Peter Ott’s on the Water in Camden, Maine

Peter Ott's sits right on Camden's working waterfront, where you can watch boats and tourist schooners from your table. They do steaks, pastas, and local seafood, with daily specials that rotate through the season. The place is busy, especially in summer, and it reads as a solid pick for visitors who want decent food and a real sense of place. Just know what you're getting into: the view is the main event.

• Maple pan-seared scallops with hearty sides, when available.
• Sirloin steaks cooked to order, no fuss.
• Lobster roll if you want the classic done right.
• Waterfront setting and bar cocktails worth the trip alone.

Start with the clam or lobster corn chowder (both show up solid), then consider the maple pan-seared scallops, which come with real portions of sides. The sirloin steak is a safe bet if you're not adventurous. The lobster roll works if you're not paying seventy bucks for it. Skip the fancy lobster plates and save room for a cocktail at the bar instead.

Lively and touristy, especially July through September. Outdoor tables have the best views of the harbor; indoor seating is clean and less hectic but feels more generic.

The kitchen turns out steaks that hold up, scallops that shine when they're on special, and lobster rolls that are legitimately good when the kitchen's focused. But the execution isn't consistent, especially on the pricier plates. Sides tend to be generous. Pasta dishes, chowders, and lighter fare seem more reliable than splurge entrees.

Guests rave about the waterfront setting and praise servers who actually pay attention. The scallops and steaks earn real endorsement. But several recent visitors note inconsistent food quality for the price and have mentioned bathroom upkeep as a letdown. One recent visitor said the view carries the restaurant's reputation more than the food does.