The Boathouse pairs harbor views with a broad coastal menu

What the reviews indicate

A location correction is worth making first: Kennebunkport is in Maine, not New Hampshire. Based on a 4.4 Google rating from 876 reviews and the supplied diner feedback, The Boathouse Restaurant earns its strongest marks for setting, approachable food and warm hospitality.

The waterfront location is the clearest point of agreement. Diners describe patio seating on a large enclosed deck or porch overlooking the harbor, with one reviewer calling the setting among the best in Kennebunkport. That view appears to shape the whole experience, particularly for visitors looking for a scenic lunch, dinner or round of drinks rather than a strictly food-focused destination.

Food and drinks

Public reviews characterize the menu as a mix of New England surf and turf with some Asian influence. The selection is repeatedly framed as broad enough for mixed groups, which should help when some diners want seafood and others prefer meat or a burger.

Several specific dishes receive enthusiastic mentions. The Boathouse Burger was described as perfectly cooked by a repeat visitor. New England Clam Chowder and the Shrimp & Scallops Entrée also drew praise, while the noodle beef salad was memorable enough for one party to return the following day. Dessert feedback includes a recommendation for Coconut Cheesecake, along with a more measured observation that the kitchen-made desserts were good rather than exceptional.

Drinks also contribute to the restaurant’s appeal. Multiple reviews pair positive comments about the food with equally favorable assessments of the beverages, suggesting that The Boathouse works as well for a harbor-side drink and meal as it does for a conventional dinner.

Service and atmosphere

Service trends positive overall. Reviewers mention prompt attention, friendly staff and a professional, welcoming approach. Repeat business is another useful signal: one diner had visited several times without disappointment, while another returned on consecutive days.

The main qualification is pacing. Although some guests found service prompt, another described it as friendly but noticeably slow at times. That inconsistency does not dominate the feedback, but diners with tightly scheduled plans may want to allow extra time.

The enclosed waterfront seating is a particular advantage. It offers the appeal of eating beside the harbor while providing more shelter than a fully exposed patio. Public feedback does not establish how often that seating is available, so the view should be treated as a strong reason to request a table rather than a guarantee.

Value and verdict

Price information is not provided in the listing data, but one reviewer considered the restaurant expensive, with value depending on the order. That makes The Boathouse a better fit for diners prioritizing location and atmosphere than for those shopping mainly on price.

Overall, the restaurant’s large review base and 4.4 rating support a confident recommendation. The harbor outlook is the headline attraction, yet the named dishes, drinks and generally polished service give the experience enough substance to avoid relying on scenery alone.