After all this time I've lived in Berkeley, I somehow never ate at the Berkeley Boathouse (restaurant in the DoubleTree Hotel) until yesterday. First off, the renovation is beautiful. It has an amazing waterfront/courtside view of the Bay, dock access to a ferry (I think it's Hornblower?), and a lot of natural light and open space. They also have a new chef and friendly staff. My homegirl and I started with the Green Curry Mussels, and they were definitely flexing like Mr Olympia. The curry broth was the star -- 10/10. We dipped everything in it: bread, fries...hell, it would have made tree bark taste good. I had the fish and chips, and the cod was perfectly battered like an amateur boxer in his first pro fight. Crispy, golden, and lightweight. My homegirl's cioppino was a little too tomato-heavy, so the waitress had the chef remix it. He did by adding more garlic, and it went from mid-sauce to perfect. I hope they keep that change! The staff said the new chef is considering updates to the long-stagnant menu -- and clearly, he's listening. They do need to bring the price of everything on the mini down about $5 :-), or else have happy hour specials. The restaurant got quiet after a cruise group hopped on a boat. It was relatively empty, and it totally has to be because of the marketing. If you're thinking of a nice alternative to Skates By The Bay (also very delicious!), It's a nice detour. This spot deserves more love. We'll be back. read more

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The Berkeley Boathouse, located in the DoubleTree, is situated between Alameda and Hercules. The location and the waterfront harbor view made it a perfect restaurant to meet friends for Christmas Dinner. We met here both this year and last year. The servers were great both times we dined here. The paid parking can be difficult; I parked on the roadside. I had been dreaming of the special I had last year. The scallops with a sprinkling of roe on top were perfectly prepared. I did not expect to like the parsnip puree that the scallops were sitting in. I was wrong, the puree was so good, if I had been alone, I would have run my fingers on the plate to capture every last drop. There were some greens on the plate. This year, the special was scallop fettuccine in an Alfredo sauce. I would have enjoyed it more if they had used more salt. The serving was generous; I had two more meals from my leftovers. This year, we shared flat bread, Brussels sprouts, and a Yule Log for dessert. I enjoyed the shared dishes more than my main course. I love the sprouts, I had them last year and thought about going back to just order them. My mother would be shocked to know after refusing to eat them how happy I am when they are in the menu. I am not sure if the Boathouse will be the 2026 designation. Star Rating 3.5 raised to 4, the for the sprouts and the friendly server read more

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We used to love The Berkeley Boathouse. I am truly disappointed by the drastic decline of what used to be an outstanding vegan risotto. It was once a standout dish--rich, flavorful, packed with vegetables, topped with a thick, meaty slice of portabella mushroom and finished with a beautiful basil oil drizzle. It was memorable and one of the main reasons we chose to dine here night after night. Since management changed the recipe, the dish has completely lost its soul. The current version is bland, lacks vegetables entirely, and is oddly garnished with slimy green onion strings that add nothing in flavor or texture. It's honestly unappetizing compared to what it once was. The waitstaff deserves credit--they are doing their absolute best and remain kind and professional. Unfortunately, the food itself has dropped from excellent to mediocre at best. What used to be a nightly dining destination has become a place we now visit only when circumstances leave us no other option. I strongly suggest either bringing back the original recipe or removing this risotto from the menu altogether. Right now, it simply doesn't live up to the standard this restaurant once proudly held. read more

My friends and I were looking for a spot to have brunch and decided to try this place since none of us had been here before. Beautiful place with a great view. We were seated right away. Our server was very nice and provided great customer service. We ate outside they had a fire pit that kept us nice and warm. We started with the mimosa flight. It included a strawberry, guava and watermelon they were all delicious we all enjoyed them. My friend had the seafood eggs Benedict and was very happy with it. The rest of us had the boathouse breakfast. It was very good. We will definitely come back here again. read more

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We were looking for someplace to have dinner in the Emeryville/Berkeley area, and my partner, who has an incredible knack for finding cool new places on the fly, suggested this spot. What a nice find! Located in the DoubleTree hotel at the Berkeley Marina, the restaurant is spacious, inviting, and offers beautiful views of the water. I should have taken more photos. Nice place to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal with a great view. There were a fair number of patrons, both guests of the hotel, and those just visiting for dinner. It's worth going out of your way for even if you're not staying at the hotel. The menu is pretty extensive, with something for everyone's taste. We shared the grilled artichoke and the scallop fettuccine alfredo, and both were good. Service was great, Fitz took very good care of us. Another bonus is they're open late, until 11pm. We will return, probably to try the brunch next time, and this could very well become one of our regular spots. read more

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I just want to say our server was hilarious! She was so personable and funny which made our dining experience enjoyable. We ordered the artichokes as a starter and they were seasoned and cooked well. We really enjoyed them! But, they were cold when they arrived at our table. For our entrees we ordered the Oxtail Ragu and the fettuccini Alfredo (which originally comes with scallops, and they substituted chicken for us). Both the entrees were cooked perfectly al dente. I loved trying oxtail for my first time! It was extremely soft and moist, but definitely a more fatty meat. I loved the ragu sauce. The Alfredo was good. But it needed some seasoning. Overall the service was outstanding and we enjoyed our visit. read more

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Crew and I decided to try the boathouse because we're staying at the hotel to fish. First, the place is nice, clean and very friendly staff. The sun in the later part of the day makes the facility hot and with no ac the place becomes stuffy. I ordered a double wygu burger. Trash. Fries were excellent. Meat had zero flavor, aoili tasted bad. After not eating all day i mustered about 1/2 of it down before i let them take it away. Not once did the waiter ask if anything was good or not. Maybe other items are good but this was not. read more

The Berkeley Boathouse - Seafood Near Me - Berkeley, California

Lorrie was wonderfully kind and attentive, she made our experience infinitely better!

On a recent trip to visit relatives we took time to visit the Berkeley Boathouse. Situated at the Berkeley Marina this establishment provides excellent views of San Francisco Bay and the San Francisco skyline in the distance. The staff were welcoming and attentive and we were quickly seated at our table. We began the evening with glasses of Sauvignon Blanc. We next added a calamari appetizer and entrees that included the Boathouse Cioppino (clams, mussels, scallops, seabass, shrimp and crab in a tomato fennel broth, with grilled sourdough) and the Roasted Beet Salad. All were well prepared and tasty! Okay, I didn't do it justice that Cioppino was great actually, well seasoned and the Crab and other ingredients complimented each other. We will be back! read more

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First time here and it won't be our last. We were looking for a place to go for dinner after shopping close by and this was the winner. I knew the place was there, in the past may have discounted it because it was in a hotel. I was so wrong!! We started with the artichoke appetizer. Small chokes cut length wise in half then roasted with dipping sauce, like little artichoke popsicles. For a main we split the Scallop Fettuccine Alfredo. Not a big pasta fan but was very good. Drinks were good and a very nice wine list. Black Stallion was not on the menu, so be sure to ask if items are avaliable but not listed. Not only is this in a hotel, it's also on the water next to the Berkeley Yacht Harbor. If you like to look at boats, this is your place. There is a nice outdoor covered patio along the water where I am sure we will be next time. So a few added perks are it is inside a Double Tree Hotel. So, if ya'll imbibe a little too much there is a hotel room within walking distance (unless sold out). Option 2: If rooms are sold out there is a pool you could get accidently get naked and fall into. That will snap you back to some level of sobriety. Also, if you meet that new special someone at the bar you want to spend the rest of your life with or at least the next hour, as stated before, there are rooms in walking distance and at a good price. (Editorial note: I personally have not directly experienced any of the above scenarios.) read more

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This restaurant is located inside the Double Tree Hotel First time here, came for Christmas brunch all employees were nice and accommodating food presentation was amazing (see photo) but our food was COLD not to mention that the steak and eggs were NOT made as ordered We asked for medium well and we received medium rare This is a nice restaurant with beautiful views of the bay, restaurant has a nice ambiance to it but the food was rather lacking due to the temperature and prices are on the high side $7 for hot tea $7 for a cup of coffee $44 for steak & eggs cold &not made as ordered $23 for avocado toast $19 for waffles cold and hard There is indoor and outdoor seating Outside fire places and heating lamps After brunch we tried to have drinks at the bar but the bar closed at 1pm They do validate parking if you eat at the restaurant for 3 hours Other than that the parking is $40 !!!!! read more

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I had a great experience. I had Sunday brunch, I did the season omelette which was delicious and ample food. I was welcomed to take the left overs and accommodated with cutlery. lorre (I think that's how her name was spelled), was behind the bar and clearly managing drinks for the restaurant, while still trying to provide customer service to the bar. She was lovely and personable, while still clearly working hard. As a customer and a manager (in my professional life) I appreciated her service. The views were gorgeous. I loved the windows and view of the Marina. Really lovely experience and I will be back. read more

The Berkeley Boathouse - Marina - Seafood Near Me - Berkeley, California

Our experience at The Boathouse was pretty fantastic. We sat outside and saw the last bits of sunset over the bay.The server, Wanna(?) was top of her game to be sure. We loved her! Her recommendations, when we followed them, were spot on. When we didn't, we were more disappointed. The food, was a mix of both wonderful and uninspiring. The brussel sprouts were phenomenal, while my chicken entree was so-so. Mainly it wasn't very well seasoned, so pretty boring. I wish I had listened to the server, Wanna's(?) recommendation of the sea bass. Next time I most certainly will follow her suggestions. In fact, our server, Wanna? was one of the best servers I have ever had. So much so, that even though we chose an outdoor spot under a heater next to a fireplace and were still cold, we didn't want to move inside and have to switch servers! read more

Paige, my server, is very friendly with a smile. She's attentive to your needs no matter how busy it is. The food is on point. I had the fish and chips (fries extra crispy). Flakey fish with a generous amount of crispy breading made this a meal I won't soon forget. I may have needed a bit more tartar, but that's because I used it all on the first three (of four) generous pieces. The fries were ever so crispy; just the way I ordered. Ambiance is chill and on point. I was alone so I sat in the bar watching one of the tv's, but you can sit in the dining area, where it's very quiet and relaxing too. read more

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Had an amazing Galentines dinner with 15 of my friends at The Berkeley Boathouse! From the moment I made a reservation, Deepa, the General Manager, was so thoughtful & quick to reply. She kept everything organized and stress-free throughout the planning process. On the day of the dinner, my friends and I were so impressed with the delicious food & incredible cocktails, warm, friendly service, and perfect ambiance with gorgeous views. It was an unforgettable experience! Wanna took such great care of us, and Chanh even ran outside to return a makeup bag I accidentally left behind. Everyone loved it and many want to come back. I know I will too. read more

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The staff made my birthday so special! I stopped by for drinks and dessert. I had my heart set on their famous chocolate chip walnut cookies. Even though this was no longer a menu item, Wanna worked with the chef to grant my birthday wish. She also helped get us the tins of cookies to take with us. So grateful for her exceptional service! Roger also stopped by to chat and wish me a happy birthday. We will definitely be back again soon! read more

The Berkeley Boathouse - Chocolate Chip Walnut cookies even - Seafood Near Me - Berkeley, California

After a 12 hr drive from LA, with a few stop n go, a much needed dinner was in order. Checked out the Hotels restaurant. The host wasn't too friendly or just didn't feel like working that evening . I work in the hospitality industry and your host should be welcoming and exude great customer service etiquette . A good opportunity here to coach on best practices . This was on a Friday 10/11/24 at 6pm ish. The ambience was relaxing and the wait staff was friendly. My last advice is to check the crackers before giving it to your guest. They were stale unfortunately. The bread roll with the clam chowder was cold , I feel it would have been best served with crostini slices, fresh crotons or oyster crackers . Just a thought for next time . Thank you read more

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Love the vibe of the place and the food was great! Will definitely be coming back again!

Besides the wait I give the service a 7.5 Food 8 Ambiance 10 Everything was nice. I just didn't enjoy waiting more then half hour for the food. read more

We had reserved a table for 4 at 5:30pm on OpenTable for this restaurant. It was difficult to wave down a staff member for the front as no one is standing there. Staff kept saying someone would be there soon. We didn't actually sit down until about 5:45pm (we arrived at 5:20pm). Other guests said they had this issue here before. Apparently also their tablet of reservations was down or had no network connectivity (the area had poor Wi-Fi and phone connection), so if you use OpenTable for rewards remember to keep your receipt in case the restaurant staff can't check you in to your reservation. Once we sat down the dinner went much more smoothly. Our waiter was excellent, food came out quickly. The food itself was great - we got the calamari which does have a hint of spice with use of black pepper and the sauce can be spicy. The dining area in the front has a view of the marina, but it's harder to see the San Francisco skyline unless you sit in the outside patio. There is also a dining area in the back but a large group was seated there when we went. read more

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Standard American fare with a fantastic view of the marina. Even the outdoor waiting area was gorgeous. After a day at the Golden Gate racetrack we rendezvoused here for dinner as we were all staying at the adjacent hotel. The staff was friendly but a tad slow...ok maybe a little more than a tad. The food came out at a decent rate. We started with calamari, they did a great job, all of the calamari was tender and not chewy. The lobster roll was filled with lobster but as with ALL lobster rolls, too darned small! Two of the guys got "special" hamburgers, not the burgers themselves BUT the guys orders....majorly specific. Congratulations to our server and chefs for getting it right!!! read more

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We had a lovely dining experience at The Berkeley Boathouse. Our waiter Roger was very helpful-- he gave great input about the pros and cons of various menu options and was efficient and attentive. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Roger was a good sport about splitting our bill onto multiple cards and gave us tips that will be helpful for our next visit. The views of the bay were beautiful and the ambience was relaxing. read more

Good service, good food, dog friendly, good vibes and outdoor seating is cosy w flames. read more

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Had some issues checking in to the hotel today but at no fault of the employees. Got a chance to try one of the revamped menu items today, Mary's Chicken. Quite the change and very tasty. Luis taking care of business as usual at the bar. Ive got a few more weeks here and will try some of the other revamped dishes. So far, apart from the Chilean Sea Bass, everything seems to be an improvement. read more

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It's sad to leave a negative review for a place on the Berkeley Marina because the Marina is one of my favorite spots in Berkeley. I had avocado toast for breakfast one morning and it was an insult to a Berkeley Foodie. The avocado on my toast was not from a fresh avocado, it might have been from a container bought at Costco. I don't know I don't shop there. But it was not something I would make for myself. Another time I had mushroom risotto. It was so salty I could barely eat it. The prices are extremely high and quality of food is extremely low. It's sad cause the location is outstanding. read more

My friends and I ate here to celebrate our friend's engagement. We made a reservation through OpenTable for 12:45, unaware that the kitchen was closing at 1. This timing put undue pressure on us to order immediately upon arrival, which detracted from the special occasion. It would be advisable for the restaurant not to accept reservations so close to closing time to avoid such situations in the future. Despite the rushed atmosphere, the staff remained friendly and accommodating, although it was evident they were trying to conclude their lunch/brunch service. Unfortunately, there was a slight oversight as my mimosa was forgotten, even after reminding the staff. However, this hiccup aside, I found solace in my order of fish and chips, which was thoroughly enjoyable. The restaurant has great views of the Berkeley Marina, and validates park which is a nice plus. read more

The Berkeley Boathouse - Fish and Chips - Seafood Near Me - Berkeley, California

The food, service, and ambience were all perfect everyday and every meal. I had a amazing time

You could get better food at Yard house for a third of the price. The wait staff was nice but utterly confused. Two different staff members asked us questions about what other patrons needed. We never got our drinks. The wagyu short rib was dry (it was obvious they tried to cover it up with the sauce) and was served with rock hard carrots. I don't even think it was wagyu. The risotto was nearly crunchy. When we got our bill I thought of all of the other restaurants we have visited and happily spent $300. The dessert was fine. read more

Had an amazing experience at the Berkeley Boathouse this evening with my husband. We ordered the sea bass and fish and chips from the mains, and the grilled artichoke hearts from the starters. We loved the basil aioli sauce served with the artichoke. The sea bass was incredibly flavorful and cooked to perfection. The pea and mint risotto as a base paired beautifully with the sea bass. It also came with grilled asparagus, which added depth to the dish. Both the Pacific cod and the sea bass were super flavorful, fresh, and generously portioned. We came here for a late-night dinner and were so glad we checked out this place by the marina. It must be amazing during the day too, with the sunshine and boats docked right next to it! It's the Hilton Hotel's restaurant, so it wasn't very crowded and was mostly visited by hotel guests--less of the local crowd. The fire pit made the outdoor seating feel extra cozy. The only thing that could be improved is the outdoor seating--the chairs could be more comfortable and better aligned in height with the tables. Our servers were friendly and prompt with their service, so we'll definitely be back! read more

The restaurant was beautiful and surrounded by large windows overseeing the Bay Area! We came here for both breakfast and dinner however we were not too impressed. Aside from the high food costs, there were several issues. The biggest issue itself was the lack of service. Both times we ate, we saw one person hustling while everyone else seemed like they didn't want to even be there. The food was satisfactory at best. The seafood pot was really great however there was no mahi mahi included like it said. The steak was a tad cold and the beats were so translucent we sent them back and received orange ones instead. For breakfast the vegetables were not fresh and there was only a couple ounces of salmon. Overall the biggest issue I see I the management here and consequently the lack of proper service. read more

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Really solid for a hotel restaurant. I've had a few more meals here and the hostesses seem to be a pain (they never want to give a solo diner a decent table)........but the service is always very good. My waiter Jian (sounds like Gin) is the MAN! Love that guy........always glad to see him. Breakfast is always on point with great coffee. Dinner is a solid 4 star experience while breakfast seems to be a 5. Went with the mahi mahi this time for dinner -- good, not mind blowing. SEARED WILD MAHI - MAHI 0 nori and sesame crusted, red curry rice, garlic broccolini, mirin glaze ($34). Breakfast - eggs benny. SOLID. All in all, pretty good option for dining when staying at the Doubletree since there's really not much around the hotel. read more

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Me and my girlfriend came for Valentine's day dinner and had an incredible time. Anthony was very kind checking in on us making sure we had a great time, I made sure to tell him in person how incredible the service was. Nathan was also very attentive and friendly, checking in on us and having fun and insightful conversation. Our server Alex was very quick to make sure what we got was correct, even with a bit of what seemed to be a language barrier. Overall the service was amazing, and not to mention the food. Best cesar salad she ever had, and I had the Boathouse Cioppino with the half crab, and it was some of the best seafood I've had. read more

The views of the waterfront here are amazing. It sits right on the waters edge in the lobby of the Hilton. I am not sure why an online reservation was needed for brunch, since the place was pretty empty. We we expecting a lot of people, since the booking website said they were full. We figured we'd try our luck, go, and just wait if we had to. Empty! Good news for us. We set outside on the patio underneath the umbrella for shade. Our server Jian (Gin) rushed over to us and gave us the most welcoming greeting, with a smile and bubbly attitude. Every time he came to check on us or bring another round of mimosas, it was the same pleasant smile. The portions were a bit small for the overpriced brunch, but I guess it's the view, location, and the ambiance that you are really paying for. The food was ok. My steak didn't have any flavor, but I mixed it with my cheese eggs and toast, so it did it's job in filling me up. If you're in the area, and a water person like me, this is a good place for you. I haven't experienced what it is like for dinner, or evening service, but I'm pretty sure I will be back to find out. read more

Roger was amazing with his attentive service. The food was excellent. Made for a relaxing way to end the day.

I had the pleasure of Jian's service during my breakfast. I ordered the boathouse breakfast which included fluffy velvety scrambled eggs, incredibly flavorful rustic potatoes with mixed bell pepper and onion, delicious pork sausage, and amazing toast. Everything was on point flavor wise and the coffee was perfect. Staff is quite friendly and made my experience memorable! read more

The ambiance here is outstanding and really sets the tone for a wonderful meal offering beautiful views. The decor is classy and they have large windows highlighting the marina. Staff looks professional and is friendly upon entrance. We came for breakfast while staying next door. Expect to pay $20-$40 per person. French toast was ok. One bagel w/ cream cheese is $10 and they ONLY offer plain bagels. I think details like having 2-4 kinds of bagels to choose from would go so much further when you charge this much, imo. Staff was friendly, but there was some inconsistency or maybe miscommunication. They offer a mimosa and blood mary on the menu, but when I asked for an Irish coffee I was told they cannot make that because they don't have a bar tender working. That seems interesting in itself... but I just said ok, no problem, forget it. Five minutes later, I was told they are making an Irish coffee for me. Awesome- thanks! Then someone approached the table offering a dirty chai, and I declined it. No Irish coffee ever arrived. Comical at best, as it seemed 4 different staff members were involved in the mixup. Overall nice exterior and decor and friend staff, but average food, and don't ask for an Irish coffee; though you may have luck requesting a dirty chai. read more

We were genuinely shocked--in the best way--by how good the pizza and salad were! Going in with rock-bottom expectations (hotel restaurant + a meh 3.5-star rating), we braced for mediocrity, but everything was surprisingly delicious. The one epic fail? That 'purple ube' drink. Spoiler: it was zero percent purple--more like murky brown-green swamp water that tasted absolutely nothing like ube. Total flavor betrayal. They kindly remade it, but round two was equally tragic. Pro tip for the kitchen: grab some real organic ube powder off Amazon--it's foolproof and turns out a vibrant, legit ube drink every time. Aside from that, we'd totally come back! read more

This is a very nice hotel bar & restaurant. Location is amazing with water front and view to the shore and city. On site parking is abundant but expensive like $35! Though plenty of street parking on the opposite road available. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating with nice views. Full bar with full food since. There is a venue for events on the side just in case. Restaurant front opens to Berkeley Marina trail for a nice walk before/after visit. Food/drinks are very good though be ready to get your drinks after food Staff are friendly and responsive. Oh there is live music band on Friday and Saturday nights make it even cozier. Will be back for sure. read more

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Great view , friendly staff, yummy brunch and superior Bloody Mary!! Free parking also. The place is empty (???). Only two other parties on a Sunday midday. read more

Sigh... not much on the vegetarian menu. Kids can have macaroni and cheese. If only I could have had macaroni and cheese. I chose the Risotto. It was horrible. From the first bite, it was not pleasant. Weird flavor like lemon permeated but no other seasoning. Few vegetables. Never saw any sun-dried tomatoes, just regular cherry tomatoes. Few artichokes, a few mushrooms, and no spinach. Sounds like they have changed the recipe. I've had two meals there now that were not pleasant. Not cheap either. Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas. read more