Decided to give this place a try as our favorite place in Florence had closed down. I was glad we did. We had the Clam Chowder and Jambalaya Pasta dish. Both were outstanding and way better than I expected. To be honest, the pasta dish was one of the best I have ever had and this is one dish that I am critical of because I have had really good Jambalaya pasta and some bad ones. This one was way way up there. The sausage was excellent and the chicken and shrimp were perfect, but the sauce made the dish. I can not wait to have it again. The whole staff was friendly and our waitress was excellent and very helpful. My only regret was not asking for a window seat when we got there. We had a reservation and there was a table by the window that was open, but we got seated by the entrance. A couple that walked in after us with no reservation got the table by the window which was odd. Again, not a deal breaker and I should have asked to sit there. I definitely would not hesitate to eat here again or recommend it to everyone. I am looking forward to the next visit. read more

an exceptionally lovely dinner here in florence! it's a tight spot and we had to wait about an hour for a two top on a Saturday night, but it was well worth it and one of the best meals we had in the PNW. the crab stuffed mushroom starter is a dish I will think about for a while. The caprese was great alongside-- I was already full and still housed the house made focaccia and pesto, truly so incredible. for our main we split the cajun salmon with pico de gallo, mashed potatoes, and side caesar salad. delicious!!! I don't even really like caesar salad that much, and theirs is top notch. they split our plate for an extra $3 and it was plenty after appetizers. lastly, interiors: our table was perfect. they sat us right by the window on the water for sunset. I was only in florence for the night and can tell this is the best spot in town! read more

We had a very good experience here. In California, when you eat on the waterfront expect to pay ridiculous prices for bad food and bad service. You know what you're paying for, the view.....unless you're willing to pay even more; most likely the food will suck and the service will be bad because your waiter is crazy busy. Positives: -the prices were very reasonable and affordable. We got a lot of great tasting seafood and finished everything we had. The seafood boil was great. The stuffed mushrooms were amazing too. -service was great, our waitress was very honest giving us her honest opinion on what we should order. She recommended we share too instead of trying to sell us an additional dish. -ambiance, sitting outdoors on a waterfront you can't beat that. Overall 5/5 I honestly loved my experience so much that I'm ready to leave California behind. California is overrated, that's my honest opinion being a California native of almost 40 years. I used to love it and think that I would never want to leave. I can't say that anymore, especially recently. read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Seafood Boil - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

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We arrived when they opened at 3pm. We chose a seat at the bar. The bartender was friendly and helpful with local knowledge. He explained the meaning of the photos on the wall. I won't go into details so as not to spoil anyone else's experience for their first time here. There was also a younger man working behind the bar who didn't know the menu items well. He was helpful and friendly as he could be, but he really should have been given better training IMHO. We started with the calamari strips and crab stuffed mushrooms. The calamari was very tender but the breading slid off in one piece like a glove. Luckily it was all tasty so no biggie. The stuffed mushrooms were very tasty and lived up to the hype. Hubby had the crab- encrusted halibut and said it was flavorful. I had the scallops with cappellini pasta. It was a rich tasting dish and quite filling. Overall the service and food were good. read more

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What an amazing experience!! The staff were delightful, the food and drinks were delicious, and the view was spectacular! I had the Rosemary Gimlet, and it was delicious. My wife had a Manhattan, and she commented that they really know how to make a Manhattan. The Caesar salad with crab was amazing, as was the seafood pasta. Leslie was so fun and attentive, and she made the experience even better. We will DEFINITELY be back the next time we are traveling through. read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Crab Caesar Salad - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

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The waterfront Depot restaurant was amazing. My family came here for Christmas dinner so keep that in mind we ordered specials and special cocktails from the Christmas menu. This restaurant is small. You are going to have to call ahead and have a reservation, but it is well worth it. The drinks were so fun and whimsical perfectly themed Christmas and paired very well with our dinner For the dessert, we ordered three different slices of cake the mixed berry, the chocolate and the Tres Leche. They were all phenomenal, but the mixed berry was incredible. For dinner, I had the duck which was cooked perfectly. This restaurant may be small, but it is mighty. Definitely add to your list next time you're on the coast. read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

I'd recommend this spot every time. They just can't do wrong. Food, service, drinks .... All perfect after multiple visits.

I ordered the pomegranate jalapeño margarita, and the crab encrusted halibut. Both were absolutely delicious. I sat at the bar, the bartenders were cool, to my left was this window, with an epic view of the river. Really great atmosphere and food! read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Pomegranate jalapeño margarita - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

I don't know where to begin. Everything was amazing! The food is outstanding. First class. Adorable ambience. Indoor seating is cozy and friendly. The service is incredibly. Absolutely perfect location on the waterfront. Great cocktails, the food was so tasty. Service was outstanding. I could go on and on. I recommend reservations. Very busy on the weekends. read more

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My son and I went there for dinner. He had a rack of lamb and I had deep fried Oysters. The bread they served was the best that I ever had. Very reasonable prices! read more

Wow! This is an amazing place. Very small (maybe 12 tables) so make a reservation. We did not have one but arrived about 2:45 (they open at 3) and got two spots at the bar. Service was spot on, always ready to help. We had a couple local beers and some clam chowder to start. I had the pistachio encrusted halibut. Perfectly cooked, so good. It came with mashed potatoes (or rice) and a small Caesar salad. My husband had the salmon piccata, also fabulous! We finished with a slice of carrot cake. Unbelievable bargain for the level of food and service. read more

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We queued up a bit before the restaurant opened. You line up on the side of the building. They seat reservation and then add in the walk ins. We were lucky to get a two top inside by a large window. The staff was all lovely and quick! Started with the pomegranate jalapeño margaritas and crab cakes. We decided on the Alaskan Halibut with a crab sauce for our main courses. All amazingly delicious! read more

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Stopped here on a recommendation thought the food was average price was competitive service was decent but felt rushed and I expected more it wasn't bad but it wasn't great likely won't go here often. read more

First time ordering from Waterfront Depot Restaurant. The highlights were the excellent crab cake appetizer ($24) and the unique capers salad, mozzarella, tomato, basil pesto with bread ($13). My Wild Alaskan salmon ($25) was good and came with a small side salad, but I was surprised that a side wasn't included. I added the Yukon potatoes ($3), and while they tasted good, the portion was very small, about an overfilled tablespoon. My son ordered the surf and turf (market price) and added sweet potato fries ($8). The menu listed the surf and turf as "MP," but we weren't told the price when ordering, and we didn't receive an itemized receipt. The takeout process was a little unusual. When I called, I was told they first had to check whether they were offering takeout that evening before accepting the order. Unfortunately, the Tres Leches cake (price unknown) that we paid for was missing from our order. Since everything was packed in a paper bag, my son didn't discover it until he got back. The total was about $150 for two people. The food was good, but not extraordinary for the price. I expected a bit more value, perhaps a side included with the entrée or an extra piece of bread with the takeout order. Most importantly, I'd recommend double-checking takeout orders before they leave the restaurant to make sure all paid items are included. read more

The restaurant was kind enough to accommodate a party of 5 short notice. Service was quick and friendly. The clam chowder was good. I didn't love the crab cakes, but others in my party did. The scallops and pasta were alright. Overall things were good, I think I just didn't order the right things. I would try it again! read more

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Got last minute reservations and had a wonderful meal with the wife here. The ambiance in the place and service were spectacular, and while it feels like a small town spot everyone is just SO NICE. Not something we are used to when traveling out of major metro areas. read more

After a long day of driving and ATV'ing we were famished. At 7pm this place was packed! I had the salmon tacos. Absolutely delicious. Take a chance. You won't be disappointed. read more

We were in Florence celebrating a graduation from UO this past week. We called in to get a few entrees to go. They sounded really busy in house but were able to accommodate us right away! We had the American burger and it was cooked perfectly. Also ordered salmon entree and a Cajun fish burger with sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious! They even treated us to a slice of cake. Thank you. What a nice surprise! Highly recommend. read more

This is my second review for Waterfront Depot...it is without question both my wife and my favorite restaurant on the Oregon coast...and there are many very good places! And if you go...please try their signature dish...crab encrusted halibut. It comes with a tasty sauce and a side salad and potato or rice (for a small up charge)...if you like fresh halibut and fresh crab...combine these together and you have a meal you will never forget. This place is usually very busy and reservations are a must (but forget getting a window seat...hostess told me these book up 4 months in advance?? Uhhh...ok)...the service is sometimes uneven...but the food is exceptional and far outweighs some of the other missteps at the restaurant -- you will be remiss if you do not stop here for dinner while in Florence. A++++ read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Crab encrusted halibut dinner...it is mindblowing good!! - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

We sat on the porch in a beautiful setting on the water. The food was delicious and service was amazing. We had a pup with us and the staff were so accommodating. Seafood stew was the absolute best. read more

Great service. Food was outstanding. Salmon cooked to my liking. Sat by door so it was a bit chilly. Kept closing the door since people coming in didn't close. read more

Excellent location right on the river. Get there early unless you have a reservation. Quaint space with minimal Seating. The server was very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend the crab encrusted halibut! Yum!!! read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Nicely set table for 7 - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

First, the service was excellent. With no reservations, my family of 4 was told there was no room available. Before we got back into the car, the hostess was running out of the restaurant telling us that a spot had actually opened and they would love to serve us. Service overall 10/10. And the restaurant is right on the water, so you can't get a better view. Food was amazing. The crab cakes were probably one of my favorite dishes ever, along with the arroz con marisco seafood bowl. Everything was great - after the crab cakes and seafood bowl, I would rank them pasta jambalaya, Caesar salad, lamb shank and stuffed mushrooms from best to worst. But let me clarify, everything was very good. I will definitely return and probably order the same dishes read more

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Delicious food, lovely ambience, a very lovely evening. Can't wait to have an opportunity to go back..

Perfection every time! We have been visiting the Waterfront Depot since Covid and it started with boxed meals...then we started eating outside and 6 years later my family would prefer to drive the extra two hours from Seattle over going to seaside or cannon beach so we can make the trip here. I personally think this is the best American Seafood restaurant on the west coast....in Seattle chefs try to hard but here it is simple, perfect and what surprises us the most is how affordable it is. If you visit Florence you must go here but be in line at 3:00 if it is nice out otherwise you will have to visit somewhere else. My top pick is the crab encrusted halibut...my wife loves the seafood bowl and kids bounce between the chicken parm...seafood pasta or steak. Top of the appetizer list are the crab stuffed mushrooms or the steamer clams......all of us get a chowder. read more

The food was fantastic. Great drinks. Sat at the bar and loved the bartender. Located in a nice area downtown.

We really enjoyed coming here. Great selection of local seafood. Wish we still lived in the area. read more

Another Florence staple to try. Reservations recommended as this is another small restaurant. read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

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Try the Jumbalayia GOD SO---Great......!!!!!! (Being of French descent I thought it automatically had wine in the sauce...). But it doesn't !!!! read more

Service, food and being so welcome as a solo traveler made this a go to spot. I had the crab encrusted halibut with a Cesar salad ... VERY reasonable priced. Right on the river, I sat at the bar but amazing window seats. read more

The restaurant was relaxing. The service was great. The ladies are awesome to talk to you. The clam chowder was good. The raspberry Margarita was really good. The seafood pasta was excellent! The steak was good. The cakes were delicious. Pricing was great. Definitely we will be back. I loved spending the time last night with my husband. read more

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Had an amazing evening. Cocktails were great and so was the food. The cake with cream cheese frosting was fantastic ! Highly recommend reservations, the place is SMALL. read more

What a gem of a restaurant in a smallish town like Florence! Visited with my wife and mother while in Florence for a couple of days. We were fortunate to get a table on short notice, they were super helpful to squeeze us in, as they are regularly full, and for good reason. Super friendly staff, and the food was fantastic. I had the arroz con marisco seafood bowl, it was the best bowl of seafood I've ever had, and I often get items like cioppino & seafood stews, so I've had a lot to compare this with. Unique flavors, and plenty of great seafood. Couldn't recommend this place more highly! read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Arroz con marisco seafood bowl - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

Back again and it was another home run Food was great. Service was awesome. Love this place and wish we lived closer Great vibe read more

Wonderful little restaurant with fresh and flavorful dishes. They made some butter noodles for my toddler :) read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Crab crusted halibut and mashed potatoes. - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

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Whoa! We were driving from the airport in Eugene to Coos Bay. For over an hour we waited to find a restaurant. The place is kind of small in here and all of the tables were occupied. We were able to wait for 15-20 minutes for a table inside. Well worth the wait! The house salad was out of this world! Their dressing, combined with soft Gorgonzola, and everything fresh. It was amazing! I had the garlic lemon fettuccine Alfredo I think. Now I've never said this before, but I think this is the time... my compliments to the chef! I don't really know how to articulate these flavors. So Flavorful, but not salty. I wish that I lived in Oregon so that I could eat here again and again. read more

If you follow like everyone else but you are not from there, you will get no service until closing. I tried to make a reservation in advance. They change hostess daily so I kept getting swept aside daily, they requested calls to confirm your appointment. By the time they reach out to me, it is my last stay in town (7 WHOLE DAYS). I gave up on reservations and decided to do walk in (like others before and after me). Out of all the tables and bar table, they sent me to the waterfront stool. unbelievable! There was a final straw, when I saw a health hazards. And I tried to be understanding and all. read more

Had a fantastic meal to the Waterfront Depot Restaurant yesterday! The service was top notch and the restaurant is really cute. The crab cakes were amazing, lots of flavor and moist. I had the Sea scallops in a creamy cheesy pasta sauce with mushrooms, great combination. Tom had the best Salmon he has ever had! The veggies were wonderful just on their own. We had to order dessert to go and look forward to leftovers later today. We were very fortunate to get a reservation for 3:00, so call first although there are first come first serve seats outside and at the bar, and what a view!! Best food and service in Florence! read more

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Like many reviews have already stated, a reservation is a must at Waterfront Depot Restaurant. We called a couple times to try and make a reservation but no one answered the phone. We ultimately decided to try our luck and pop into the restaurant to try and get a table. We initially wanted an indoor table and was told there was a 45-minute to an hour long wait. We were visiting from out-of-town and wanted to explore Florence so this was fine by us. There is a shaded waiting area and I also saw a couple of chairs near the water that a person could sit at and wait for a table. After walking around Downtown for a bit we returned and the host offered us an outdoor table that was surrounded by a plexiglass frame. It was a warmer day so we were okay with this. It was pretty busy in the restaurant so it took a while for our waitress to greet us and take drink orders. I decided on the special that night - a 15 oz ribeye steak, salad and mashed potatoes. Really great steak! Going to back to what I said about a reservation, throughout the evening we watched person after person walk up thinking they would get a table and being told the wait was now 2 hours. So, go early or make a reservation for Waterfront Depot Restaurant! read more

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This restaurant came up multiple times when I was asking for Florence restaurant suggestions. I tried to call to make a reservation but there was a pre-recorded message on the voicemail that said there were no openings. We came around 5 PM and easily sat at the bar, the restaurant was otherwise full. The bar filled up shortly after we sat down. The restaurant is small and cozy with a beautiful water view. I started with one of the cocktail specials- had bourbon, ginger, lime and agave - was not too sweet, perfectly balanced . I had the arroz con marisco seafood bowl which was a bowl of steaming hot broth with a generous amount of seafood inside. Came with Cesar's salad and focaccia bread. I highly recommend this dish! My dining partner had salmon piccata which they enjoyed . Next time will try crab stuffed mushroom appetizer which I saw multiple people eating and looked delicious and also get the crab encrusted halibut. read more

Waterfront Depot Restaurant - Arroz con marisco seafood bowl - Seafood Near Me - Florence, Oregon

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