Boathouse Restaurant (Winona Lake) - climate controlled patio dinning with relaxing lake front views I'm always interested in dinning & relaxing at a restaurant with good lake front views. The Boathouse Restaurant in Winona Lake has good food and a nice view of...Winona Lake. You can find them about 45 minutes west (driving highway 30) of Fort Wayne near Grace College (see map). The restaurant is set right on the lake. It is also nestled by some cute shops (The Village at Winona) for pre or post dinner browsing. The Boathouse Restaurant's lake views come in a covered patio (see picture). You are right on the lake. All diners can see the water from their table. The patio is enclosed much like a four season room. You can catch the breeze off the water when the windows are open. Or you can shut the windows and pull the shades if the temperature and sun light isn't to your liking. I'm sure this would still be a great view in the cooler fall and spring seasons. The Boathouse is a large restaurant. However, I would encourage reservations via their web site. You can reserve the patio, bar or main dinning areas. The facility is nicely decorated in that boat theme. Lots of attractive hardwoods and lake colors. We found the restaurant to be very comfortable and relaxing. The menu is very large - something for everyone (see menus). Chicken, steak, pasta, salads, wraps, bowls, burgers, seafood - they have it. Prices are reasonable (steak $30+, chicken $23+, burgers $16+). We have been here a couple times. Each time the food was delicious and the service was what you would expect. Here is a run down on the items we ordered: -Table Bread: multigrain bread, served warm and soft, easily pulled apart; nice soft creamy butter accompaniment -Side Salad: simple salad, smaller in size; very fresh with a few side veggies (cucumbers, tomatoes, onion and shredded Parmesan cheese; crunchy croutons; homemade 1000 Island dressing was thick with a smooth taste -Burrito Bowl: my wife loved the fresh lettuce and peppers; chicken was nicely grilled, moist and slightly seasoned; rice was perfectly cooked with a firm consistency -Tenderloin (special menu item): outstanding! Very moist and tender, slightly thicker steak; thin batter with a slight crisp and hint of oil; grilled onions were a nice but unusual add; bun was slightly grilled, buttered and soft -Macaroni salad: mayo base that tended to be a bit heavy; nicely cooked noodles; added small pieces of celery, onion and green pepper; nice adder to the sandwich If you like lake views and relaxing dinning...make the drive to the Boathouse Restaurant. Also make sure you get there before 6p so you can enjoy the shopping village that is near the restaurant. And...take a long walk down the channel to see the big lake. read more

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Beautiful lakeside restaurant with an interesting history. Our server Abby was very very good .. friendly and efficient. Shared her favorite dishes .. which is always helpful. The menu offered choices for all tastes! I enjoyed linguini and meatballs with a marina vodka sauce .. yum My husband loved his ahi tuna sandwich on ciabatta bun. We sat on the porch .. felt like we were right on the water. Highly recommend Took a nice stroll along the water and did a little shopping. read more

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Fantastic place on the lake. The view is nice, but the food is even better. Generous portions, too. Salmon Linguine - $26 - Salmon, asparagus, and feta cheese with linguine in a cream sauce. Every bit of this was tasty and cooked to perfection. 5/5 stars. Pasta Diablo - $23 - Shrimp, scallops, and clams with linguine in a spicy cajun tomato sauce. This had really good flavor. It's a bit spicy, and the heat will catch up to you. 5/5 stars. Chocolate Cake - $11 - There's a choice between one or two scoops of ice cream, and it costs a dollar more for the second scoop. Even if there wasn't two of us, you need two scoops to go with the cake, because it's a good portion. It's a pretty decent cake. 5/5 stars. Service was good. Ambiance is nice. Great place to get a good meal and to hang out by the lake. read more

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I've visited this restaurant a few times over the years. The best thing about it is the view and ambiance! No matter the weather, looking across the lake is always beautiful. Now for the food. Depending on what you as the diner feel is great tasting food will definitely play a part in how you experience this place. For me, I think the food is warmed up by microwave or oven and isn't actually prepared. We both ordered the potato crusted cod with seasonal veggies and smashed potatoes. Our food came out 15 minutes after we ordered it. The bread was hard and slightly warmed up served with butter. For the price of food anywhere, I'd rather pay for food that was actually prepared and not just dropped into a fryer/oven/microwave. There doesn't seem to be much competition which makes it really easy to serve average food. I'll pass next time. Server was friendly and attentive, so that was a plus. read more

Boathouse Restaurant - Potato Crusted Cod - Seafood Near Me - Winona Lake, Indiana

We came here for an early dinner on a weeknight. The place was fairly empty but it still took a long time to begin service. Our waitress did offer us a complimentary appetizer for our wait, which was nice. Unfortunately the food was not worth our wait. The location is very pretty with the view of the lake but I feel there is better food elsewhere in this area. read more

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The food and service was outstanding, our server was very friendly and checked on us regularly, I highly recommend this place, beautiful atmosphere too! read more

Boathouse Restaurant - Lunch - Seafood Near Me - Winona Lake, Indiana

Every time we go there it gets worse. I ordered linguini roasted red pepper with shrimp and it came with no liquid sauce. My wife ordered the fried cod and it was mushy. Our fiends ordered fried shrimp and a chicken dinner with pasta and it was marginal. We've been going there for years and years but I think this was the last time. read more

I was in town for work, and didn't want to eat in a college dining hall, so I decided to venture out, at the boathouse I walked in and was asked if I preferred booth or table, I said it didn't matter to me, and it was their pick, I was seated in a booth, which was very comfortable, my waitress was great! Very on top of it, but not overbearing. I decided to order off what looked like the valentines menu, since it was the last day. I had the Tuscan potato soup, the bison burger and the red velvet crème brûlée, everything was delicious! When I'm back again for work, I plan to bring my alum here, the menu has some great looking options! It also has a gorgeous view of the lake! read more

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I miss the origional Prime Rib Sandwich. This is more like a French Dip Sandwich. I won't order this again.

Super good food and a nice atmosphere right in the lake. Never had a bad meal. I personally like the steak, salmon, and burrito bowl

Great service by Ashlee. She kept my drinks refilled! The ambiance was great outside on the screened sunporch! The weather was perfect for a warm breeze. The food came out hot and very tasty, then dessert was just the perfect ending to a great day!! read more

Boathouse Restaurant - Chicken Quesadilla! - Seafood Near Me - Winona Lake, Indiana

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Amazing views, incredible service and the food is simply out of this world. I have gone here numerous times and never once been disappointed. The Brie apple chicken dinner is literally to die for! The salads are incredible. Their steaks are always on point and the sides are just amazing especially the mac & cheese. I would eat here again and again. read more

Very diverse menu. Have tried 5 different meals and all excellent Recent meal of pretzel encrusted trout was good but not as good when encrusted in almonds. Service attentive but not overbearing read more

I cannot recommend this restaurant. While the setting is beautiful on the lake, that's about all it has to offer. The food was terrible. I had the Bleu Salad (sirloin was basically inedible) and my husband's spicy Cajun pasta was not good according to him. Also, the booth seats were so low to the ground, it felt like the table was way too high. We will not be back unfortunately. read more

Six of us went to the Boathouse for lunch. We had a variety of entrees: chicken quesadilla, two strawberry summer salads, lettuce wrap, fish tacos and a potato/cheddar encrusted cod with angel hair pasta. Everything was delicious and abundant. Very nice atmosphere with views of Winona Lake. The service provided by our waitress was friendly, caring and efficient! read more

I've eaten in the restaurant numerous times before, and always had great service, and tonight I ordered some takeout, and I had great service with that as well! The Boathouse Restaurant people are always so kind and caring! Kyle Phelps and the other people in ownership at the restaurant are absolutely tremendous people that do a great job! read more

Amazing food and the waitress was very nice. Can't beat the outside view. One of our favorite places to go in Warsaw

My husband and I came in for Valentine's day. We ordered the prime rib onion on rings and a salad with pear vinegarett dressing All was amazing from start to finish. Our waitress was Angie, she was amazing as well. The whole experience was beyond our expectations. We will definitely be back. read more

We visited on a Sunday evening. We had a table for 8 with reservations. Meals ranged from prime rib dinners to soup and salad. One ribeye steak was returned to the kitchen for being overcooked. The other rare and medium rare dinners were also overcooked. Our server accidentally dumped 2 drinks on and around us and our table. No one came to clean up the floor, but one staff member did the kick ice cubes under the table. We also waited for 20 minutes for refills. Some unfortunate things just happen. After our meal came our waitress didn't come back to check with us until we were done with our meal, one meal was even not the correct meal at all. Maybe an off day, but in our opinion- we all needed some sort of a discount for our meals. We were nothing but kind and understanding with our waitstaff since many in our party work at restaurants ourselves. read more

The food was absolute delicious! The service was prompt. The location on the lake front was quiet and soothing. We hope to go back soon.

I only went because it was recommended. I'd never heard of this place. The prime rib was lukewarm but everything else was great. They should have not sent that steak out without checking the temp. It wouldn't even melt the butter I put on it. The server was new and should have had some coaching. Server should have considered the effects of wearing extra nontraditional jewelry which is clearly not tied to your tribal family. Impressions do affect your success. read more

We were in the area for a weekend getaway and dropped in after shopping in all the adorable shops along the canal. The view from this restaurant is just gorgeous. Sit by a window if you can. The menu has something for everyone from salads to sandwiches to steak. We did have some of their artesian nutty bread to start. With the whipped butter, it was delicious. The appetizers looked good too but we opted to skip them in order to comfortably enjoy our meal. I had the blackened salmon. It was the best tasting salmon I've ever had. As someone who loves a blackened piece of fish, I was thrilled that this was seasoned appropriately. The interesting part was that they topped it with the creamy bleu cheese saucy stuff. It was an amazing compliment and would have never thought of this pairing on my own. It also came with two sides. I did the coleslaw (which wasn't my favorite, a little flat tasting compared to all the other dynamic flavors) and sweet potato fries which were sooooo good. The portion sizes were more than generous but not overwhelming. I will dream about this salmon for the rest of my life and will probably come back to this area just to eat here again. read more

Traveling for work spent the evening in the adorable lake town of Warsaw. The boathouse is exactly what you picture located on the water. Great views from the restaurant. The food was really good and reasonably priced. I have the Asian chicken salad which came with a homemade peanut dressing, which was amazing! The service was good , very fast! After dinner you can walk around the lake...adorable place! read more

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We came and were shown to a nice booth overlooking the lake. Our waitress came but didn't introduce herself and took our drinks order. We ordered a wine and two teas plus water. The wine was fine but the teas were only luke warm. we were not ready to order so the lady said she would give us a minute or two. When she returned 10 minutes later we ordered 3 starters and mains. The starters came out within two minutes. A worrying sign! The baked potato was good and the bruschett, the crab cakes were quite good but the plate was completely covered in the sauce. Then the entrees arrived. The portions are huge. The hawaiian chicken was fine and the Santé Fe chicken was also fine, just too much. The roasted red Shrimp pasta was inedible. The sauce was gloopy and just sat in my stomach and I felt nauseous. The lady came back and I told her that it was just not good. she said that the portions were very large. I told her that the sauce was cloying and that I felt sick. She took it away. There was no apology at all. We paid and left. I was waiting for Gordon Ramsey to jump out and do his make over routine. The Boathouse was just not for us and there was no effort to rectify our concerns. Sorry! read more

I was on a work trip and the hotel staff suggested a few restaurants nearby. I'm so glad I decided on this area because the the restrauant overlooks the lake in the Village. I was promptly seated at a table overlooking the water. This place has plenty of seating and I'm sure because it's during the week and a cloudy day business is slower than usual. The menu has a lot to choose from, salads, chicken dishes, steak and ribs, seafood, pasta and much more. A full bar along with plenty of wine and beers. I will say if you plan on dining here make sure you come hungry because the portion sizes are a read more

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Great food and atmosphere! We started with bruschetta and battered veggie platter. Entree -we had filet mignon and lamb. Fantastic tasting! Recommend both entrees! Server was great ! read more

Boathouse Restaurant - Bruschetta - Seafood Near Me - Winona Lake, Indiana

We visited at least twice a week from January to April 2025. The food was very good, especially a great wedge salad, edamame dip with rice crackers and sliced vegetables, mahi mahi sandwich, and fabulous oysters. The service was consistently top notch (definitely a testament to management and teamwork). And the ambiance is well themed without being kitschy. Definitely would recommend. read more

Ok my wife and I met up with grandson and his wife for a Sunday lunch here. I had Mahi-Mahi which was dry as a bone but the green beans and smashed potatoes pulled my entree out of the dumpster. My wife's potato crusted Cod she said was delicious. My grandsons wife had the burrito bowl which she said was lacking meat while my grandson's wrap was fantastic. As for service our waitress was quick with drinks and taking the order. Food was delivered in less than 10 min. So, next time we go here we will change up a few entrees just to get a better choice and better taste. read more

We went a few times while visiting Warsaw. The food was hit and miss so only 3 stars there, but to be fair, the "bad" side of the taste spectrum was still good. Service was always good. The serving sides are large, so unless super hungry, I would recommend you bypass the apps. We will go back next time in town. read more

We love the food and service They are friendly and the food is a 10 on our scale. Setting on the porch over looking the lake as we eat. read more

I had expected more from this place given all the positive reviews and the fact that it was packed on a Monday night, but my experience was disappointing. I ordered a house salad and Mahi-mahi with seasonal vegetables and rice. The salad was good, but rest of the meal was meh. The "seasonal vegetables" were steamed frozen vegetables and were cold when they arrived. Both the rice and vegetables were bland. The fish was alright. Service was as disappointing as the food; my waitress was cold and curt. I sat outside and the view was nice, but it gets hot in the evening because that side faces west. Given the poor food and service I wouldn't not recommend coming here. It's a shame because I love restaurants with lake views. read more

Boathouse Restaurant - Mahi-mahi with seasonal vegetables and rice - Seafood Near Me - Winona Lake, Indiana

Great atmosphere the chicken strip dinner was amazing. Would recommend going back. Beautiful view from the lake

If you're in the area and liking for a meal this is a fantastic choice. We've been here for date night and large family gatherings. Never disappoints. Food isn't fancy but it's delicious. Staff is always friendly and courteous. read more

This was a nice restaurant to eat at that is lake side. The food was good, but a little pricey. Gumbo was good.

I came in for dinner and sat at the bar. I had excellent service! I also had an amazing chicken and Brie entree. I loved it so much that I wanted to return during my time in Warsaw, but I ran out of days. I highly recommend and will definitely return when I am in town! read more

Really like this place. Come here for my daughter's birthday dinner & it was fantastic. My parents are very picky eaters & they enjoyed the food. Wait staff did a great job & food is always on point. I've been going to this restaurant for years & it still is always so good. Love the appetizer fried veggies with ranch. read more

Food was good. I had the Santa Fe chicken, it was good. The bruschetta was outstanding. Service was excellent. We would go back

The soup was excellent and from I heard all soups are excellent. Had the pizza however was not crispy and the veggies were cold. Now the chocolate cake is a monster and tasteful and felt the sugar rising thru my body. The waitress was sharp and knew the menu well. The view to the lake was beautiful and watching the sunset was nice. read more

Best place in Winona to head to the bar to grab just a drink or have a meal as well. Matt, the bartender, is great!. Head there every time I'm in town, and will continue in the future. read more

Great atmosphere next to the lake. Took my wife and just enjoyed a quiet dinner. The view is amazing. The food is a bit pricy but top notch. Service is fast and efficient. Definitely coming back here next trip! read more