bar seating upstairs has great river views. The service was great, prices were too--and the food was great! Can't say that enough!

Arianna S.

Yelp

Everything was SO delicious. We had to make a stop because our baby needed to eat and didn't even look to see what town we pulled oe in. We're so glad we saw this pop up on yelp. The interior was equally impressive. The restaurant is a renovated ship with an amazing history. Our waitress was also amazing (I wish we had grabbed her name, she has fun hair and moved to the area to be near her son). Lastly, the owner and his wife (the chef) are fantastic and gave us a tour of the restaurant and shared the history. We will DEFINITELY be back.

Thomas S.

Yelp

We just happen to be lucky enough to have this establishment recommended by our neighbors at Winchester Bay RV Park. We sat in the bar upstairs and had a memorable experience with the owner who was very polite and accommodating. His wife, who is the co-owner and executive chef, made the most amazing Cioppino which In my opinion was one of the best I have ever had. If you happen to be passing through Reedsport Oregon make sure to stop by for a meal. The restaurant was built in and around an original ship. Lots of charm and character!

Adrienne Z.

Yelp

This place is so cute and good! At first we thought we were the only ones here. Little did we know there are several dining rooms and the party was upstairs with fabulous views! We started with the Brussels sprouts and cup of chowder. The sprouts were a large portion with just the right amount of balsamic and Parmesan. I was a little hesitant on the smoky 1000 but it was on the side so it was perfect! The chowder was nice and creamy with bacon. The flower pot bread is delicious! Fresh baked with two kinds of bread that were so soft and warm out of the oven. Off to a great start. For main entrees we got the shrimp scampi and special ordered the curry with halibut. OMG! The entrees were just as good. My special ordered halibut curry was amazing!! I ate every bite and then soaked up any remaining sauce with vegetables to make them taste even better. This place is a must if you're in the vicinity. The service was extremely accommodating and great! We will return when in the area.

Priscila L.

Yelp

This was the best restaurant in our family trip across the Oregon coast. The food was local, made fresh, everything was delicious and even had a tour around the boat. The owner was super attentive in showing us around... the paintings around the boat were all painted by him, what an experience. We won't forget about this place. You do however need to reserve beforehand to eat inside the boat, and the restaurant closes Sunday and Monday. Best restaurant in our trip

Marcio L.

Yelp

Great and authentic food! If you're in Florence area, this is a must. Thank you owners for this experience!

Lori L.

Yelp

One of my favorite places to eat on the Oregon Coast! Freshest seafood and daily specials. Beautiful atmosphere on a really cool boat overlooking the river. Always great service!!!

Jeff I.

Yelp

This is a must stop by. The food was excellent. The service was great. The view of the river is nice. Will definitely come back. Might want to make reservations. They are dog friendly during the summer.

Surya F.

Yelp

AMAZING PLACE!! The service was amazing even when there was large parties and only one server! She was great and never let a cup go empty. The vibes were so cool and food was delicious and especially their bread in a pot!! Definitely will come back as soon as we are back in reedsport and of course we had to leave with some amazing hoodies The chowder deserves a special mention as well

Kent W.

Yelp

Outdoor seating by the water. Good draft beer. Fresh caught local fish. What more do you want? Outdoor seating by the water. Good draft beer. Fresh caught local fish. What more do you want? We had the fresh cod fish & chips. Melt in your mouth light batter. Fresh cut fries with skin. Yum. Also salmon tacos. Delish. Pleasant service. We will be back.

Derrick P.

Yelp

Big Tish at the big fish was absolutely amazing. I had to halibut the muscles and the calamari and let's not forget the cheesecake. Tish guided us through the whole experience. if you were on the Oregon coast, it is a must stop. They have my highest recommendati

Albert A.

Yelp

Wow. Our group of cyclists were in town for 1 night in an airbnb. The airbnb recommended Big Fish. Mission Possible Border to Border group cycling from Canada to Mexico to StopMS. What a great place, river views, service and food was excellent. And their story was even better. How they bought rundown place. How they renovated it, etc Top ratings from our whole group. Thank you for a great evening and great memory.

Chris C.

Yelp

One of the best restaurants in this area. The cook, owner and staff are amazing. The place is a treat and don't forget to explore all the levels.

Joan I.

Yelp

Loved it. Great owner and staff. Food was delicious. Ambiance quarry and great. I'd go here again easily.

Katrina G.

Yelp

Do yourself a favor & give this place a try! We enjoyed our entire meal. The views from the upstairs bar area are beautiful and some of tables come with binoculars to look at at the river. Our waitress Kelly was pretty good. She's friendly & attentive. I can't wait to go back

Monika M.

Yelp

Hands down our favorite restaurant here. The food was world class, the crew amazing and if you're lucky you'll meet the owner who has some incredible stories on now this boat became a restaurant. You might even get a tour! But do go for the food, you won't be disappointed. The chef has some epic creations that you'll long remember -- every morsel... what a find!

Kristina P.

Yelp

We went there for my Birthday. Great service, Great Menu, Great surroundings! Look forward to going back again.

Barbara T.

Yelp

Excellent! The restaurant is made from a Coast Guard cutter! Decorated very nicely , welcoming and friendly. Service was great! Food! Delicious! Fresh fish selections were cooked perfectly. Loved this place!!

Robin W.

Yelp

Great service and food. The location and clever interior is inviting and comfortable.

Scott W.

Yelp

Excellent, a must try is the Sweet Potato Scallop soup.... Simple menu with excellent choices.. A must try, reservations recommended, but you can sun the bar same great service and food..

Georgia V.

Yelp

Have eaten here many times but not since last year. Brought friends with me who have not eaten here before, and they have no desire to return. Yes, I was disappointed too. Food was just ok, Nothing like the past. Waitress was great! Ambiance still wonderful. Saturday night we thought they'd be busy because the owner only offered us 4:30 seating reservations for upstairs. So, we thought ok, 5, 5:15, 5:30 & 6pm were taken, Not So!! Well, we left at 6pm before the other 2 tables who were there before us and there was Nobody waiting to be seated. I think the owner wanted us to believe how busy they are, Sad is what I'd say. Plus, not a soul seated at their bar, which in the past always.

Gail S.

Yelp

This is absolutely our new favorite restaurant in the area. It's a unique space, right on the waterfront, but the care and attention put into each dish is exceptional. We keep going back and have yet to have a meal that was less than excellent. Our son is a vegetarian, and they offered him a variety of custom dishes, something that is very rare around here. At first glance, the menu might seem a bit old-fashioned, but that is simply not the case when the food arrives. It's all fresh and lively, and they are outstanding at customizing if necessary. Friendly and homey service. Highly recommended!

Ariel M.

Yelp

Best meal on the Southern Coast!!!! Ron and Jennifer have brought the best dishes from their 9 other restaurant ventures in one flavor packed menu in Reedsport. Maybe the final hoorah!? I don't know but they also support the local community by buying local fish and ingredients. I ate the daily fish special (macadamia crusted halibut), shrimp/crab cocktail, yam soup (savory elite) , daily cocktail (huckleberry martini), flower pot bread (omg this is heaven). The food Jennifer - I mean. Off the chain!! I'm from Portland and I haven't had a meal this good since before covid.

M G.

Yelp

Some new items for the winter, can't wait to have everything! This is an update to my previous review, everything till tastes great

Richard D.

Yelp

Fabulous location & wonderful food at this nautically themed restaurant. You can watch the fishing boats trolling on the Umpqua River. Good food and good service.

Michael M.

Yelp

I've been here three times since they opened. Every time I've ordered something different and every time the food was excellent! The cook here is incredible. I had the best prepared fish I've ever had in a restaurant when I had the Miso Glazed Lingcod. Had the Ribeye another visit, which was cooked to perfection. The firecracker appetizer is delicious. And if they ever have the Chicken Pozole soup when you are there, it's a must have. On top of the good food, the staff is very friendly and helpful, and the view of the river is nice. This is my new favorite spot when I'm in town.

Tom S.

Yelp

I had the salmon with the mulberry sauce. I highly recommend it. When this restaurant was called Ungers, they would have fresh clams during the season. The clams were local. I loved the pan fried clams. I wish the new owner would add them to the menu. I understand that it's hard to find the local clams nowadays. I wonder why?

Ca M.

Yelp

Absolutely fantastic! My husband had the fresh halibut and it was perfectly cooked. I had the scamp--all done perfectly. Service was prompt, owners and help were very friendly. Everything was clean. Interesting decor that makes the whole experience very nautically fun.

Robert ..

Yelp

The chowder was chunky good! I loved the pork chops and my husband the stroganoff! Service was excellent as it has been every time. Great view from the room upstairs. We will definitely eat at the Big Fish again!

Barb H.

Yelp

This place is the best by far in Reedsport! The food and drink are fabulous! The owner and staff are so nice! I had the Ahi tuna tacos last night...the best ever! The view is awesome too! It's a must if you are passing thru or staying here

Darla H.

Yelp

wonderful food, big servings, staff was nice, staff states they run out of the specials quickly, so they suggest making reservations and reserve the specials

Dave C.

Yelp

Just had salad and chowder for lunch. Chowder was excellent. Views were great of the river. Sat inside as it was a little cool the day we went. Staff were super friendly. I would definitely go back if I was in the area. Prices were a little on the higher side, but not out of line.

Ernie L.

Yelp

Always like coming in whether it be just for a cocktail or food. Ron and his staff are very friendly and knowledgeable of the dishes that they serve. There is something new every day and it doesn't disappoint. There is a full bar available upstairs upstairs with a few beers on tap and great views of the Umpqua River.

Donna M.

Yelp

Amazing entrees! The chef's use of spices and natural ingredients was over the top. Unique and innovative atmosphere. Wait and bar staff were equally impressive. A must for the foodie in everyone. So glad we found this restaurant!

Jamie J.

Yelp

A must-try stop on the 101. A retired coast guard ship transformed into a fine dining restaurant - such a great spot! The food is mouthwatering, the cocktails are quality, and the atmosphere is delightful.

Melanie F.

Yelp

The food was amazing, as was the service and the view. We will be back. Best restaurant in Reedsport Oregon.!

"Perched on the banks of the Smith River where it joins the lower Umpqua in Reedsport, Big Fish Café operates out of a repurposed Coast Guard ship with a sunny garden patio seating area. With lunch and dinner menus spotlighting local seafood and produce in classic dishes and a full bar, it’s the upscale casual restaurant Reedsport has been missing. Check out the exhibit at the Umpqua Discovery Center next door, then gaze out on the water from the nautical blue dining area upstairs; start with a cocktail and the scallop sweet potato chowder — a nice twist on the coastal classic. For dinner, try Kobe beef sliders, huckleberry-glazed salmon, or Oregon bay shrimp Greek salad with tzatziki." - Jennifer Burns Bright