Upscale dining at its finest! The sushi is so good and they have a large choice of mixed drinks and wines. Service was spot on. Would go again in a heartbeat. read more

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Some local friends said there's a new executive chef and that the food at Coastal Prime has improved. unfortunately, I did not experience this to be the case - as I thought the food was outstanding the last time I dined here and our dinner was good but not amazing and there were a few issues. Maybe because their reviews have indicated poor service, we experienced over-service: the floor manager checked in with us three times to see how we were doing in a rather obsequious manner which was very off-putting. Our very friendly server checked in with us 15 times (!) so much so that it was a bit irritating as she kept interrupting our conversation. I think that's about 7-8 times too many check-ins over the course of a 1.5 hour dinner. Now to the food which was all VERY expensive: - popover and butter (complementary) - 4/5 - clam chowder - 3/5, $13 for a cup of chowder is a LOT to pay and while i did enjoy the flavor overall, there was an addition (not mentioned in the chowder description) of a swirl of chili oil on the side of the chowder. I did not mix it into the chowder and realized later when I had a burning sensation across the middle of my tongue that it likely from a line of chili oil. This was not a pleasant sensation and for a while I wondered if I was having an allergic reaction to the chowder. It subsided after about half an hour. I'm not sure why adding chili oil to New England clam chowder is a good thing and it also wasn't listed as an ingredient on the menu. If there had been no chili oil, I would have given the chowder a 5/5 for flavor. - 2025 Claw Down Winner Lobster Bite - 4/5, $18 is a LOT to pay for a tiny silver dollar pancake with some creme and a few bites of lobster on top. Maybe it's the caviar that drives that price but I did not think it was worth the cost (but it did meet my goal of having lobster every day in Maine) - goat cheese and peach salad - 5/5, I loved the tiny little fried goat cheese balls and the ratio of goat cheese to spring lettuce to peaches was good with a light dressing. I would have liked a little more greens and a little less radicchio in the spring lettuce ratio though. - halibut - 4/5, it was a sizable portion of halibut with mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. Half of the halibut was done well and flavorful, the edges composing the other half though was rather dry and lacking in flavor. Curious. - scallops - 5/5, five scallops which were very flavorful with a celery puree and three halves of a baby carrot. Delicious but minimalist for sure in its size and presentation. this was the best item we had along with the salad. Note 1: we saw all the other tables receive an amuse bouche which looked like a shooter of something but despite all the check-ins from the floor manager and our server we somehow did not receive the amuse bouche. Note 2: It was chilly so we changed our reservation last minute to move into the dining room as opposed to sitting on the deck, which we were very glad about as it did not appear they have any heaters on the deck which we definitely had in the past times we've dined on the deck when it wasn't even as cold as 60 degrees (as it was last night) For the price and over-service (my husband tried to avoid engaging with the floor manager for the third time when we exited the restaurant but we were intercepted), and good but not great food, I'm not sure we'll be making a point to return to Coastal Prime next time we're in town. read more

An interesting menu. Lots of meat options, plenty of seafood, and then all the sushi. It's definitely a little more upscale than a lot of the other restaurants in the area. My dinner, crab cakes, was good-not quite as crispy/well done as I usually prefer, but I could tell the ingredients were high quality and it was still tasty. Our server Jared was happy to accommodate our requests. I wish we could have eaten outside on the deck but our company prefers eating indoors. read more

Beautiful view and great food. The service was top notch. The host was Turkish and he was a delight. Had an amazing evening. read more

Coastal Prime - Seafood Near Me - Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Terrible service, when we asked why we had not seen a waiter, not been given menus we were told it was because even though our table was outside it was within the "bar" area and they were busy. The tables right next to us got attentive service, bread, water refilled, and for the same prices we got bare minimum service from an overworked bartender. It was our anniversary. We made reservations in advance, asked to be moved and all they could say was they can't guarantee where you will be seated. If you are going to give me second class service, than give me second class prices. Waste of $300.00. Would never return. read more

Server/bar tender wearing mirror sunglasses at inside bar. Skip the crab cake...mushy crab texture with no crab flavor...sweet sauce. Ceasar salad in bowl with brown romaine that was cut to 3-4" lengths...in that presentation, it was difficult to eat. read more

Great views and good sea food. We tried oysters, sashimi, shrimp cocktail , chowder which was so flavorful. Bisque was ok. The seafood paella was good for 2 . read more

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If you're considering dining here--don't. Coastal Prime might have the location and the vibe, but that's pretty much where it ends. The service was honestly the worst part of the experience. It felt like we were inconveniencing the staff just by being there. No one checked in on us. Requests were either ignored or forgotten. It wasn't even busy. The food? Mediocre at best, and overpriced for what it is. You're paying for a name and a view, not quality. Portions were small, and nothing was seasoned well. The whole thing felt phoned in--no care or hospitality. There are way better places in the area where you'll actually be treated like a guest. Coastal Prime just isn't worth your time or money. read more

I ve been all over the world eating sushi. Was not expecting this in Boothbay Harbor Maine. Simply fresh innovative wonderful sushi and we loved everything. Will be back tomorrow with additional intelligence. read more

Most terrible service I had to experience in years. The staff is pathetic and way too junior to handle such a place. Sad to see such unprofessional people run a business. Stay away from this place read more

Exceptional evening at Coastal Prime. The sunset was beautiful and after deciding to dine inside rather than on the patio, they kindly sat us at a table with large windows that had a full view of the sunset. The patio had heaters and blankets, but it is a less formal vibe than the beautiful inside tables that have linen cloths and napkins as well as glass stemware and fresh flowers. The food is pricey, but it is of high quality and the service was very good. We started with clam chowder and a chicken with dumplings soup. They were satisfactory but not exceptional. We then had a wonderful miso glazed salmon on a bed of rice and spinach and a Filet Mignon topped with an ample amount of truffle butter (which is a $5 extra charge). The presentation was beautiful. The wines by the glass list was not extensive, however they had a nice variety. We ordered a glass of Sancerre (with the Salmon) and a glass of a French blend with the Filet Mignon. We ended with Gifford's ice cream (chocolate and pistachio). read more

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We had an early dinner tonight at Coastal Prime and it was perfection! Jared was our server and he provided excellent service and great recommendations. As an appetizer we had some oysters from Glidden Point on the Damariscotta and I have never had better. For entrees I had beef tenderloin that was tender and cooked exactly right and my wife had halibut that she also enjoyed. For dessert they were out of the homemade blueberry pie that my wife had her heart set on but as a substitute we had a tiramisu that was very good. Finally, the weather today was perfect in Booth Bay Harbor and we sat at a window table overlooking the harbor. With the breeze blowing through the sliders, fog drifting across the bay and many sailboats plying their way across the harbor it was a very special experience. read more

So disappointed. Fried calamari with tartar sauce? Awful. Crab cake was flat like a hamburger patty and unevenly cooked. Center area very dark (close to burnt) while edges had zero color. Truly an awful food experience. The service was nice. But definitely not worth it. read more

Delicious food and amazing service. Our waiter Kelvin went above and beyond to help us with out menu options and paid attention to us throughout the whole meal. He made the night magical! read more

So our group of eight did call slightly ahead for a Wednesday evening dinner. We arrived by boat and there was space available always nice. We would have said that the total screw-up in the kitchen was not the servers' fault and that overall the service was very professional, very apologetic when half our table's order mysteriously came half an hour after the rest of the group, and very dedicated to making our experience work. The floor manager, Emre, did his best to back up the servers. The waterside setting is of course lovely. It is more expensive than some spots, but not outrageous. Without dessert but with plenty of cocktails and two bottles of wine, it was about $110 per person for two courses (including some folks who ordered sushi rolls and an entree). So, about the food. Dragonfruit ceviche? Unusual and outstanding, and cleverly served. The professionals and the amateurs at the table loved it. All three of the sushi rolls folks tried (crunchy tuna/salmon, rainbow, and dragon) were delicious and really generous-- possibly a meal for most who were not as hungry as our crowd. The miso salmon was a big hit. The scallops and cod entrees disappeared without being shared (a good sign). The lobster bisque was pronounced excellent by the one who always orders it wherever it's served. The saganaki was a great appetizer to share as were the duck gyoza. The weaker spots: The Caesar is made and served with whole lettuce leaves, which is just messy to eat and harder to share. It's generous-- one would definitely feed two, and maybe three as a side. The crab cake was a disappointment-- too much bread, not enough crab, and not enough flavor-- and at $18 for a single flat crab cake, not worth it. read more

The service was terrible, we had to track down the waitress to get our check. They kept playing Michael Jackson, dont they know he's cancelled? read more

5 stars for the view and ambiance 5 stars for service 3 stars for food and value You do expect prices to be on the higher end when you are at a nice restaurant, especially one by the water. And one where they have great service who will offer you blankets if it's cold or to move the heat lamp closer. But overall quality of food is average. And with the high price tag, I wouldn't be coming for the food, I'd be coming back for the ambiance. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the clam chowder. read more

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What seemed like a potentially nice place to celebrate a birthday with outdoor with harbor views at sunset, turned into a meal that just wasn't worth it. the chowder and oysters were decent enough to start but salads were dressed in the same way that Lacroix selzter is "flavored". Then came the wait. For entrees. For a long time. When they arrived is was clear they had been "resting" for 30-40 minutes or more. Everything lukewarm and dried out. When the best thing you can say is "well, the celery puree wasn't THAT bad" - that is a disappointing meal at the price point that this place was asking. read more

Seafood tower was amazing, oysters fresh, service amazing. Cannot recommend enough to avoid the other tourist traps masquerading as similarly higher-end restaurants. Go here and get what you pay for instead of going elsewhere and getting much less. read more

We came here for a late lunch and we were seated right by the harbor. It was a little breezy and overcast but when the sun came out it turned out to be such a warm summer day! The umbrella for the table covered us perfectly. The server was so friendly (despite us having young kids~!) and was prompt with our order. The food itself was everything you could hope for. We got a large variety off the menu - oysters, burger, wings, fish tacos, lobster, and sushi! The sushi was excellent quality and cut perfectly. Some of the best I've had. The lobster meal was simple - a lobster, ear of corn, and fingerling potatoes with drawn butter. The fish tacos were huge. My husband ate 2 out of three and gave up. The burger was loaded and cooked to perfection. I also had three cosmos. They were not drowning in cranberry juice like other bars and left me feeling warm and happy. A total win! read more

Coastal Prime - Our appetizers - Seafood Near Me - Boothbay Harbor, Maine

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Good place to dine with excellent views of the harbor. Excellent bar menu. Dinner service was good, breakfast not so much. Will was the best waiter ever! I wanted to order lobster, but didn't want the hassle of cracking it open. He recommended the lazy lobster and a side of risotto to mix together. It was fantastic! read more

Coastal Prime - a view of a marina with boats docked - Seafood Near Me - Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Aside from the obvious (ambience) The service , food and drinks- Outstanding . We were offered a beverage within minutes of being seated , water glasses never less than half full, offered blankets last evening and the standing heaters were just right, The sushi appetizer was delicious and beautifully presented , our fish entrees were flavorful and cooked to perfection. Our waiter- Kyle was well versed in the menus and extremely pleasant . We are vacationing here in Maine this week . We are from Chicago , therefore know great restaurants . So glad we happened upon this place . Don't pass it up! Will definitely recommend to anyone coming up to Maine. read more

Wonderful service and accommodations. Can't rate this hotel and restaurant high enough. Showed up tonight with no reservations and we were treated so well. Very high marks to the restaurant manager and our server! Everything is so expensive today but here at Coastal Prime we feel we get our money's worth. We I'll be repeat guests. Jane & charlie read more

Upscale dockside dining with excellent service and nice wine list. We had dinner at Coastal Prime on a late June evening. We watched the sun set over the harbor while dining on clam chowder (one of the best this New Englander has ever had), panzanella salad, pan-roasted halibut (the pea purée was outstanding), and pasta primavera, while sipping our bottle of Grgich Hills Chardonnay. Our server, Chris, was attentive and friendly, and promptly turned on the heat lamps as the sun went down (they even offer lap blankets). read more

Coastal Prime - Sunset over the harbor - Seafood Near Me - Boothbay Harbor, Maine

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Expensive but quite good with outstanding service. High quality food and drinks with a great view of the harbor.

Wonderful dining on the water! Amazing seafood! Friendly and efficient service Enjoyed an early evening meal with our small dog on the outdoor deck! read more

The food is excellent fresh seafood. The service people nice friendly and accommodating to all our questions as we are visiting tourists. We chose to sit outside because the place inside is full with loud music as it has a bar. Overall, everything is good. read more

Awesome ambience. Food is spectalcular. Best meal we have had in Maine. Highly recommended.

Food,service,ambiance,and everything else was 10*.The sirloin,scallops,creamed corn,and chocolate pie were superb.Will definitely return and tell others read more

ALL GOOD HERE. Our first time. First time in this area. First time dining around here. We chose Costal because we wanted fine dining. Lynn's birthday celebration and I always try the best for her birthday. I succeeded. Although there were tourist and locals dining and enjoying themselves,this only help make my decision a right one. First of all Ales took care of us. Great care. We began with the charcuterie board. Cheese and meat all locally made. EXCELLENT. Lynn ordered the Swordfish and I ordered the northern Halibut. We asked to not rush this meal and Ales made sure it happened. Everything was delicious. Perfectly cooked. We will return to Boothbay again this summer. We will be dining at Coastal Prime and we will be taken care of by Ales. There was a young woman manager who was kind and helpful. I wish I asked for her name. Such a great team. Thank you read more

Revised from my previous review from two years ago: An amazing place! If your looking for something more upscale! However, very expensive! Although I knew it was going to be expensive, I just couldn't bring myself to see spend $19 for French onion soup. (Otherwise 5 stars) Sad they took away the couches & fire pits outside. It was the perfect place to relax & have a drink. Especially after a long day. Especially since we stayed in the hotel for years! However, the salads were great! The filet was amazing, cooked perfectly! Desserts where one of the best! Great wine & drink menu. Great views! Staff was great! We've been staying at their hotel for 20+ years. It use to be the Rocktide. Totally remodeled. The best views! read more

First strike - all their red wine is served chilled. Not just cool, cold. Food was really slow. Dragon roll was very fishy. Chopped salad was minced to nearly a puree. Servers were scrambling to make up for lame policy and bad food and slow service. But to reiterate, Paul's policy is that all red wine is cold. read more

Ate there 9/10/23 and it was outstanding. One of the best meals we've had in our 70+ years on earth. We made a reservation and I think that got us what we think is the best table in the place. Inside, next to the glass on the far right. Service was exceptional and upscale as expected. Filet ($58!) was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of seasoning on it. My wife had the duck ($42) and it was exceptional too. As good as they were, the best thing we had was the creamed corn! We've never had anything like it and it complemented the main course nicely. One of the best wine menus I've seen in a very long time with some exceptional wines (Chateau Kirwan!) We had a nice St Emilion Merlot/CabFranc blend wine that was reasonably priced at $75. The manager even brought a wine decanter so we could let it sit for a while. Other reviewers were right about it being expensive. Our bill without dessert was $240 but we thought that was fair for such an exceptional experience. read more

Coastal Prime is a special spot for dining on a magnificent patio overlooking the Boothbay Harbor. One can even pull up and dock a boat! The food is not cheap but it's top quality and the staff is friendly. I would like to give special thanks to Mike T and Valeria for all their perfect advice on the menu. I also want to shout out a big thank you to chef Justin for the amazing seafood tower and the information he provided on the delicious local Scully oysters. Please don't miss out on this top notch spot! read more

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Love this place! Great food. Delicious lobster. Clam chowder was amazing. Staff was super friendly. Great views of the harbor.

I just held my wedding reception at Coastal Prime this past weekend. It was a non traditional cocktail style reception held in the afternoon. It was supposed to be outdoors on the front deck but Mother Nature had other plans. Even though it was a full on downpour annd all plans had to be changed just days before, it was spectacular. The event staff went above and beyond to make our reception better than I could have imagined. They were attentive, accommodating, and the food was superb. I've been to so many weddings where the food was passable as mediocre and this was anything but. My guests couldn't stop talking about how amazing the food was, from the shrimp cocktail, oysters, lobster rolls, and crab cakes to the nachos, sliders, and chicken tenders. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try any of the desserts but I heard they exceeded all expectations. I couldn't be happier! read more

The location is second to none! Such pleasant views right on the water. Large outside deck. Friendly staff. Very slow service. Giving them the benefit of the doubt as it was a change in staff - we waited approximately 15 minutes before even given a glass of wate. We had expectations of excellent food since we had a previously dined at Paul's at the country club. The food was subpar in every way. Leaving here with a stomachache. The lobster stew had over cooked chunks of lobster and the most bland broth I've ever had in the state of Maine. My dining partner ordered fish and chips, pretty simple. Requested catsup twice for the french fries but never received it. I'm not sure I can recommend this place. Very sad because it's an outstanding location. read more

The 2 stars are for the great view. This review is only for my most recent visit to Prime, my previous 2 visits were great. Last night was our third visit to Prime and based on our previous experiences we were really looking forward to it. We've owned a summer home in the area for 21 years and have been bringing the family here every year during that time. Our now grown 3 children joined us once again this year so we wanted a special night out one evening and Prime was our choice. We arrived for our 7:00 reservation 5 minutes early and were seated at our table on the deck, the view is spectacular, especially during sunset. It took a little while for the waiter to take our drinks and appetizers order, things seemed to be a little slow from the start. Finally by 7:50 the waiter took our meals order and that's the last we saw of him until 8:25. Our waiter never once returned to our table to pour our wine or ask if we need anything, and when he finally did show up at 8:25 all he said was "sorry, but we have a group of 20 in the house". Well frankly, that's not my problem, and our group of 5 shouldn't suffer poor service because of it! Our meals finally arrived at 8:40, a full 50 minutes after we ordered. I could tell by my sons face his NY strip wasn't done to his liking. He ordered it medium, it arrived closer to rare on the inside but burnt on the outside, he only ate half of it. My daughter's Spinach Agnolotti was Luke warm. I usually have a steak here, but tonight I decided on the Haddock, which was cooked nicely, but just bland. My wife and youngest daughter had Sushi and they both said it was delicious, so a win for Prime there. By the time we all finished it was now 9:00, 2 hours after our seating and the waiter brings the dessert menu... no thanks we didn't have another hour to spare. I wanted to leave a 10% tip but my wife who's a top executive in the foodservice industry wouldn't allow me to leave less than 15%. All in all not a good experience and it will be a while before we try Prime again any time soon. Edit: I was contacted by Coastal Prime management only a few hours after I submitted this post. They were apologetic and genuinely concerned about our experience. That is the sign of a quality establishment. I'll be back in the Fall and plan on giving Prime another shot at that time. read more

Coastal Prime - Deck - Seafood Near Me - Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Haddock fish tacos all day long!!! Service is a bit slow but drinks were good. The biggest issue is Covid. The hostess didn't wear her mask up nor did she wipe the tables with anything special to sanitize them. read more

Absolutely worth the wait and the price! THE best dinner we have had in Boothbay all week.