The Boat House

We're vacationing in Rockport, ME and were told by one of the locals to check out this new restaurant in nearby Rockland, The Boathouse. It is set right on the water and shares a parking lot with the longstanding Amalfi's, a place that is a l ... more

We're vacationing in Rockport, ME and were told by one of the locals to check out this new restaurant in nearby Rockland, The Boathouse. It is set right on the water and shares a parking lot with the longstanding Amalfi's, a place that is a legend in town. Amalfi's is known to be "pricey" and the same can be said for The Boat House. However the ambiance is beautiful, exposed wood and warm lighting making you truly feel like you are within an actual Boat House, only nicer! We are rather traditional seafood lovers, yearning for the typical baked scallops and, for my partner, standard shrimp dish. I had to ask my server just what gnocchi is as my scallop dish was "tossed with gnocchi in a parmesean sauce". She described it as potato like in substance. It was more starchy than I personally cared for but the scallops in the dish were delicious. Unfortunately, the dish came "as is" with no salad or other sides so it wasn't especially pleasing to me. The starchy, heaviiness of the gnocchi and the cream sauce cried out for a nice, crisp salad! My partner did not care for her pasta alfredo dish all that much - the shrimp were lovely iin it, but the pasta and sauce were not what she was expecting. The good news: I found the BEST clam chowder at the Boat House I think I have ever had. Nice thick stock, loaded with clams and, best of all, it had that exquisite clam flavor many chowders lack. Served piping hot the way I like it, too. I have tried the chowder at the Rockland Cafe (milk based - not for me!) and Cappy's in Camden (nice and thick but had an aftertaste reminding me of canned soup), so the ultimate winner here was the chowder. The tab for the two of us, without any alcohol, appetizers (other than the chowder) and dessert was nearly $60 with the tip, so I doubt I would eat there again for that reason alone. However, they DO have a lighter menu featuring sandwiches which were more in the $10 range. Very nice owners and excellent server, just a little pricey and perhaps more the place for the Top Chef diner who likes things with ingredients I can't pronounce! less