Waterfront Depot Restaurant — Restaurant in Florence

The food is mid - at best - not what you expect for a “fine dining” establishment. The service is rushed, and the small portions leave you hungry.

Skip the Waterfront Depot and go to McDonald’s if you value a cost:satisfaction ratio. The Waterfront Depot also charges 3% if you use debit or credit, so bring cash if you dare to dine here.

The host had charm and candor, which made our subsequent table move after we had already been served food and drink - due to a regular party’s wishes - sting less.

Our server Christina did not want to answer questions about the menu. After I asked if the fish was fresh, she abruptly said it was “flash frozen” and told told us look at the menu more and quickly walked away. Thus said, Christina was very efficient and fast.

The ahi appetizer was mushy and lukewarm.

The bread was a very small portion for a high price and too soft and airy for my liking. I had to ask for butter twice (because it wasn’t given) for a $14 double order of scant focaccia.

The duck portion was tiny, pre-cut and covered with a slimy sauce - presumably to make the portion look bigger. I bet this is pre-cooked and rewarmed when served. The asparagus overcooked and cold.

The recommended “crab” encrusted halibut consisted of two greasy, deep-fried nuggets covered with an extremely sweet sauce that couldn’t be scraped off. I was expecting a reduction of sweet peppers in cream sauce, not flesh-colored corn syrup. I did not finish this dish.

The Caesar was wilted and tasted like watered down mayonnaise. No hint of anchovy, lemon, umami, or garlic. If I had to guess, this salad is made ahead of time in bulk and allowed to ferment in the fridge ahead of time. The croutons were soggy.

The potato mash, on the other hand, was quite nice with garlic and pepper overtones.

Daughter did eat it all her fettuccine but she said it was salty and lacking spice and substance.

The kids’ chicken strips looked really good but I did not taste them. The catsup looked fantastic - it was bottled from Portland.

The view was awesome.

I would not dine here again. Took kids to McDonald’s afterwards to order a quarter pounder and two cheeseburgers and fries due to small portions.

I spent $160 at the Waterfront and a subsequent $15...

To start - the food we ordered was excellent! Delicious crab cakes and we both enjoyed our entrees - clam linguine and seafood bowl. This review centers around the sub par service my partner and I experienced. We made reservations for 5pm - also citing that it was a special occasion; my birthday. We were there on time, seated at 5:05. Our server Melanie checked in with us just a couple minutes later, brought us water and we immediately ordered cocktails to start. Shortly after we ordered our appetizer. We were asked if we wanted to place an order for an entree - we said we needed a moment. About 8 minutes later our crab cakes came and we were asked again - literally bite of crab cake on my fork - if we wanted to order our entree. We said we needed a moment. She promptly returned to our table and asked if she could take our entree order and said that there is a reservation at 6:30 for our table. The time was now 5:23. We were a bit floored - we had already ordered over $40 worth of food and drinks within 13 minutes and now we were pressured to order more fast and told of a time constraint to our seats. When she circled back yet another 2-3 minutes later I told her that communicating that there was another reservation had us feeling rushed and that that didn’t feel good on this special occasion. We did get apologetic sentiments and a somewhat vague ‘we can accommodate everyone’. Needless to say, we felt uncomfortable. We left and did not leave a tip on our bill but did hand the kitchen 20% cash tip. It’s really unfortunate that what could have been a wonderful experience ended up being...

Waterfront Depot is nestled along the picturesque Siuslaw River, Waterfront Depot offers a fine dining experience that beautifully balances sophistication with approachability. Having dined here multiple times, I can confidently say this restaurant is a standout for anyone seeking exquisite food, impeccable service, and a memorable atmosphere—all at a surprisingly reasonable price point.

The menu is a testament to the chef’s artistry, with each dish showcasing refined flavors and attention to detail. While everything I’ve tried has been outstanding, the Crab-Encrusted Halibut and the Seared Scallops are in a league of their own. The delicate balance of flavors in these entrees, paired with their flawless execution, makes them a must-try for seafood lovers. Each bite feels like a celebration of the restaurant’s coastal roots.

Despite being more expensive than a typical local eatery, Waterfront Depot delivers incredible value for the quality of its offerings. It’s an indulgence that’s 100% worth it.

Seating is limited, so reservations are highly recommended. However, even as a walk-in, snagging a seat at the bar guarantees a stellar experience. The staff here are exceptional—attentive, personable, and keenly focused on ensuring every detail enhances your visit.

In the summer months, dining on the patio overlooking the river is a true highlight, as the serene views add an extra layer of charm to an already exceptional meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Waterfront Depot consistently delivers a fabulous culinary experience. Highly...