"The Stuart Boathouse is located in downtown Stuart. It is an attractive area and the restaurant is right on the water. The ambiance was excellent. There was a breeze on the outdoor dining area and the view of the water and the boats was magnificent. The hostess seated us outside as we requested. Our server was busy but did a good job of keeping up with the tables. There was a lunch menu that listed items available that were less expensive (and, presumably, smaller portions) than the main entrees. One of my dining companions ordered flatbread with clams. It was somewhat disappointing as the bottom was blackened and that flavor came through with the meal. There were also bacon bits. That is not a bad thing but there were very few clam pieces and what there was overwhelmed any clam flavor. Another dining companion ordered a roasted beets and spinach salad with salmon. The spinach was fresh and the shrimp had good flavor. It had large pieces of sliced, fresh cucumber, fresh tomatoes, grapes, and a pleasant-tasting orange, ginger vinaigrette. The salmon was cooked medium and had a good flavor but with a strong seasoning. I ordered swordfish which was on top of a combination of potato bits, corn, bacon, and peas. The potato was black and tasted burned which was disappointing. The fish had good flavor but was overcooked which diminished the tenderness normally experienced with this fish. For dessert, three of us split a piece of key lime pie which had excellent flavor. The crust was slightly crunchy and the key lime was a combination of sweet and tart flavors. For the three of us, the bill was about $110 for the meals and iced tea. An 18% tip is added and diners are encouraged to leave an extra amount for good service. Our server did a good job and we tipped accordingly. Overall, for a quality restaurant with high prices two of the dishes were disappointing. It was a busy time for a late lunch. The menu descriptions sounded appetizing but appeared (or tasted) to be done in a hurry rather than maintaining what I am sure is usually an outstanding meal in an ideal location."
