The Boathouse Restaurant

Overview

If you're ever in the Kennebunkport, ME area and in search of a memorable dining experience, look no further than The Boathouse Restaurant. Located at 21 Ocean Ave, this charming spot offers not just a delicious meal but a scenic view that makes dining here feel like a special occasion every time. Whether you're a local or just passing through, The Boathouse is a must-visit.

As you step into The Boathouse, the first thing that catches your eye is the vibrant, cozy atmosphere. The restaurant's interior combines a relaxed yet sophisticated coastal vibe, complete with nautical touches that make you feel like you're dining right on the water. The outdoor seating area, however, steals the show, offering panoramic views of the picturesque Kennebunkport harbor. It's the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon or a cool evening, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The menu at The Boathouse Restaurant is a beautiful reflection of the surrounding region, highlighting fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for seafood or something heartier, there’s something for everyone. One standout dish is the lobster roll, a Maine classic that doesn't disappoint. Served in a soft, buttered roll, the lobster is fresh, sweet, and perfectly seasoned. Another popular choice is the seared scallops, cooked to perfection and accompanied by a rich, flavorful sauce that elevates the dish.

Of course, no meal would be complete without a drink, and The Boathouse offers a wide selection of wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a crisp white to complement your seafood or something a little stronger to enjoy by the water, the beverage menu has plenty of options to suit every palate.

In terms of service, The Boathouse consistently receives high marks. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, which makes your dining experience even more enjoyable. They’re always ready to recommend something new or explain a dish, ensuring that even first-timers feel at home.

A visit to The Boathouse isn’t just about the food; it’s about the entire experience. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch with friends or a romantic dinner with a view, every meal is an event. The restaurant's commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience is evident in everything they do, from the quality of the food to the ambiance.

What sets The Boathouse apart from other local spots is its ability to combine exceptional food with a setting that makes you want to linger a little longer. You could easily spend an entire afternoon enjoying the sights and flavors, especially during the summer months when the weather is just right.

One of the best ways to enjoy The Boathouse is by taking advantage of the seasonal offerings. As the menu changes with the seasons, there’s always something new to try. The spring and summer menus often feature an array of fresh salads, seafood dishes, and grilled options, while fall and winter bring heartier fare like chowders, stews, and other comfort food favorites.

For anyone planning a special event or celebration, The Boathouse also offers private dining options. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a casual gathering, their dedicated event staff will ensure that your event is flawless from start to finish. Their beautiful waterfront location makes it an ideal spot for weddings or any other special occasion where the setting is just as important as the food.

The Boathouse Restaurant isn’t just another place to eat-it’s a celebration of everything that makes Maine such a special destination. From the fresh, local ingredients to the unmatched views of the harbor, every visit here is a memorable one. So if you're in the Kennebunkport area, make sure you stop by 21 Ocean Ave. You won’t be disappointed!

Good to know

Service options

Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup On-site services Takeaway Dine-in Delivery

Highlights

Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Healthy options Organic dishes Private dining room Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine

Dining options

Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Counter service Dessert Seating Table service

Amenities

Bar on site Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual Cosy Lively Trendy Upmarket

Crowd

Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Locals Tourists Transgender safe space

Planning

Accepts reservations Usually a wait

Payments

Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Children

Good for kids Has changing table(s) High chairs Kids' menu

Parking

Free multi-storey car park Free of charge street parking Free parking lot On-site parking Valet parking

Pets

Dogs allowed Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 809 reviews
Amazing 592
Great 150
Okay 58
Not Great 34
Terrible 48
Molly Hoffmaster

Had a lovely dinner here when visiting Kennebunkport for the weekend. We ordered the Seafood Tom Yum Noodles and Seared Shrimp & Scallops to share. The broth of the noodles did have a spicy kick to the them but was still enjoyable. I also had a very refreshing mocktail. We had dinner at sunset and could watch the sunset over the water, great atmosphere and service!

Erika

The Boathouse Restaurant is a beautiful waterfront location with delicious food and great staff. We came as a party of 7 and had to wait ~1 hour to be seated. No reservations but you’re able to track your wait online. Our waiter, Xavier, was super kind, funny, and great at his job. He even went above and beyond, surprising us with a round of prosecco as we were celebrating a bachelorette party. The steak & noodles salad was the stand out favorite among the group with the Brussels sprouts and lobster fried rice also being crowd pleasers. We’d all definitely recommend this absolutely stunning restaurant!!

Aimee Mills

A great surprise and a perfect meal by the water! When we visited Kennebunkport, it was packed with tourists—so packed we couldn’t find parking anywhere! Thankfully, we spotted The Boathouse Restaurant and saw they offered valet parking for diners. That alone felt like a small miracle. We had originally planned to eat here, but the website had said they were closed. We were so glad that turned out to be wrong because the Boathouse ended up being the highlight of our day. The setting was gorgeous—both indoor and outdoor seating are available, but we chose to sit outside right by the water. Watching the kayakers and boats glide by while we dined made for such a relaxing experience. We shared two appetizers and the lobster dinner, and it was more than enough for both of us. Everything was fresh and beautifully prepared. We kicked things off with drinks—Take Me to Miami and Veni Vedi Lychee—and they were fun and flavorful. We also had the full house salad (huge!) and the clam chowder. The chowder was thick and creamy, though we thought it needed just a touch more seasoning. Still tasty, just a little mild for our preference. But the real standout was the lobster dinner—cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious. We’re so glad we ended up here. Between the waterfront view, excellent food, and helpful valet service, this was a 10/10 experience. Highly recommend!

Adriana Tejada

Food, service, and staff were impeccable. We had a kind waitress named Kali who really catered to our needs and made our experience 10x better. The atmosphere is perfect and the food was good. We had a great table. I realized that I’m actually not a seafood person, so I may not be the best person for this review, but the lobster roll was excellent and very fresh. My mother got the fish and chips and she said it was good but lacked seasoning/flavor. We got the street corn appetizer that was on the specials for the day and it was delicious! Overall, would definitely go back. Try the Miami cocktail and the blueberry sangria!

SH

By far the best fish and chips we had on our trip. Large portions. We also had the brussel sprouts which were good, but I didn't get a photo.

Teddy Chu

This is a great setting for a nice dinner by the water. We sat with our dog at the patio. The waitress was courteous and efficient with the service. I had the Grilled Swordfish which was moist and flavorful.

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