Another nice lunch on Jan 3. Macy is quite a nice server - genuinely warm, friendly, and attentive. The pipette pasta and the cedar planked salmon were excellent. Also enjoyed generous sides of Mac & cheese as well as baked sweet potato. The broccoli and carrots (with salmon entree) were too difficult to cut with knife so they were left on the plate as the sides were more than ample. We enjoyed a very nice lunch on Dec 18, and Paola and the accomplished team took good care of us. Our table was on the patio with a lake view. The grilled grouper and cedar planked salmon entrees were masterfully prepared and quite delicious. The immense key lime pie dessert was delightful and could easily satisfy a family of four. The Boathouse is a very large waterfront restaurant, part of the Gibsons group, with an extensive menu, consistently outstanding kitchen, very capable management and a cheerful atmosphere and playlist. This location also includes an enjoyable mini boat (car) launch and a charming shop offering a variety of tempting items. Overall, this is one of our favorite restaurants anywhere.
Overview
The Boathouse at 1620 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL, is the place to be if you're craving a memorable dining experience in one of Orlando's most scenic spots. Nestled in Disney Springs, this waterfront restaurant offers a unique setting for enjoying fresh seafood, classic American comfort food, and spectacular views of the water.
As soon as you walk into The Boathouse, youβre greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. The nautical theme is evident, with rustic wood accents and an impressive collection of vintage boats. But it's not just the decor that makes this place stand out. The real star here is the menu, which features a variety of delicious options that cater to a wide range of tastes.
For seafood lovers, thereβs plenty to choose from. The raw bar offers fresh oysters, clams, and lobster, perfect for those who want to dive straight into the oceanβs bounty. The Cedar Plank Salmon is a crowd favorite, perfectly grilled and paired with seasonal vegetables. Another must-try is the Boathouse Signature Lobster Roll, which packs a rich and buttery flavor thatβs truly irresistible. If youβre more of a carnivore, their steaks, burgers, and chicken dishes are just as impressive, including the 8-ounce Filet Mignon thatβs tender and cooked to perfection.
What sets The Boathouse apart from other restaurants in the area is the fact that itβs right on the water. Many tables are positioned to offer guests a great view of the boat-filled marina, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. If youβre lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Amphicar, a unique vehicle that can drive into the water for a fun boat ride around the lake. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that adds a bit of charm to the overall ambiance.
The restaurant also offers a fantastic wine list, with a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling options that pair wonderfully with the dishes. The cocktails are equally impressive, with creative options like the "Captain's Margarita," which features fresh lime and a salted rim, perfect for sipping while you enjoy the sunset.
While The Boathouse is known for its food and ambiance, itβs also a great place for casual dining with friends or family. The service is exceptional, with friendly staff who are always happy to recommend dishes or answer any questions about the menu. Whether youβre in the mood for a light bite or a full meal, the team at The Boathouse makes sure every guest feels at home.
The location also adds to the allure. Disney Springs is home to a variety of shopping and entertainment options, making it an ideal spot to visit before or after a meal. Itβs easy to make a day out of it-shopping, dining, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the area.
For those planning a visit, The Boathouse has a robust system in place for reservations, though walk-ins are always welcome. However, given its popularity, especially during peak times like weekends or holidays, itβs a good idea to book in advance to secure a table with the best view.
If you're staying in the area, it's worth mentioning that The Boathouse is located in Lake Buena Vista, which is easily accessible from most major hotels around the Disney area. Whether youβre a local or a tourist, itβs a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy great food in a beautiful, laid-back setting.
Whether you're there for the fresh seafood, the stunning waterfront views, or just to enjoy some time with friends and family, The Boathouse truly has something for everyone. The combination of great food, exceptional service, and unique atmosphere makes it one of the top dining destinations in Orlando.
Good to know
Service options
β Outdoor seating β On-site services β Takeaway β Dine-in β DeliveryHighlights
β Fast service β Great beer selection β Great cocktails β Great dessert β Great wine list β Live music β Serves local specialtyPopular for
β Lunch β Dinner β Solo diningAccessibility
β Wheelchair-accessible entrance β Wheelchair-accessible seating β Wheelchair-accessible toilet β Assistive hearing loop β Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
β Alcohol β Beer β Cocktails β Coffee β Comfort food β Healthy options β Private dining room β Spirits β WineDining options
β Brunch β Lunch β Dinner β Counter service β Dessert β Seating β Table serviceAmenities
β Bar on site β Toilet β Wi-FiAtmosphere
β Casual β Cosy β Romantic β Trendy β UpmarketCrowd
β Family friendly β Groups β TouristsPlanning
β Brunch reservations recommended β Lunch reservations recommended β Dinner reservations recommended β Accepts reservations β Usually a waitPayments
β Credit cardsChildren
β Good for kids β Kids' menuParking
β Free multi-storey car park β Free parking lot β ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
The Boathouse, located in Disney Springs, is a beautiful boat-themed restaurant known for the waterfront view and fresh seafood. They have very popular meals including steaks, oysters, shrimp, and lobster rolls. The bar areas stay busy. Many people dress up to dine here, and youβll see a lot of multi generational families enjoying cosy meals together. Even though Boathouse seats a lot of people, I would strongly advise getting reservations, which can be made on the Disney App. Sitting outside, you can watch the Dream Boats/Amphicars slip into the water and motor around the lake. They offer live music, including a sing-along brunch on the weekends. I found that to be too loud for my taste- so loud and distracting that we had a had time conversing. I prefer no music in this busy restaurant. Their starter rolls are excellent and a family favorite. Their salads are very reasonable if youβre looking for a less expensive option with the same view. Bathrooms are boujee and very clean. Be sure to stop in their gift shop on your way out. We have loved Boathouse since it opened!
Had a reservation for 9:15 pm, but they were able to accommodate us 45 minutes sooner if we sat outside. We didn't mind, as that morning we had flown out of a snow storm. From the raw bar we got a stone crab claw ($37) and a Cortez shrimp ($5) The shrimp was fresh and sweet, and the stone crab claw was excellent and well worth it. We ordered the lobster bisque ($9) which was unfortunately tasted premade and more tomato than lobster. For the mains we had the boneless ribeye 14 oz. ($63) and a Maine lobster tail ($39.50). The lobster tail was also very fresh, a good size and full of meat. The steak had an excellent char and was a perfect medium rare. We also ordered a side of mac and cheese, which I thought was good but lacked some flavor. I do prefer my mac and cheese more saucy and it was kind of dry, so perhaps that's more of my preference as opposed to the restaurant. Overall, a fantastic meal at The Boathouse, and a usual repeat on my Disney trips. It is still the best sit-down restaurant in the Springs.
Seth, our server was great. He was very welcoming and professional. There were six of us, including two children sitting in the corner outsides. Seth suggested we keep the wind shield since it could be windy. It was fine until the table next-door asked for those to be opened. Unfortunately, it blew our napkins and actually some of my drinks over and spilled onto the table. Other than that, it was a wonderful evening with a great view. The lucky duxs oysters were great as well as the tile fish and the salmon. The kids enjoyed the macaroni and cheese places are high but they are anywhere. Oysters were $4.50 each we would come again because of the excellent service and few points.
The perfect Sunday brunch spot - especially for me who has a sweettooth! Came here for Sunday brunch. We heard great things so we wanted to try it for ourselves. Our reservation was for 10am. It was quiet when we got there and we're seated outside on the dock. It was a nice and peaceful environment to enjoy some breakfast. But by the time we left around 11am, it was much busier with crowds of families and children. Our server, Carlos, was a delight - very outgoing, knowledgeable, personable, and did a great job of making us feel welcome and well taken care of. We started our meal with the parker house rolls with butter. The server told us they were already glazed in a cinnamon glaze, but I had to ask for a side of the cinnamon butter and what a smart decision! Ooo it was absolutely delicious and a must get. For the main, I continued my sweet journey with the Biscoff Cookie Waffles. It was the perfect amount of sweetness with just a subtle hint of the cookie butter flavoring without being overpowering. Paired with the chantilly cream, it was bliss! I will absolutely be coming back for weekend brunch at The Boathouse when we are back in the area - a true delight!
The Boathouse is a large, busy restaurant on the water in Disney Springs. Having heard good things, we bussed over from our resort. We were seated a few minutes before our 7pm reservation, and our server Santos took exceptional care of us the whole night. We had salads, seafood entrees and bread pudding for dessert, along with some cocktails and beer. Everything was delicious. The atmosphere is "lively" (loud) for sure, as expected dining among happy vacationers. Diners dress a bit nicer than at most WDW restaurants, but there were still dudes in ball caps. Recommended dining if you want to get away from the resorts/parks. The gift shop has a lot of cool stuff, too.
We loved our dinner at The Boathouse. There were 4 of us. One needed Gluten Free and the restaurant was very accommodating. The food was delicious. They were very busy, but the service was still very good. The dessert was HUGE! It was delicious, but we couldn't finish it.
Great team and food! Drinks: vodka dirty martini (perfect) and Decoy Merlot (great value). Food: 1/2 dozen oysters (fresh horseradish!), wedge salad, ribeye (perfectly cooked medium rare) - Gibsonβs restaurant so no surprise there. Yazmin was our waitress and was friendly, knowledgeable, and checked in at all the appropriate times. The bus team never let our waters drop a third or the way or glasses/dishes went empty, and the manager, Melanie even stopped by to check on us. Great experience and would recommend to friends in Orlando!