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Boathouse Restaurant

4.2 (321 reviews)
Ultra High-EndFrench, Seafood, Steakhouses
Open • 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Boathouse Restaurant Photos

BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Romantic
Classy
Upscale
Moderate noise

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Recommended Reviews - Boathouse Restaurant

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Reviews With Photos

Karen W.

For a $250 meal, my expectations were high but unfortunately I don't feel the price tag matches the quality of the food. We were celebrating a special occasion so we were ok with splurging. We decided to do the chateaubriand for two, price tag $199. First we started with cocktails, they were just ok. Next came our salads one wedge, one greek. The greek was confusing because it had notes of Indian flavors with the way the lentils were seasoned. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare but it was so incredibly salty. I couldn't even finish one slice because of how salty it was. The twice baked potatoes are mini potatoes, they were tasty. The asparagus was good. The creamed spinach was kind of watery and not our favorite. Overall it just was an okay meal. I have had much better meals for $100 less.

Surf & turf Dinner for Two
Sophie C.

We were looking for a fine dining restaurant and this is hands down one of the best restaurants I've eaten at. The service was phenomenal and our server Tim was the most friendly and genuine man. He gave use recommendations, and went in depth on the entire menus for us! The atmosphere was beautiful and super clean and pristine. I definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone who's looking for a fine dining experience on the river! Everything we ordered (in the photos) were delicious and would eat it all again the next day!

Halibut
Lisa S.

Go for the view but don't expect much more. We were celebrating our anniversary dinner and got a great table with a view. Unfortunately, service was very, very slow. And food service disappointing. We initially ordered a Greek salad to split and the octopus. We were told they were out of octopus so we ordered the caviar instead. We got the caviar but never got the salad. Our entrees came out 90 minutes after ordering and my sides were cold. The halibut itself was delicious. We then ordered the chocolate mousse cake for dessert and my husband wanted a glass of sauternes with dessert. We finished dessert before he received his wine. And after all the missteps, you'd think we'd at least have a visit from the manager. Nope. Not coming back - there are so many better restaurants in the area from which to choose.

Dessert
Maranda L.

I am so impressed with Boathouse!! This is my second time coming here and I'm still in love with the quality of food and service they provide! We were seated immediately in the sunroom upon arriving to our reservation of 6 people. The view from there was wonderful during the sunset overlooking the water. Our server, Mary Grace, greeted us immediately and put in our drink orders. She brought them out right away and they looked beautiful and tasted even better. I'm not much of a drinker so I was really excited to see they had mocktails and even more that they had an alcohol free espresso martini. I cannot even describe how amazing it was, it was so good. It was a foamy coffee drink with a cinnamon rim that just hit the spot. We also got a blueberry lemon drop cocktail and Manhattan that were just as good and balanced very well. For appetizers we ordered a half dozen Rockefeller oysters and two salads to share with the table. When our server came back she surprised us with an additional set of raw oysters from the east coast that the kitchen mistakenly made and gave to us on the house. This was my first time trying oysters and both the raw and cooked ones were phenomenal. My friend that was eating with us and knows oysters and said they were well above average and enjoyed them as well. We also thought it was so cute and smart that they wrap the lemon to prevent the seeds from falling into the oysters. When it came time to put in our entree orders, almost everyone ordered halibut and one ordered the wagyu filet. They were plated so beautifully and tasted great. We really enjoyed the food and ordered dessert to finish it off. We got the creme brulee, dirty ice cream with chocolate cake mixed into the vanilla ice cream, and some sort of chocolate hazelnut cake. We loved all of them. We were celebrating our soon-to-be bride and I asked our server, Mary Grace if she could split the bill 5 ways so we could all pay for her and she wasn't sure if she could get the POS system to do it but managed to make it work and for that I am so thankful! Each of our checkbooks had souvinir post cards and stickers for us to take home and it was so cute I loved it! Anyone that comes into Traverse City, I will always recommend going there to eat. They are always booked so make sure to book reservations in advance! Shout-out to our amazing server Mary Grace we loved her.

East Coast Oysters on the Half Shell
Mark B.

We had an incredible meal at the Boathouse in Traverse City -- by far the best dining experience we've had in the area! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. both my wife and son loved it. We started with the fresh oysters and ravioli appetizers, both of which were absolutely delicious. The oysters were perfectly fresh, and the ravioli had a wonderful homemade taste. For the main course, we ordered the halibut, and it was simply outstanding -- beautifully cooked and full of flavor. Overall, this was a fantastic meal, and we're already looking forward to returning. Highly recommend the Boathouse to anyone visiting Traverse City or locals looking for a memorable dining experience!

Nice touch
Morgan-Emilee A.

This is our go to spot every year for my birthday. I'd go everyday if I had the money haha. We love their appetizers, it never disappoints. Tried their seasonal oysters and the seasonal soft shell crab and it was amazing. I got the Filet the Oscar way, the best steak I've ever had. My husband got the salmon and it was super good. I think the best part is the bread and the oil haha. Anything you get will be a good choice! The servers are always attentive and friendly and knowledgeable about their food and ingredients and accommodating. No matter where you sit it is a beautiful view

Steak and Lobster for two
Luke H.

I wish I could give this place more than five stars, I would drive to traverse city just to dine at this restaurant, this place is a true dining experience, and a Michigan Gem. Everything here was absolutely spectacular, and the view from the patio is to die for on a sunny day. We got the steak and lobster for two and it did not disappoint, this is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Michigan!

Shrimp cocktail with sauce topped with freshly ground horseradish
Mitch And Marcy G.

Another deliciously created dinner. This visit we selected favorites from prior meals including tempura asparagus, shrimp cocktail and scallops paired with lobster cakes. For dessert we tried their delicious crème brûlée topped with cherry compote- yum. Service - always top-notch.

Sea Scallops
John M.

We were visiting Traverse City and had received a recommendation for the Boathouse Restaurant, so we made a reservation...and, we're glad we did! Here is what we liked: - Comfy, warm vibes with beautiful water views. - They had a great cocktail menu, with many unique options, so we started there. I ordered the Flying Dutchman, which for $24 wasn't cheap, but it worth every penny. My wife got the Paper Boat, which she liked although it was a bit sweeter than she was hoping for. - We started with the Morel Chanterelle Bisque, which was every bit as good as our server had said...in fact, it was probably one of the best mushroom soups I've ever had. My wife got the Spring Burrata salad, which as very good but nothing too out of the ordinary. - For entrees, my wife got the Sea Scallops (on lobster cakes) and I got the Atlantic Halibut. Both meals were excellent! - We broke down and got the Cherry Bomb for dessert, which was worth every single calorie. - Our server was very good...attentive but not overbearing. Bottom line: Next time we're in the area, we'd go back to the Boathouse in a heartbeat!

Seafood tower
Lauren P.

We had an amazing dinner here a few weekends ago. We made a reservation well in advance and while we didn't request to be seated outside, we were given the option when we arrived and got the best table out on their patio with gorgeous views of the bay! Seafood tower is a good size for a group of 4 and everything on it was delicious. You could tell all the seafood was really fresh. They have a deal where you can get dinner for two which came with 2 salads and 2 surf and turfs for $159. The steak was incredible! I didn't love the potato wedge under it but everything else was phenomenal. The place is expensive but I definitely think it's worth a try when visiting the beautiful Traverse City.

Elk
Niloo G.

We certainly picked the right place. We were just for two days for a business trip and I'm so glad I picked this place which is right on the lake under peninsula. The service, the hostess of waitress, the food the ambience and the view was all impeccable. Fresh and delicious ingredients were used to create these magnificent entrées and plates cover flawless in every way. I wish we had more time and another stomach to try more items on the menu and stay longer. I would definitely recommend this restaurant 100% and I will definitely return if I'm ever back.

Walleye dinner

Once again visiting the Traverse City area and got a reservation for our party of 4 for dinner. So refreshing to recognize the wait staff from previous years. Catherine was our waitress and she is the best..knowledgeable of the menu, how foods are prepared and portion sizes as well. Enjoyed the tuna tartare and tempura asparagus as our appetizers, then had the salmon with a beautiful pear on top of gnocchi and Brussel sprouts, walleye on top of couscous with veggies , hangar steak Oscar served with asparagus and sliced fingerling potatoes, and a wagyu strip with mushrooms and small twice baked potatoes and broccolini. Everything cook to perfection and so tender and tasty. Our drinks were wonderful as well. We topped it off with a crème brulee and house made vanilla ice cream with chocolate cake blended in. The restaurant is so peaceful despite having almost all tables full on a Tuesday night. We love this restaurant. And we will be back on our next trip! Thank you for such a great experience!

Salmon pate

This restaurant is beautiful! The food exceeded expectations! The young bartender with the mustache made excellent drinks and an even better recommendation to enjoy them on the back lawn when we finished our food! We can't wait to return next time we are in the area!

WAGYU BEEF MEATBALLS

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amical - Parmesan white fish

amical

4.0(483 reviews)
10.1 mi
•$$

Amichal is a truly romantic and beautiful little gem! Although the place is small, they've managed…read moreto create an elegant and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like you've stepped into something special. The service was outstanding our waitress was incredibly kind and went above and beyond. We actually think she was also the bartender, and she made our evening feel even more lovely and memorable. From the moment we walked in, we felt special because of the way we were treated. We were seated at a lovely table and ordered two desserts: the Hazelnut Tart and the Crème Brûlée with Raspberry Purée, along with two mochas. The Hazelnut Tart was absolutely divine! Every single bite was better than the one before. My husband really enjoyed the Crème Brûlée, saying the raspberry gave it a delicious twist. The mochas were both great, although we noticed a difference in strength , mine was a bit stronger while his was more balanced, which was slightly disappointing but not a deal-breaker. Overall, it was such a lovely experience. The ambiance, the desserts, the drinks, and especially the exceptional service made us feel so valued and welcomed. We're definitely coming back to try the food next time!

Amicable was wonderful! My husband and I went for during our anniversary trip and were impressed…read morewith how well our dishes were made. The octopus was tender and my husband really enjoyed the tuna tartar special appetizer. I will say that there was very little burrata on my salad, which I was disappointed on compared to the price. The service was prompt but not overbearing and it was nice to sit outside with the ceiling heater on, which we decided after the AC was blasting inside. Overall a really nice visit. I would come back for another special occasion.

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Espresso martinis

Boathouse Restaurant - french - Updated May 2026

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