

Listed among the best local seafood restaurants by Richmond Magazine, we offer stunning waterfront views paired with Chesapeake oysters, fresh fish, and expertly grilled steaks. Our lunch, brunch, dinner, and happy hour menus are complemented by handcrafted cocktails and a sommelier-curated wine list. Celebrate your wedding, private party, or corporate event overlooking the James River and gazing at the city skyline. Join us for a milestone birthday, anniversary, or romantic date on our outdoor patio. Let us help you celebrate life, one bite at a time!
Glass boxes perched atop the river contain this modern eatery serving seafood & American grill fare.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 4708 E Old Main St, Richmond, VA 23231
Phone: (804) 622-2628
Website: https://www.theboathouse.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: tripleseat.comopentable.com
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Reviews
We arrived around 3 PM during the lunch-to-dinner transition and the staff was so accommodating. We started with the crab and artichoke dip, which was a great warm-up while we waited for the dinner menu. Even though they don’t have a full coffee menu, they offered a French press, which felt unexpectedly fancy and very appreciated.
For entrées, we had the fried shrimp and I went for the burger with every side upgrade imaginable: bacon clam chowder, truffle fries, and a tossed salad. My eyes were absolutely bigger than my stomach, but I loved every bite. I do wish the clam chowder had a little more clam it leaned more toward baked potato soup with bacon (which, to be fair, is still a win).
It was freezing outside, so they kindly seated us near a window so we could still soak in the sunset views. And the real star of the experience? Our waitress, Trinity. So warm, so personable, and just genuinely lovely. Service like that makes a meal unforgettable.
Between the views, the flexibility, and the hospitality, this place is a must. I’d 100% come back on my next Virginia trip.
We all chose from the 3 course option which had a soup or salad. All of opted for the clam chowder, which we all agreed had a generous amount of clams and not filled w just potatoes. Our party of 6 ordered 2 chilled seafood tray. We opted for this one instead of the tower because the increased amount for just lobster didn’t make sense to us. But we devoured the trays of clams, oysters, mussels, cocktail shrimp and smoked salmon. I personally think the smoked salmon was best paired w the Focaccia bread basket that we ordered. We also ordered oysters Rockefeller. This wasn’t the best I’ve had, but I’d give it at least a 3/5. I ordered the crab cake and fried shrimp, which came w fries and coleslaw (I was pleasantly surprised w the taste of this!) And for dessert I chose the bread pudding which came w a scoop of vanilla ice cream and 2 caramelized slices of banana. It wasn’t too sweet and the portion was large enough for me to enjoy more than a few bites and take the rest home. My mom opted for the creme Brulee which was also not too sweet.. im not gonna lie, I may have helped her finish her dessert . One of my cousins ordered the salmon mashed potatoes and asparagus. The fish filet was a hearty portion. He said the potatoes were tasty and the asparagus was cooked well and tender without being soggy.
Our party of 6 was sat at a booth next to the window which gave us a pretty view of the river. It made me very happy to enjoy the sunset there. If I could come here weekly, I would.
I showed up around 6:30 pm on a weekday, just as the place was starting to fill up. Scored an outdoor table right away (had to enjoy the view, of course), and I’m glad I did.
The view was stunning. As the sun set, the river turned gold and the city skyline lit up in the background — it set the perfect mood. The whole vibe was relaxed, yet lively enough to feel special.
Food & Drinks (thanks to Grace B., my fantastic waitress, for the recommendations):
• Oyster Ale – A local draft that hit all the right notes. Light, refreshing, with just enough crispness to keep me reaching for another sip. Absolutely my kind of beer.
• Seared Flounder – Cooked to perfection. The center was tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft, while the edges had a crisp bite. It came with corn, grilled zucchini, and roasted grape tomatoes, which added sweetness and texture. The lemon-thyme butter tied everything together beautifully — bright, light, and not at all greasy. A perfect dish if you’re in the mood for something flavorful but not heavy.
Overall, the evening was excellent. Between the food, the service, and that riverside sunset, this place is a gem. I’d highly recommend it, especially if you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot. The view alone has its own kind of magic.