At Oak & Reel, we are driven by a simple yet profound passion: to bring people together through exceptional dining experiences. Our story begins at the heart of our restaurant, where our chefs, led by our esteemed Chef Jared Gadbaw, craft bold, clean, and bold flavors from the freshest ingredients. Our chefs' commitment to showcasing the best of the season's freshest seafood, paired with house-made pasta, is a testament to our dedication to quality and community.
Our Founding Team
Chef Jared Gadbaw, our owner and chef, hails from Garden City, Michigan, where his grandmother's dinner parties instilled in him the importance of good food creating good memories. Chef Jared's credentials are exemplary: he captained the two Michelin Star restaurant Marea in New York City, earning and maintaining a two Michelin Star ranking for nine consecutive years. His expertise in Italian cuisine and seafood formed the foundation of his international reputation.
Our Leadership
Abby Gadbaw, Chef Jared's wife and business partner, brings her own unique perspective and passion for hospitality to the table. Abigayle, our General Manager, Alyse Anderson, is a seasoned veteran of the Detroit hospitality scene, having honed her skills at some of the city's most iconic restaurants. With her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to exceptional service, Alyse ensures that every guest receives a warm and welcoming experience. Kariann Fifer, our Wine Director, brings over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, including certifications as a Certified Sommelier and a Certified Specialist of Wine. Kariann's innate passion for wine education has led her to share her knowledge with guests and colleagues alike.
Culinary Collective Experience
At Oak & Reel, we believe that the art of dining should be an immersive experience, where every element - from the food, wine, and service - comes together in perfect harmony. Our chefs, sommeliers, and service staff work in tandem to craft an unforgettable meal, where the senses are delighted and memories are forged. Our restaurant is designed to evoke the feeling of a grand, vaulted-ceilinged Italian piazza, where the convivial atmosphere is as inviting as the cuisine. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, seeking a tranquil evening, or simply enjoying a night out with friends, we invite you to join us at Oak & Reel.
The Upright
Step into The Upright, our award-winning cocktail lounge, open Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to midnight. Sip on one of our signature cocktails, expertly crafted by our mixologists. With an impressive selection of international and domestic wines, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails, The Upright is the perfect spot to unwind with friends or make new ones.
Atmosphere and Ambience
The reviewers described the restaurant as having a visually appealing atmosphere, with high ceilings and a spacious interior. The decor was mentioned as superb by Today's Present, making for a lovely experience.
Food
The food was a highlight for most reviewers. Inessa King and Tyler Hinton both praised the quality and flavor of the dishes they ordered. The reviewers mentioned that the pasta dishes were exceptional, with the Bucatini pasta and Triangoli artichoke ravioli receiving special mention. The Orata dish was also highly praised by some reviewers, with Inessa King calling it "stunning" and "fresh." Fadi Elisha and Todays Present had mixed opinions on the Orata, with Fadi calling it "phenomenal" and Todays Present finding it lacking seasoning. Todays Present also mentioned that the octopus was chewy and the orata had bones.
Beverages
The cocktails were a highlight for many reviewers. Inessa King and Tyler Hinton both raved about the cocktails, with Inessa praising the Serpenti and Milan cocktails and Tyler mentioning the balance of the Milan cocktail. Fadi Elisha also mentioned that the cocktails were delicious.
Service
The service was praised by most reviewers. Inessa King mentioned that the service was impressive throughout their whole dining experience, and Fadi Elisha mentioned that the waitress was knowledgeable and attentive. Danielle Lesperance also praised the staff, saying they were efficient, polite, and knowledgeable.
Overall Experience
Overall, the reviewers had a pleasant experience at Oak and Reel, with many praising the food, atmosphere, and service. However, Todays Present was disappointed with their experience, citing overpriced food and poor service.
