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  5. Traverse City
Boathouse Restaurant, Traverse City, MI

Boathouse Restaurant

4.9
4.9
1683 Reviews
$50 and over
European
The cuisine of the Boathouse, created with distinctive flair is refined and contemporary, with an underlying element that echoes the classical French tradition of Escoffier.

The Boathouse experience begins with a drive along the shores of beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay and its sparkling blue waters.

When you dine with us, you get the best of both worlds: We are both locavores and connoisseurs of what the rest of the world has to offer, so you get the freshest, finest ingredients from near and far. Owner Doug Kosch adheres to the "farm to table" concept.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    European
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (231) 223-4030
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Executive chef
    Samuel Plamondon
  • Neighborhood
    Traverse City
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,683 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Best Overall

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Best Food

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Best Service

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Best Ambiance

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Best Value

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Great for fine wines

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Romantic

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Good for special occasions

  • Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula

    Most Booked

  • Northern Michigan

    Best Overall

  • Northern Michigan

    Best Food

  • Northern Michigan

    Best Service

  • Northern Michigan

    Best Ambiance

  • Northern Michigan

    Best Value

  • Northern Michigan

    Great for fine wines

  • Northern Michigan

    Romantic

  • Northern Michigan

    Good for special occasions

  • Northern Michigan

    Most Booked

1,683 Reviews
  1. JonG

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant itself is intimate but inviting, the service and the food were both great as expected. Perfectly cooked beef and lobster. Seasonal apple dessert is wonderful. Thanks for the great dining experience.

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  2. Eddie

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service , awesome drinks and fantastic steak !

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  3. brianm

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    On the pricey side for portion size but food was outstanding

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  4. WilliamL

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely venue, fabulous food and service! Look forward to returning!

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  5. Alli

    Grand Rapids

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The view, the food, the cocktails- all of it was 10/10. Mary our server was fantastic. Looking forward to coming back!

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  6. Arco

    Detroit

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Midweek bustling bar scene in late September that dissipated by 7:00pm; Long-time member of waitstaff provided cordial, timely, conversational, educational interaction to these "rookie" customers; Upscale resort ambience of facility lends itself to laid back, interactive, casual atmosphere; Seasonal menu offerings provide fresh, unique, gastronomic, flavor-filled perspectives; Somewhat pricey to comparable facilities in other locales, but worth it for a valued experience; Subsequent courses presented in a timely fashion allowing previous to be completed without rush; Food flavorful and fresh with proper seasoning adding depth and character enhancing the overall experience and atmosphere; Would definitely return to experience more of what the kitchen has to offer.

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  7. Syndee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous!!! Service - Darius was so fun, knowledgable, welcoming! Food was so tasty, proportioned to perfection and beautiful presentation! Setting, well, mother nature provided a beautiful back drop for our patio seating. 10 STARS!!! Thank you to all in the kitchen and on the floor for a wonderful evening!

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  8. BradD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Kathleen, was the best awesome in a word. Celebration for my wife's birthday and was a top 3 all time dinner experience we have ever had

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our 2nd time to dine at Boathouse and it again surpassed our expectations. Not only was the food excellent but our server Tim was exceptional. We’ll be back.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kathy was a great waitress with great recommendations, wonderful food

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a special day for us, our 35th Anniversary!! They treated us fantastic. Mary (our server) was a gem. The food was fantastic 5star for sure all the way around!!!

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  12. KennethB

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the chateaubriand for two, and it was the best steak I ever had. The morels that accompanied it and the gravy were excellent, as was the shrimp & lobster bisque. The creme brulee and black forest cake were absolutely decadent as well.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always the best steak ! Thanks for the great night

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Return visit and delicious as the last time. Noise level was much higher as the restaurant filled.

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  15. JimH

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Will is a great server. Wood recommend this restaurant to anybody.

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  16. TraceyF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    Loud, because of a large group. Otherwise fantastic

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The 6oz Wagyu filet was unbelievably tender and flavorful, and just the right portion size to also have room to enjoy the yummy dauphinois potatoes & asparagus, and to share a dessert! My husband loved the walleye. Our server, Will, knew the menu well, explained everything thoroughly, was super attentive and recommended the perfect wine. The Boathouse is my new favorite restaurant in Traverse City. The grounds & the view are also gorgeous.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Boathouse was an awesome experience. Go with the surf & turf! Food, service and atmosphere all were perfect. Dan was an excellent server and gave us great tips for our road trip the next day. 100% worth it!

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  19. RobG

    Northern MI

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, a tremendous experience from start to finish.

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  20. ChrisLC

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Boathouse is an absolute must for a special occasion when in the Traverse City area. My wife and I have had incredible dinners from start to finish here. The cocktails are mixed to perfection and wine list is excellent. The food is always fabulous - we love the salads, the in season specials, the entrees (I love the steak and sides) and the best creme brulee anywhere. Be sure to make a reservation early.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Northern MI

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our 41st Anniversary and it was amazing! We sat inside with a view of the bay! We had the surf and turf for two and it was the best yet!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food in a quaint bayside setting. Arrive was outstanding.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Surf and Turf for 2 is fantastic! Plenty of food for the price.

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  24. Anonymous

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to celebrate my husband's birthday. The views of Lake Michigan are gorgeous, the room is beautiful, and the food is delicious. We will definitely be going back the next time that we are in Northern MI!

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  25. BriannaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Most amazing food in Michigan. Everything was divine from the service to the food. Very upscale, fine dining feel with a casual dresscode. Very expensive but worth every cent. Best place to impress someone or for very special occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, food was excellent just a little expensive for the quantity of food you get for the mail course.

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  27. PattiP

    Naples

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My absolute favorite restaurant when we visit Traverse City!!!

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  28. SondraE

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really enjoyed our dining experience while on a get away to Traverse City. Food, service and view was amazing!

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  29. Cathy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfection with our meals, salmon & fillet. Highly recommend.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    3rd time here. Come here once a year from Texas. The service was extraordinary. Food was excellent, always exceeds our expectations. The shrimp and lobster bisque is the best I have ever had. One of our favorite restaurants- can’t wait to be back.

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  31. IreneC

    Northern MI

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always spectacular food, service and attention to every detail. Brought our nephew and his wife from Chicago for their first visit to TC and they kept raving about every bit of the evening, most especially about the morel chanterelle bisque and the halibut they ordered. Took some Bay sunset pics in the garden before dinner, making it memorable for them. The Boathouse is truly special place for a celebration or just an evening out with friends.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Northern MI

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience1
    We live locally on the peninsula and are frequent guests at the Boathouse. This visit felt different. The service was rushed and our server seemed in a hurry and at times annoyed. As an example, when placing serveware on the table or bringing food/drinks, he set it on the table in a manner that felt rude and “thrown” at us. Im sure he was just busy, it just didn’t make us feel welcome and we didnt even want to ask for anything, because we felt like we were bothering him. This was particularly disappointing as we were celebrating my birthday and this has always been my favorite restaurant. The ambiance was also off. We sat on on the patio and the music kept turning off making the patio eerily quiet. The food was great as always, but the hospitality was lacking and it ruined the experience for me and for my family.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A Very Special destination for two milestone birthdays. Could not have been more pleased with our choice to dine at The Boathouse.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Grand Rapids

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience. Our waiter, Dan, was wonderful. He was attentive and had great suggestions. The squash blossoms were outstanding. Can’t wait to be back.

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  35. MeganP

    Detroit

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always love going to the Boathouse when we are looking for an extremely nice dinner on the water. The ambience is so relaxing and the food is so fresh. You can really tell they put their heart in creating a great experience for their customers. Can't wait to go back again!

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  36. WillGoElsewhere

    Indiana

    12 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    We have been here a few times and had always received great service and always well taken care of -- but not this time. Waitress just didn't care. We had to listen to other wait staff regarding features, etc., had to request drink refills multiple times, left underwhelmed. For the prices they charge patrons - we were disappointed. Food was just so so. Will not go back.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent meal in a lovely setting. Engaged server and team.

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  38. Clementine

    Miami

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful view f4iendly waitstaff immediate setting with res at 7:45 Unfortunately the appetizer and entree wanted was out of We (husband) and I were quite disappointed , both soups were excellent, scallops were huge beautiful presentation with well made accompaniments. So. wished what. we reallly wanted A definite visit G. Dunn

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  39. BarbR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Our server was excellent & knowledgeable but seemed a bit rushed & robotic in style…heard him say the exact same presentation to all tables around us. Just a little bit of personalization would be nice!

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  40. SandyP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time here. We were very happy with everything for the hosts offers us a wonderful table on the patio to our waiter, Kelly, being very personable to the great atmosphere. We did get the surf and turf dinner for 2 and it was perfect.

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FAQs

Boathouse Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (231) 223-4030.

Boathouse Restaurant is rated 4.9 stars by 1683 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:30 PM


Booked 20 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Boathouse Restaurant

14039 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Traverse City
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    European
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Samuel Plamondon
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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