Martine’s River House Restaurant Review: A must try spot in New Hope, PA
Martine’s River House
14 East Ferry Street
New Hope PA
⭐ Review of Martine’s River House – New Hope, PA
Martine’s River House is one of New Hope’s most recognizable waterfront restaurants, offering seasonal American cuisine with front row views of the Delaware River.
🏛️ History
Martine’s River House has been a New Hope staple for more than 40 years, serving locals and visitors along the Delaware River waterfront. The restaurant positions itself as a long standing community gathering place known for weddings, birthdays, first dates, and celebrations over the decades.
The restaurant’s vision emphasizes seasonal American cuisine, riverfront hospitality, and a casual yet refined dining experience that blends tradition with contemporary culinary style
🍽️ Food & Cuisine
Cuisine Style:
Martine’s specializes in seasonal American cuisine with a classically inspired yet contemporary feel. The menu changes seasonally and features a mix of seafood, meats, salads, and small plates.
Quality & Ingredients:
The restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients. Dishes often incorporate fresh herbs, citrus, and European-influenced preparations.
Signature & Popular Dishes:
- Fried Green Tomatoes with shrimp, bacon, and chipotle mayo
- Maine Crab & Avocado with lemon and cucumber
- Blue Bay Mussels in tomato IPA broth with basil
- Crispy Calamari Salad with grapefruit, fennel, and arugula
- Deviled Eggs with truffle salt and cayenne
The menu also features seasonal soups, ricotta toast, hummus, escargot, and a variety of salads and entrées. The kitchen emphasizes classic technique, fresh ingredients, and approachable flavors
🌅 Ambiance & Setting
Martine’s River House is widely praised for its exceptional riverfront location, making it one of the few New Hope restaurants directly overlooking the Delaware River
Décor & Vibe:
- Casual yet refined
- Charming historic yellow house setting
- Contemporary touches blended with classic elements
- Scenic waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating
Striking Features:
- Riverside deck for outdoor dining
- Large windows offering panoramic river views
- Romantic, cozy interior suitable for date nights and special occasions
Noise Level & Table Spacing:
- Generally moderate noise due to the lively dining room
- Outdoor seating offers a quieter, more scenic experience
- Tables are moderately spaced, typical of a popular, high-traffic restaurant
- Background Music: Comfortable atmosphere consistent with soft background music.
🤝 Service
- Welcoming and friendly
- Knowledgeable about menu items and cocktails
- Consistent across lunch and dinner service
🍸 Bar Service & Alcohol
Martine’s offers a full bar, including:
- Signature RiverHouse cocktails
- Sommelier-selected wines
- Beer and spirits
This makes it a strong choice for happy hour, date nights, and riverside drinks.
👨 Child-Friendliness
The restaurant is family-friendly, offering high chairs and a casual dining environment suitable for children
🚗 Parking
Parking is not provided onsite. Guests typically rely on:
- New Hope municipal lots
- Street parking
- Nearby paid parking areas
This is common for restaurants in the historic district.
👗 Dress Code
- Smart casual
- Casual upscale attire for dinner
🎉 Private Parties & Events
Martine’s offers special events and private parties for large groups. This includes:
- Corporate gatherings
- Rehearsal dinners
- Milestone celebrations
✅ What Sets Martine’s Apart
- Unmatched riverfront views—one of the few New Hope restaurants directly on the water
- 40 year legacy as a community favorite
- Seasonal American cuisine with contemporary flair
- Outdoor riverside dining, ideal for warm weather visits
- Full bar with curated cocktails and wines
🔧 What Could Be Improved
Parking challenges due to New Hope’s limited availability
❤️ What I Like About This Restaurant
Martine’s River House stands out for its beautiful setting, seasonal menu, and consistent service. The riverside deck is one of the most scenic dining spots in Bucks County, and the menu offers a thoughtful balance of classic and contemporary dishes.
Updated: December 2025
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