On a typical Saturday night, the line of cars for the valet stretches nearly a block. Reef is hot because the rave reviews for its Gulf Coast, Mediterranean and Asian-influenced seafood are not just hype. Chef Bryan Caswell’s Bon Appetit-lauded skills shine in beautifully executed dishes such as the roasted grouper with pecan-shallot cracklings, the crispy-skin snapper with sweet and sour chard, fried mac and cheese, and other constantly changing menu offerings that keep regulars pleasantly surprised. Reef looks as good as the food tastes with an industrial exterior that opens to tranquil, aquatic hues and pearlized tabletops. The sleek bar has oversized windows with a view of the downtown skyline and we always start with one of the delicious kumquat mojitos. Come here when you’re in the mood for a stylish dining experience that's heavy on taste.

Caswell and Reef have earned accolades from pretty much every local, state, and national arbiter—Texas Monthly, My Table, Food & Wine, Bon Apetit!, Travel & Leisure...