The Waterfront Restaurant

The Waterfront Restaurant sits right on the water in Camden and does the classics with care: clam chowder that regulars order twice, crab cakes seared brown, mussels in broth worth soaking up. The dining room has fireplaces and views, and the bar moves steadily through the afternoon. It's the kind of place your hotel will recommend, and they'll be right.

• Crab cakes seared golden, packed with real meat.
• Clam chowder that regulars order again and again.
• Harbor views and fireplaces, cozy without being cramped.
• Fresh oysters and mussels in a proper broth.

Start with the crab fondue appetizer if it's running. Order the clam chowder, full stop. The crab cakes are the highlight, seared to brown and flavorful. Mussels come in a broth you'll want to finish. Salmon is moist and flaky. The lobster club sandwich and crab roll are both solid, served with sides like coleslaw and three bean salad that actually taste fresh.

Cozy and charming with a couple fireplaces and views of the harbor. The bar's always moving, and the dining room fills up, but it doesn't feel frantic.

You're here for seafood done right. The kitchen doesn't overreach. The clam chowder is rich and creamy, loaded with actual clams. Crab cakes get a sear. Mussels come in a broth worth bread. They also do sandwiches: lobster club, crab roll, fish and chips alongside sides like three bean salad and good coleslaw. It's the kind of place where you'll order better next time because the menu's worth returning to.

Guests praise the fresh oysters and the clam chowder that regulars say is 'excellent.' The crab cakes draw raves for flavor and sear. One recent visitor called the scallops 'the best I have ever tasted.' People often mention arriving hungry and wishing they'd ordered more.