NB
Google
Due to Google’s character limit for reviews, I am sharing my full feedback in two parts. This is Part 1, and it contains the detailed description of a disappointing experience during my most recent visit to Rib’n Reef on Saturday, May 10th.
I would like to share some detailed feedback regarding my most recent visit to Rib’n Reef, which took place on Saturday, May 10th. This was my third time dining at your establishment. I want to begin by acknowledging that my first two visits were nothing short of extraordinary — the ambiance, the food, and most importantly, the service, were all absolutely impeccable. Those experiences are what made Rib’n Reef one of my favorite and most highly recommended spots in Montreal.
Unfortunately, my most recent visit was profoundly disappointing, and the service we received severely affected the evening — one that I had hoped would be special and memorable, as it was a date with someone I genuinely wanted to impress.
At first, everything seemed fine. We were greeted by a staff member (who did not introduce himself), handed menus, and informed that someone would be with us shortly.
That “someone” turned out to be our server for the evening, and this is where the experience began to unravel. Without a word, he walked up to our table and simply stood there in silence for 10–15 seconds. No greeting, no introduction — not even eye contact. Eventually, I broke the silence and placed our order. The lack of even the most basic courtesy made us feel unwelcome, like we were a burden rather than valued guests in a fine dining establishment.
After ordering, I asked for assistance choosing a wine. I had reviewed the wine list in advance and was simply looking for a professional recommendation. Instead of offering any help or even acknowledging the request, our server dropped the wine list in front of me and walked away. Thankfully, another gentleman eventually came to help with the selection, but again — no explanation or indication from our server that someone else would be assisting us. It felt disorganized and dismissive.
Things continued to go downhill. We had ordered two appetizers and had made it clear we wanted to enjoy them together. Instead, only one was brought out. After a lengthy wait, we asked about the second dish and were told, “Here, appetizers are served one after another. You should have said you wanted them together.” This statement came across not only as unprofessional but also accusatory — as if it was our fault for not knowing your internal serving procedures.
To make matters worse, throughout the evening we had to specifically request that the next course be brought out. Not once did our server check in to ask whether we had finished our previous dish. We often sat for 15–20 minutes after finishing a plate, clearly ready for the next, signaling with our body language and empty plates, yet received no attention. This kind of inattentiveness is unacceptable for a restaurant of your caliber.
As the evening wore on, it became clear that this was not just a momentary lapse but a consistent attitude. We asked the server his name and expressed our concerns about the service. He told us his name was Kostas (Konstantinos), and rather than acknowledging the issue, he began justifying his behavior: “You see how many tables I have? I’m very busy, but I’m always here when you need me.” That simply wasn’t true — there were multiple moments when we were trying to get his attention and he was nowhere to be found.
When asked why he hadn’t greeted us, he claimed that he had asked another colleague to greet us on his behalf and that this colleague had assured him he did — an excuse that is not only unconvincing but borderline absurd.
The end of the 1st part.
