Best Waterfront Restaurants in Orinda

We are Berkeley locals and The Boathouse is one of our favorite places to dine.

Christmas prix fixe menu was just delicious and a good value. Service was efficient and attentive for a bustling night. The only downside- cold in the restaurant. Had to keep my coat on, many diners as well. Lobster Bisque is delicious, the Crab and Artichoke dip very tasty. Entrees were great- PrimeRib, Surf and Turf, tender and well seasoned Swordfish. We would go again and probably will next year.

I wanted to be wowed but left feeling meh. Yes, it was a holiday prix fixe meal, and they were busy, but the food specifically was really sub par. I had the lobster bisque, which was lukewarm, and more like a gravy. I also had the prime rib, which came also cold, thin, and lacking flavor. Dessert was a creme brulee, which also was cold on arrival. I felt like everything was premade and not fired on order. Yes, somethings can be partially premade, but everything here felt like there was no interest in making sure what they served really reflected both the craft of the restaurant and the concerns for the customer.

This is a lovely setting overlooking the Berkeley Marina boat basin. Very warm heat lamps with a nice sense of sheltered open air seating. Had tacos and shrimp with grits. Very tasty