Review of Gladstone Reef Hotel Motel 3*

In town to visit family for the 2017 Easter weekend. We decided to eat out on the Sunday night before going to the fireworks. We made an outstanding pick by choosing to eat at the bistro at the reef hotel. We booked a table at short notice for four adults and one five year old child. The place is set up perfectly for families as there is an area for the kids with videos and games but still in sight and easy reach of the dining area. High chairs are also available. There is a… very suitable selection of kids meals but the adult meals are great too. I ordered the full rack of ribs and asked to swap the chips and salad for a baked potato and steamed veges and was very cheerfully accommodated. I was thoroughly astounded at the size of this meal. I swear the rack must have weighed in at at least a full kilo! Vegetables were cooked perfectly, just tender but not mushy of soft. Though it was delicious I was unable to finish it. No rack of ribs has ever defeated me in this way before. My partner ordered the reef and beef (a 400g rib filet on the bone with malibu prawns, chips and salad and mushroom sauce on the side. She had no complaints whatsover finding both the steak and prawns to be perfectly cooked to order and flavoursome. My daughter ordered the lemon myrtle chicken which she did find to be a little strongly flavoured though otherwise good. My daughter's partner ordered the pork belly which he enjoyed with no complaints commenting on the quality of the crispy crackling. Staff were bright and cheerful and extremely accommodating. A definite must if looking for a family friendly meal in the harbour city.