I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much based on the unassuming exterior and the proximity to so many mediocre restaurants. However, The Narrows is on a completely different level than the restaurants that surround it! I am very impressed with the food and service here. The staff was very friendly and professional. The interior is beautifully decorated and cozy with awesome water views. The bar has 2 big flat screen TVs and the bartender had no problem changing the station to the game we wanted to watch. Their brunch menu is excellent. I opted for the applewood bacon wrapped shrimp served with cheddar grits. Yum! I splurged and ordered dessert to top it all off. "Mousse in a Bag" was delicious and fun to eat! I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Mike P.
Still our favorite. The food is always good, the crab soup is the best around and the service is always consistent (which is a big deal on the Eastern Shore). If you are looking for a reliable "good eating experience", this is the place. Others have their good days & bad days & good meals & bad deals. But The Narrows is solid.
(5)
C B.
Good food but a bit expensive. Everything was fresh and tasty. Very nice viewfrom the screened in porch and good service. The crab cakes were tasty and the fried seafood was as well. The fish was very fresh. A good choice in an area that is convenient. Many other restaurants to choose from in same complex but much lower quality and atmosphere..
(4)
Valerie S.
Great Food, Wonderful Staff, Mousse in a Box, oh yea! Definetly go there.
(5)
Kelly K.
The atmosphere is is more upscale then other places in the area and the restaurant over looks the water...however, I was unimpressed with the food. The fried oysters were bland...really no flavor...and the braised pork shank didn't seem braised at all...and had a smokey flavor with a black pepper accent...didn't like it at all.
(2)
Gayle S.
Two perfect visits. First was solo as I needed a spot to write--and the Maryland crab soup and chocolate dessert with coffee proved as luscious as the view of the sunset over the water and island as I sat near the bar. Second was with two colleagues--and we all ordered the Thai salmon salad. . . with salmon grilled to perfection over greens that could have been picked that morning; the tangy sweet dressing and crunchies added interest, flavor, and texture--and we all agreed it was fantastic, as was the sunny porch with its privileged water view. In both visits the staff were totally attentive and friendly. Now for the third visit!
I had a day off work yesterday and went here after a day of shopping at Queenstown Outlets. I didn't think I was that hungry when I first arrived, but ended up ordering 5 appetizers: -seared ahi tuna- great texture combination with the softness of the ahi tuna, crunchy wonton noodles and seaweed salad. The flavors went well together too with a wasabi sauce and sweet soy. -lobster tempura- same sauces and seaweed salad as the seared tuna. I wasn't a fan, but purely on my preference. I learned yesterday that I don't like my lobster cheapened by being fried and prostituted out on a plate Just give me a steamed lobster and possibly a butter sauce. -oysters rockefeller- Also a preference thing, I prefer my oysters raw with some horseradish, hot sauce and cocktail sauce. This wasn't bad, just not a preference. -mini crab cakes- perfect example of what baltimore's missing: good crab cakes. These mini crab cakes were packed with lump crab meat, no breaded fillers. This is what's hard to find in Baltimore, but commonplace in Annapolis and just over the bridge. -green curry seafood stew- look like a Thai style curry dish. It seemed like there may have been butter in it, and while I thought it was ok, I wouldn't order it again. I'll stick to getting green curry at a Thai restuarant. My dad got the cream of crab soup and said that it was the best cream of crab soup ever with big chunks of crab meat. At the end we somehow managed to stuff down some pumpkin brownie a la mode. It was more spiced dessert bread/cake than brownie. I wish there was more ice cream, since I like a 2:1 ice cream to brownie/cake ratio. The service was great and the quality of the food was good. I would order the seared tuna and mini crab cakes again. Was it my favorite place? No, but I would go again if I was in the area.
(4)
Chris R.
The Narrows Is by far the best Restaurant In Queen Annes County and the best crab cake in MD. It is fine dinning and they use local seasonal food when they can. This is a safe bet for any special dinner or lunch. Its not cheap but you pay for what you get and that is a great meal and great service.
(5)
Adam M.
Damn, I was really expecting to be blown away but I wasn't. Came here with family that has been coming for years and they told me that my portion was way smaller than normal. Great view and friendly service but I had higher expectations. I would give it another try
(3)
Virginia B.
Five stars isn't enough! Their cream of crab soup is incredible. It's worth the long drive from Washington just for that one thing. My husband gets a cup of it and a crabcake (also delish) but I get a whole bowl of it and a small salad to pretend I'm being healthy. It seems to be nothing but cream, butter, crab meat, and sherry. I'm swooning, just thinking about it!
(5)
Paul L.
The GREAT SERVICE is what stood out the most, the food was great but the service was even better. Started with a very good cream of crab soup and as soon as that was done our salads were there, a very good wedge of iceberg with blue cheese for me and my wife had the house salad with a vinaigrette dressing she really liked. When our salads were done our dinners were ready. I really enjoyed my lump crab cake and my wife liked her shrimp scampi. We would certainly go back. It was dark when we were there so we did not get to enjoy the water view, but had a very nice atmosphere.
(5)
Abraham B.
The food here is excellent. The wait time on carry out is mixed. Sometimes it is half n hour longer than they expect. If I have time and money to spare, I wouldn't hesitate to make a reservation.
(4)
k c.
My wife and I took our elderly mother and our niece out to dinner at The Narrows. We've had bad meals before but are always willing to return to restaurants after some time has passed because there can be improvements depending on who is running things. To start, our mojitos had black mint ground up in them. An unforgivable, but common, sin in bars and restaurants. You let your mint sprigs wilt and turn black and then you actually use them in drinks that cost over eight dollars? What kind of business are you running? Our food was only mediocre. The server was polite. The deserts were terrible. If I get an ice cube sized chunk of ice in my freezer-burned ice cream, and the sundae costs almost seven dollars, again I ask, what kind of business are you running? Gorgeous view, but the restaurant needs to rethink its place in the world of quality food and drink.
(1)
Haneen S.
I'm giving this place 4 stars for the atmosphere and location, but the food was mediocre and overpriced. My bf and I were driving to Ocean City for an off-season weekend getaway and decided to make a stop for dinner because we would be arriving late to our hotel. Again - the ambiance was great - upscale just on the verge of being stuffy. Could tell this was a place that a lot of locals enjoy. The service was good - but we did end up waiting a while between courses. The bread was nice and warm - we only tried the dark bread with walnuts and raisins but it was very tasty. We also ordered the mini crab cakes as a appetizer - which tasted fresh, but probably on par with most crab in the area. We each got salads with our entrees - I got the house salad with tomato vinaigrette and my boyfriend got the Caesar salad. Both salads were mediocre although the tomato vinaigrette was refreshing - a little on the sweet side though. My boyfriend ordered the mini filet and crabcake. The steak was actually very good and was served with a demi sauce and bernaise. Again - the crabcake was as expected. Entrees come with a side of potatoes and veggies but he opted for two veggies-coleslaw and green beans which were unremarkable. My entree on the other hand was pretty bad - the herb crusted flounder was the special of the day and the portion was small and the fish was bland - I didn't taste the herbs at all. It was served over a butternut squash risotto which was cold and overcooked and also bland. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes because I'm a southern girl at heart, but these were disappointing - the batter was flat and oddly flavored - competing with the fresh flavor of the tomatoes. Overall this place has a great ambiance and I bet if you sit on the patio during the summer, it's worth the price, but for an off-season seafood meal, the food was underwhelming and not worth the price.
(4)
Bunny P.
We went to The Narrows after reading positive reviews from fellow Yelpers but we were completely unimpressed with our meals. Every dish we ordered was bland, very, very bland. The fried oysters, crab cakes, fried shrimp, oyster caesar, all tasteless. The stuffed clams were borderline terrible. On the positive side, the service was very good and the view is terrific.
(1)
Ashley N.
I can't say enough great things about this place. I've been here with family and I've been here with friends and their babies. They are accommodating to the max. Their cream of crab soup is the best in the entire world. I kid you not. Looking at it, it doesn't look as so but if you taste it, you will love it. We've had steak sandwiches, fried oysters, salads and more from this menu and it's all delicious. Fresh too. The views are spectacular, especially if you sit on the enclosed balcony. You're sitting on the water but with the perk of AC. The servers are accommodating and always are around to help. Love it here!
(5)
Donna H.
My husband and I stopped here for lunch on our way from Bethany Beach to Cumberland -- wow, we were very impressed -- first with the setting (on the covered patio overlooking the water) and then with the food. We started our meal with iced tea and a basket of warm ciabatta rolls. Next came a cup of their outstanding cream of crab soup -- velvety, rich, redolent of crab essence and nice chunks of lump crab -- I wish I had gotten a bowl instead of a cup. We both had crab cakes for our entree -- there is only one crab cake per entree, but it has virtually no filler and is not overly seasoned, so you really taste the crab. The cole slaw and tartar sauce accompanying the crab cake were also excellent. Being native Marylanders who now live in Southern California, we try to get our fill of blue crab dishes (steamed, soft shells, crab cakes, soup -- you name it) anytime we get back "home," and The Narrows came through for us with flying colors!!! We're already looking forward to our next meal there over the Christmas holidays.
(5)
Alan R.
We just love this restaurant. The staff is always friendly and the food reliably good. They have daily specials that are a great addition to the varied menu. Reasonably priced even though it is located right on the water. We love their crab cakes and their light supper menu is great before heading back to the city on Sunday.
(4)
Jenny C.
My family and I have eaten here for years. One of the best restaurants in Maryland. I've eaten nearly everything on the menu and everything is really good. Known for their crab cake and cream of crab soup easily the best in the country.
(5)
Craig H.
My first sign this visit wasn't going to be great. We walked in to the entrance and stoop before the host stand. A server walked by completely oblivious to our standing there. Ben she walked by again. Then a server walked by. No acknowledgement. Eventually the host arrived and brought us to a table. This general disinterest continued through the meal. The server seemed uninterested. The food was good but hardly prepared with flair. And 70 bucks later we left. Harris crab house remains the place to beat.
(3)
Rob B.
So beautiful with a COMPLETE REMOEL!! Can it be, but everything even taste better. The CREAM OF CRAB SOUP cannot be out done. Get the sherry to thin it down to ultimate deliciousness. Wonderful hospitality, this gem has been re-shined, and deserves another look.
(4)
Nancy M.
The view from the enclosed porch is beautiful. We enjoyed a delicious meal and exceptional service. The menu offers a lot of different options, but the crab cakes and cream of crab soup are the stars!
(5)
Dave G.
My wife and I went here after reading all the glowing reviews. Maybe they were having an off night, but we weren't terribly impressed. The service was great, the ambiance was charming, the food was mediocre and the portions were small for the price. We were told that all of the tables in the enclosed porch were reserved, so we were seated in the main dining area. The porch was about 25% full when we arrived, and maybe 50% full when we left.
(3)
Chris N.
The best the Eastern Shore has, food and service are impeccable. Highly recommend
(5)
Esther Z.
The food was good but not exceptional. I wish I had tried one of the specials for the day instead of a regular menu entree. Our plan was to go to anther nearby favorite but it was still closed, reopening in the spring. We were hungry so decided to try this place. In the same situation, I would make the same decision and select one of the daily specials. The view, on the other hand, is exceptional! The view from the bar area looks out toward the water also. There was 1 man eating at the bar with a full view of the bar. Hot Dang! He had a private dining room w/ bartender.
(3)
Darrell K.
As you drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into the Eastern Shore, the first thing you noticed is that all food places are your standard chain places. Disappointing. Until you drive across the Kent Narrows Bridge, then you realize, oh goody, a non-chain place, right on the Bay in the middle of the marina. Great location. Good food. Very friendly service. If I drive to the Eastern Shore again, I can see me coming back here.
(3)
t m.
Cream of crab soup, mussels and crab cakes were fantastic. Steak, while cooked perfectly, had little taste. Stick with the seafood and dress cool as they keep it pretty warm. Great night with the wife.
(4)
Jonathan C.
My friend George recommended this place and we hit it on the way back from Rehoboth to DC. This place is fantastic. Got a seat right on the water, and the food we got was delicious. My friend got a crab torte (basically a white pizza on thin crust with crab) and I got some seared ahi tuna in a salad. Both were great. Everything was fantastic. Only weird thing was that we waited at the front waiting for someone to notice us and seat us for a bit of a while, which was strange, but no big deal. Food came out quickly, too, which was nice.
(5)
Dwight S.
we would definitely come back. Pretty good. This is the nicest place that we tried for crab and seafood. A little pricier than the neighbors, but worth it.
(4)
Victoria Z.
We had such a wonderful experience at The Narrows. The service was above and beyond friendly. Even though it was a rainy and dreary night we still managed to get a bit of the view of the water while eating in the heated patio area. My rosemary chicken was to die for!
(5)
Adam M.
Ate in the bar area at a table. Was in a hurry--told the hostess that I neeeded something quick. She recommended the crabcakes, which we both ordered. They came out within about 15 minutes and were delicious--mostly juicy crabmeat with very little filler. The side of green beans was tasty as was the side of fries my dad ordered. The price was about $40 with tip and drinks (can't remember exactly). Minus a star for smallish portions on the crabcakes--but maybe that's b/c crab is so expensive and the rest of the portion sizes are otherwise generous. Who knows? Would definitely return though.
(4)
John G. W.
We made a quick day trip last weekend from Silver Spring (a little less than an hour's drive) for a very nice lunch. I decided to move away from seafood, and try the 'Black & Blue Steak Sandwich', which was terrific. Tasty strips of steak, covered with melted blue cheese, on a half of a baguette. Very nice flavor. With the winter sun low in the southern sky, it was a little warm at our table on the porch, so we moved inside for an equally pleasant view.
(5)
Ashley S.
We found love...at this Restaurant! The Narrows had our back when we needed them most. They are the perfect mid-distance stop during a drive to the beaches in Delaware. We had been looking forward to our yearly outing to Bethany Beach, and we had just made it across the bay bridge when our car threatened to shut down. We pulled over, and to our dismay, decided it would be best to turn around. But first, we needed to get some dinner. We pulled over onto kent narrows, and our car literally shut itself off right in front of the narrows. Must have been fate. We walked in and were immediately greeted by warm, friendly hostesses. All seats look out at a gorgeous view of the bay, which was a lovely sight to see even if we couldn't make it all the way to our beach front destination. We started off with the classic first course of house salad. The onion to tomato ratio was perfect. The salads were quite heavily soaked in dressing (which tasted excellent), however, so you might wanna ask for it on the side. Our next course featured lemon and rosemary chicken, coated in a fresh layer of peas, which hit the spot. In addition, I ordered parmesan crusted salmon with mashed potatoes and spinach. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the mashed potatoes were unlike any I have ever seen. They were elegantly presented and tasted like fluffy, potato-y pieces of heaven. To end our surprisingly enjoyable evening, we splurged on a creamy, rich hot fudge sundae and white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, both of which were the perfect touch to our meal. The whole dining experience was well worth the $30/person price. They really turned our night around. Big bonus: freshly baked bread, free refills on soft drinks, and a very attractive busboy. Highly recommend to all who can spend the time.
(5)
Sheila C.
Food was good and for that area its hard to find good food. View is great. Not gourmet but good.
(4)
Cyrus T.
Wow! Awesome find. Yelped this place at the last second while looking for a place to stop for lunch. Waterside open bright seafood restaurant with a very well-done homestyle menu of fresh seafood and some other things. Took the waitresses recommendation of cream of crab soup, which was exquisite. Rich and really special. They specialize in crab cakes but I wanted to get a bit more variety so I went with the slider (mini-burger) plate, which was delightful. The tuna slider was fresh, served medium rare, with a wasabi aioli and wakame salad (in place of lettuce on the actual slider). What a fantastic idea....this probably tipped them from a 4 star to a 5. The plate also had a nice mini-crabcake slider and a bison slider and was served with frizzled onions. Really just a refreshing, bright, homey place with a great, thoughtful menu and very fresh, high quality food. I spent $20 or so for everything before tip, which was well worth it. Enjoy!
(5)
David W.
Love it. Gazpacho with crab meat was the second best I've ever had, my mother's still rules. You test a seafood restaurant by the Oysters. On the half shell they should be plump, fresh and clean. If fried, the should squirt in your mouth. YES and YES. We've been there a few times and love it. It looks local and everyone that walked in the last time we were there seemed to know everyone else. Another good test of a seafood restaurant. It's worth the time, even after waiting to cross the bridge.
(4)
Heather S.
This place is excellent. And if you are lucky you can grab the water front bar table, that is just a few seats that are at the window directly facing the water. Cream of crab was great, sweet and silky. Crab cake was excellent, event the next day for leftovers. They had a grilled oyster last night with tomatoes, white wine and Parmesan that was excellent. The Cioppino was pretty good the fish was great, and most of the seafood, but some of it was just good and other pieces were delicious. Great wine selection and bar. And the best was the service. Everyone was super kind. I think this place will be a frequent destination for a day trip. (note all of the food may have tasted even better bc it was just after a 30 mile bike loop through st. michaels.)
(4)
Elizabeth S.
I came here because I wanted to try a place that wasn't loud and obnoxious and this seemed to be the only nice restaurant in the area that had amazing reviews. When I walked in, I looked over the menu and noted they really had nothing vegetarian besides a salad, and I was in the mood for something a little more than a salad. I asked the host (who I think was either the manager or owner as well) if they had any vegetarian options that were not on the menu and, if not, would they be willing to prepare something for me. Ffwd: they were totally willing to prepare something for me and, actually, do have a vegetarian dish, however it is no longer on the menu. I attribute this to the fact that it's a heavy seafood area and the dish probably wasn't all that popular. The service was spectacular - very attentive, but not overly so. I asked if the Black Bean soup had meat in it and the waitress told me that it didn't but was made with chicken stock - they know their stuff here! They have a 'no cell phones' policy (which I always appreciate), however that's just for talking. I was eating alone so I spent the entire time doing emails and work stuff; they didn't say anything to me. They brought out some bread, however I wish they had brought out a little more than 2 tiny pieces as I was starving, and a salad with a tomato basil vinaigrette (which came as part of my entree). The dressing was delicious, the salad was standard. Then came the veggie plate - they truly put some thought into this. A fire roasted yellow bell pepper stuffed with sauteed spinach surrounded by steamed asparagus stalks, seasoned and sauteed green beans, and a veggie medley with yellow and red bell pepper and mushrooms. All of it was seasoned perfectly except for the asparagus, which were a little bland, so I asked for some more dressing for them, which they brought to me happily at no extra charge. So! They get 5 stars for their service and location, but they get docked one star for their lack of vegetarian options on the menu (at least some pasta?). However, after I add another star for their willingness to prepare something special for me, they end up at a solid 4.5 star round up to 5 :). Also, the veggie entree not on the menu was about $18.00, but a lot more filling than you would think veggies could ever be!
(5)
Mark E.
The Narrows is a nice seafood restaurant with a traditional menu and ambiance. It was surprisingly busy for lunch on a winter weekday, which was a good sign. Service was prompt and pleasant. The food, though unimaginative, was tasty if you like Maryland seafood. Lunch portions are not immense and the prices were not out of line - both nice touches in a weak economy.
(4)
Jules J.
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much based on the unassuming exterior and the proximity to so many mediocre restaurants. However, The Narrows is on a completely different level than the restaurants that surround it! I am very impressed with the food and service here. The staff was very friendly and professional. The interior is beautifully decorated and cozy with awesome water views. The bar has 2 big flat screen TVs and the bartender had no problem changing the station to the game we wanted to watch. Their brunch menu is excellent. I opted for the applewood bacon wrapped shrimp served with cheddar grits. Yum! I splurged and ordered dessert to top it all off. "Mousse in a Bag" was delicious and fun to eat! I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Mike P.
Still our favorite. The food is always good, the crab soup is the best around and the service is always consistent (which is a big deal on the Eastern Shore). If you are looking for a reliable "good eating experience", this is the place. Others have their good days & bad days & good meals & bad deals. But The Narrows is solid.
(5)
C B.
Good food but a bit expensive. Everything was fresh and tasty. Very nice viewfrom the screened in porch and good service. The crab cakes were tasty and the fried seafood was as well. The fish was very fresh. A good choice in an area that is convenient. Many other restaurants to choose from in same complex but much lower quality and atmosphere..
(4)
Valerie S.
Great Food, Wonderful Staff, Mousse in a Box, oh yea! Definetly go there.
(5)
Kelly K.
The atmosphere is is more upscale then other places in the area and the restaurant over looks the water...however, I was unimpressed with the food. The fried oysters were bland...really no flavor...and the braised pork shank didn't seem braised at all...and had a smokey flavor with a black pepper accent...didn't like it at all.
(2)
Gayle S.
Two perfect visits. First was solo as I needed a spot to write--and the Maryland crab soup and chocolate dessert with coffee proved as luscious as the view of the sunset over the water and island as I sat near the bar. Second was with two colleagues--and we all ordered the Thai salmon salad. . . with salmon grilled to perfection over greens that could have been picked that morning; the tangy sweet dressing and crunchies added interest, flavor, and texture--and we all agreed it was fantastic, as was the sunny porch with its privileged water view. In both visits the staff were totally attentive and friendly. Now for the third visit!
I had a day off work yesterday and went here after a day of shopping at Queenstown Outlets. I didn't think I was that hungry when I first arrived, but ended up ordering 5 appetizers: -seared ahi tuna- great texture combination with the softness of the ahi tuna, crunchy wonton noodles and seaweed salad. The flavors went well together too with a wasabi sauce and sweet soy. -lobster tempura- same sauces and seaweed salad as the seared tuna. I wasn't a fan, but purely on my preference. I learned yesterday that I don't like my lobster cheapened by being fried and prostituted out on a plate Just give me a steamed lobster and possibly a butter sauce. -oysters rockefeller- Also a preference thing, I prefer my oysters raw with some horseradish, hot sauce and cocktail sauce. This wasn't bad, just not a preference. -mini crab cakes- perfect example of what baltimore's missing: good crab cakes. These mini crab cakes were packed with lump crab meat, no breaded fillers. This is what's hard to find in Baltimore, but commonplace in Annapolis and just over the bridge. -green curry seafood stew- look like a Thai style curry dish. It seemed like there may have been butter in it, and while I thought it was ok, I wouldn't order it again. I'll stick to getting green curry at a Thai restuarant. My dad got the cream of crab soup and said that it was the best cream of crab soup ever with big chunks of crab meat. At the end we somehow managed to stuff down some pumpkin brownie a la mode. It was more spiced dessert bread/cake than brownie. I wish there was more ice cream, since I like a 2:1 ice cream to brownie/cake ratio. The service was great and the quality of the food was good. I would order the seared tuna and mini crab cakes again. Was it my favorite place? No, but I would go again if I was in the area.
(4)
Chris R.
The Narrows Is by far the best Restaurant In Queen Annes County and the best crab cake in MD. It is fine dinning and they use local seasonal food when they can. This is a safe bet for any special dinner or lunch. Its not cheap but you pay for what you get and that is a great meal and great service.
(5)
Adam M.
Damn, I was really expecting to be blown away but I wasn't. Came here with family that has been coming for years and they told me that my portion was way smaller than normal. Great view and friendly service but I had higher expectations. I would give it another try
(3)
Michael M.
I have only had one other meal front to back that went as well as this one did. When we came in I have to admit I was nervous despite how friendly the staff was as there was no one at the desk to seat us... BUT we were greeted and asked where we would like to sit inside or out on the covered porch over looking the bay... Where would you sit?! We chose the porch as it was a bright sunny day and the a nice breeze coming in. We started with the cream of crab soup.. which I like to describe as so creamy it was like eating crab pudding which is a good thing for this cream of crab! They give you a side of sherry to mix if you want the creamy texture but to cut the overly heavy feeling. AMAZING... Then we had the crab tart... this is more like a crab flat bread and it was INCREDIBLE. I could have ordered three more of these and had this as my entree but the menu looked so good... After starting out the meal like this we were unsure of how the rest would go but we were already happy. I ordered the Crab Risotto and my beautiful wife had the Shad Roe special... both were OUT OF THE WORLD! Perfectly presented and absolutely the right portion. If you come here and order the Risotto be prepared for the roasted red pepper sauce on the plate.. it's one of those things you could eat a bowl of by itself! Continuing our delightful road trip to flavor town (yes I stole that from Guy Fieri) we ordered the Bananas Foster made the real way with Goslings Dark Rum and brown sugar then accompanied with a perfectly made puff pastry and tons of banana and just the right amount of vanilla ice cream. This place is beyond worth the $2.50 toll to come across the bridge! If you are planning a nice drive out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and you DON'T stop here... you are missing a treasure among treasures let me promise that!!!
(5)
Heidi B.
Always go here when visiting my sister in the area. I have always had a great meal here! Always! Love to sit on the enclosed patio which is glassed in. Also just tried eating in the bar area....it was great (try the Parmesan fries!) every meal including desserts yummy! All the servers very friendly. Highly recommend!
(5)
Elizabeth H.
Slow service and the worst cioppino I've ever had. The waitress promised us 6 each oysters Rockefeller and oyster imperial for our apps, but they came with 5 and 4, respectively. The lobster special cooked in a sherry cream sauce was far too rich. The cioppino broth tasted like watered down tomato soup. The tomatoes in it were canned. The shrimp were overlooked and tough. Absolutely disgusting.
(1)
David S.
We have never had any problems at The Narrows. Food and service are always great. Nice views as well.
(5)
Allan N.
My aunt and uncle were going back to California today so my dad wanted to take them and my grandparents out to dinner. My grandfather loves seafood, so let's go to The Narrows. Is there a problem? Only that it's one hour and fifteen minutes away Fairfax when there is no traffic. Of course it was 6PM on a Tuesday. No one else will be on 66, 495, or 50 right? So it took over an hour and a half to get here. The waitress was quick with our drink orders and brought out some fresh out of the oven bread. Our appetizers (crab dip and calamari) were great. I ordered the petite filet and crabcake entree. The filet was cooked perfectly. I'd have to say it was one of the best I've had in recent memory. It was so tender and tasty. The crabcake was superb as well. Thinking about the food I had makes me want to have it again. But until I can manage to teleport, I won't be able to come back that often. Oh, and today I did notice a lot of bird poo on my car. Damn seagulls!
(5)
DonRicardo H.
This place was GREAT, the service was excellent, the atmosphere is terrific, food was worth almost every penny. We were there during a crazy tsunami type storm, ducks floating around in the parking lot, if not for a hill & handicap parking we may have needed a canoe to get to the front door...Yet worth the drama indeed. I had a broiled seafood combo, Wife had stuffed trout...both excellent, even the bread was off the chain. A hot pumpernickel w dates & raisins & Cinnamon awesome. They are a tad pricey but it was worth it, just be prepared. Family Restaurant yet very romantic by the water seating. We'll be back !!!!
(5)
Judy U.
Great service, everything ordered was plate licking delicious. The desserts were out of this world. Will definitely return in the near future.
(5)
Rick S.
Four stars for location, three and a half for food. Sit on the porch at 7pm or so and watch the ducks and the sun set. Heaven.
(4)
Bob N.
Great food any time. Best in area.
(4)
Gullbritt M.
Staff very unfriendly and disinterested. And suprisingly few guests for a Saturday. We actually left after having waited for service. Give it another try? No!
(1)
Mara D.
Found it on Yelp. thought we'd check it out. Nice atmosphere, views of the Bay. Attentive service (Kudos to Elisa, our waitress). Food was scrumptious! Had a bunch of appetizers; Calamari, Tuna Tartar, Shrimp Tempura, Crab Torte. Each better than the previous! The bread is uniquely delicious. Would definitely go back...
(4)
Frank S.
This is the place in Kent Narrows if want good food, and if you get the right table a great view. Not just seafood either, interesting prep and always good.
(4)
Neoindie A.
We went to this restaurant on our way back from queenstown outlets. The reviews looked good so we wanted to try it. Ate the crab soup, and grilled tuna salad. My sister ate some cod special they had. The crab soup was average although they claimed they won an award for it. The other 2 entrees were dismal. Tuna was frozen and grilled with no flavor and for an $19 lunch the portion was less than 3 ounces. The cod was average but the noodles and broth it came with was tasteless. Also beware they dont use Chesapeake bay crabs. All in all a 75 dollar lunch for 2 was a rip off. Instead of going here, go to fishermans inn or the crab deck which might not have good ambience but the food always was top notch. Serves us for not being loyal to our previous patrons.
(1)
Grady M.
Excellent food and service. Nice marina view. More expensive than I was told. I ordered two crab cakes, but was told the price for only one. Be careful.
(4)
Danielle W.
My coworkers and I were in the area visiting venues for a work-related activity, and the local small-business owner suggested that we stop at The Narrows for lunch before heading back to DC. She said "the cream of clam soup is the best!" BOY, was she right! We all ordered a cup of it and it came out very quickly - hot and ready! Even though the cup looks a bit on the small side, the soup is so thick and creamy that it fills you right up! Especially when dipping the warm, freshly-baked bread loaf slices into it. The chunks of crab were HUGE and melt-in-your-mouth tasty. I'm convinced I should have just ordered 3 or 4 of them and made that my entire meal! For lunch, we ordered a few sandwiches and a few of the seafood pasta daily special. Both were delicious! The seafood was fresh and colorful, the sandwich was warm and came with a choice of a few sides. We were also served more warm tasty bread! Also, our water glasses were never empty (nor were our other refillable drinks!) Even though a bit of construction was going on in the main dining hall (I believe the construction workers were running late that AM), we were still seated in the heated porch area which overlooked the beautiful frozen lake area. While it would have been nice to have less hammering and power tools, I understand that the restaurant really has no 'down time' to make the upgrades. I'd love to come back and see the finished product!
First and foremost...fantastic service. Came in for an early dinner without a reservation and we were seated immediately with a great view. The waitstaff was exceptionally attentive and friendly. The food was great including my mushroom and crab risotto. The dessert was also yummy!
(5)
Josh L.
For the money in this area, food was very average. I had crab cakes and they were ok but nowhere near as good as hoped. Was disappointed that there was no baked potato but only French fries or mashed. Fried green tomatoes had little flavor. For almost $100 for two, we expect more.
(2)
Jamie C.
We stopped in here after an exhausting morning of outlet shopping this Thanksgiving weekend. The staff were attentive and friendly. Our food was expertly prepared and the views of the water from nearly every table in the place were beautiful. Lunch was a little pricey but in my opinion worth it, we were looking for an sit-down experience where we could relax and visit with family in a comfortable unhurried place. I imagine this spot is excellent for a romantic evening or a party.
(4)
Mike A.
Beautiful view. Food was the very definition of meh. Perhaps I ordered wrong. The cream of crab was good. Not great. Worthy of 3*. The bread came with a dollop of butter in a PLASTIC CUP? Seriously? At a restaurant with cloth napkins? I'm not a snob, as I grew up in New England and love a good casual waterside seafood restaurant. My favorite lobster places have picnic tables covered in paper and they scoop the salt water for their boil out of the creek or ocean. So I ordered the three sliders. Kobe/Tuna/Crab Cake. The ingredients were pretty good and well prepared, but the rolls should have been thrown in the water a day ago. Literally fell apart because they were dried out. Ugh. I will try a different tourist trap next time.
(2)
Nicole O.
Great Restaurant! We were on vacation and it was easy to find, just off the highway. The Narrows is on the water with a lovely enclosed patio for up-front water views. Our waitress was delightful, she was clever, attentive and had a great sense of humor! We had the mini crab cakes appetizer and the crab cakes were fresh, hot and 98% large lump crabmeat. Our meals were served promptly and were very tasty. We requested speedy service as we were on our way to a holiday weekend and we were served very quickly. We truly enjoyed the view and the friendly, professional staff and the upscale atmosphere. If you are near the Bay Bridge and want to have a good meal in a beautiful restaurant where the staff is actually happy to be there, please stop at the Narrows. Also, they will ship those tasty crab cakes to you ...just in case you get a craving.
(4)
Michael R.
This is without question the finest restaurant on Maryland's Eastern Shore. A wide selection of top flight lunch & dinner selections. Any seafood item will be top quality but the crabcakes are the best you will find anywhere. Service is excellent and the waterfront views are as good as you will find in the Chesapeake Bay region.
(5)
George C.
The Narrows is a nice place to grab a bite if you are in the Kent Island area. The crab cakes are very good. The food in general is a little pricey but not over the top expensive. My server was nice and knew the menu inside and out. Friendly too! The view is amazing so that it why I'm giving an extra star.
(4)
Bill C.
One of our favorite restaurants on the entire East Coast. Two or three times a year we will drive from Pittsburgh to Kent Narrows and stay over night just to enjoy a couple of meals at The Narrows. Cream of Crab soup is to die for. ( We always bring home several quarts for the freezer. Everything on the menu is great; especially the crab cakes. Always several specials available. Beautiful waterfront setting.
(5)
Megan C.
Yum! Beautiful view! Delicious crab gazpacho and narrows sliders were great. We stopped in due to traffic on the bridge.
(4)
Max F.
This was an oddly mixed experience. The highs: Nice space with good view of the water, seated quickly despite having 8 people for Sunday brunch. The breakfast breads were excellent, and consisted of a combo platter of banana and cranberry walnut bread served with honey butter. The crab cakes were also amazing. Also, they make good, big bloody marys. The Lows: This is where things went down hill. After putting in our order, we had to wait about 40 minutes before the food appeared. What was going on during those 40 minutes? My guess is they were cooking the eggs since every single egg served came out overcooked and hard. There were probably 16 eggs between all of us, I could understand wrecking one or two but 16?? The Bottom Line: Despite having a lot of positives, I simply can't give a restaurant that screws up eggs more than 3 stars.
(3)
Captain P.
Sadly this Kent Island institution is not what it used to be. Tired , bland food and bad drinks. Great location but could use an updated menu, clean dishes and a new modern chef. Skip this joint.
(1)
Kate M.
Used to be a great restaurant. Hostess was UNBELIEVABLY rude. The seared tuna in the seared tuna salad was bad. The tune on the sliders was bad! Must have a new chef - they didn't even offer to take the charges off the bill How does any chef not know that the fish s/he is serving is rotten?
(1)
ChaCha C.
I had read about the Narrows in Grasonville for a long time & always thought the accolades were too good to be true. When spending a long day on the eastern shore, it seemed a good time to finally try the Narrows Restaurant. It is very near the Bay Bridge & a convenient place - if you know where you are going. I did not & the GPS did not direct us right o it, but we still found it by simply looking around. The atmosphere was pretty basic - with the addition of a screened porch & many glass windows looking out onto the water. The bathrooms smelled like a locker room, which was a bad sign... The draft beer selection did not impress, so I ordered a soda- no free refills (lame). The crabcake was ordered by a few in my party. It did not impress. Someone else ordered a fish dish, which supposedly came with a salsa. The fish itself was tasteless and the salsa was 2 chopped vegetables. Someone else got sliders, which they were happy with. The fries were bad. Supposedly the crab soup is "award winning"-- but we did not get it, as it we had had a long HOT day in the sun...... All in all - this place was a wash. I would never go back, unless I just wanted to sit & look at the water while drinking a glass of water. There are many other places around it - I would hope at least one is better than this.
(2)
Jim And Christina D.
Great food and atmosphere. The waiters are great no real complaints. The salmon was very good.
(4)
Deborah N.
For my 300th review I would like to honor The Narrows. The Narrows has been a special occasion restaurant in my family for about 20 years. Most Mother's Days you will catch the entire Deb N. clan there. Mom, sis, nieces, nephews and assorted partners. They do a great brunch and also a wonderful lunch. The Narrows in located on Kent Narrows - how fun is that! Only about 15 minutes past Annapolis and you actually feel like you are halfway to the beach. Mmmmm vacation dining - the best. I recommend the crab cake and my more lactose-tolerant relatives dig the cream of crab soup. But really, everything's great, even the beef dishes. Not cheap, but you can do sandwiches for lunch which makes it affordable. Also open for dinner but I have never been there for dinner. The restaurant is located right by a dock so you can take an after meal stroll right onto the dock and pick which boat you will buy when you win the lottery! One note: Sadly they do not have any outdoor seating, per se. But they do have a nice porch with screens, I believe. Make sure you call for a reservation so you can get the seating you want!
(5)
Alex B.
I was very close to giving The Narrows 5 stars. I knocked off one star for price as I think the food should be a little less expensive. HOWEVER, the food (appetizers and entree's) were very good. We got the smoked salmon "wonton". I put wonton in quotes because it's not a traditional wonton. It's a like a fried wonton flattened. It was very delicious though with the dill sauce. My wife had the crab cakes and I had the petite filet and crabcake combo. It was all wonderful, as were the sides. The dining room was very open, which gave it an ordinary feel, but the lights were dimmed, giving the impression they were trying to be a fine dining restaurant. That's where the confusion comes in. This is a personal discrepancy as I equate fine dining to more private seating rather than an open dining room. Or at least spread the tables a little further apart. Even with the prices, we'd still go back. The service was excellent as was the food. With those two things, I can overlook the price of it. If you're planning a date night, I highly recommend it. As a side note, I also put this place at 4 stars due to the dirtiness of the men's restroom. I had to clean the seat before using it as it was covered in a substance I care not to mention. If you're trying to be fine dining, renovate the bathrooms and keep them clean. If you're not trying to be fine dining, lower the prices and just keep the bathroom clean.
(4)
Shanan M.
The food was very good, the setting was amazing and the wine selection was good. The fish was fresh and the steaks were very juicy. This place is worth the trip
(5)
Judy F.
We stopped on the way home from OC. Excellent restaurant. My salmon was perfectly cooked, Dave loved his beef medallion. Potsticker spicy edamame appetizer also great
(5)
Libby F.
What a great find! Actually, I have my friend Mary Lou to thank for pointing me to this place. If you want to dine at place that's serene and classy, not a crab shack, then come here. First off, ask to sit in the covered patio area. You'll have a pleasant view of the waters off Kent Narrows. Secondly, order the Cream of Crab soup. It is a bit pricey at $6.95 for a cup, but oh sooo good! It is full of big, sweet chunks of crab meat. Plus, they offer you sherry to drizzle in. You'll never buy crab soup in a can again after experiencing this soup. I had the Crab Tart from the appetizer menu, but it is really more like a thin crusted pizza. It was bigger than I expected, and at $12.50, it is cheaper than some individual pizzas I've had at some other restaurants in DC. The Crab Tart consists of Feta, Provolone, spinach pieces, diced tomatoes and best of all, huge lumps of fresh white crab meat. Lots of it too! The fried oysters (today's were from Chincoteague) were very good too. On the lunch menu they are $15.50 and you get at least ten plump, tender pieces. The Narrows is a great place to dine. It's right on the way home to DC from your ocean getaway. It makes for a great break and a satisfied appetite.
(5)
Gwynedd D.
This is an excellent place for traditional fare such as crab cakes, a bit expensive but the food was served hot (which is my main complaint of many places today--cold food left on the hot lamps.) The food was more or less well-presented and the crab cakes were as good as they come in the Eastern Shore; full of fresh lump crabmeat. I was a bit surprised that the "sides" consist of the usual fish fry house coleslaw, french fries, but they did have mashed potatoes and green beans. The green beans were fresh, they were cooked properly (lightly blanched, not raw and covered in butter to pretend they were cooked.) The menu is a bit limited (steak, crab cake, fried oysters, crab imperial, chicken) the salads were pedestrian (bagged leathery lettuce, the new American standard) but it is a the place to go for a more upscale dinner and the crab did not disappoint. No espresso to end the meal but the coffee was superb, fresh, aromatic and just right. Nothing for vegetarians, beware. The enclosed porch was nice and warm, in fact a bit too warm on a fifty-five degree night but the view was lovely and you can watch the boats coming into the marina as you eat. Normally I shun a restaurant with a water view (because they don't have to try as hard) but this one is well worth it. The service was attentive, if a bit amateurish. (You don't grab across a diner to fill a water glass and our order was not correct, either. But we decided to keep it as it looked fantastic. There is a crabcake DINNER --2 large cakes, and a broiled crab cake lighter meal, make sure you are clear on which one you are ordering.) However, the waiter was cheerful and left us be when we had come to the coffee stage of the meal--good young man. As to the rest of the staff, nothing said as we exited, which I think shows a slight lack of attention to the clients. It would not do in Europe or a big US city but I suppose it passes on the Maryland Eastern Shore, I'd say the food is well-prepared but not culinarily complex, the atmosphere is classic and the ambiance is very pleasant and upscale. You can take your mom here on Mother's Day and it's a safe bet for clients who eat fish or steak. Good parking, easy to get to from Route 50. Summary; safe bet.
(4)
Shanan M.
The food was very good, the setting was amazing and the wine selection was good. The fish was fresh and the steaks were very juicy. This place is worth the trip
(5)
Judy F.
We stopped on the way home from OC. Excellent restaurant. My salmon was perfectly cooked, Dave loved his beef medallion. Potsticker spicy edamame appetizer also great
(5)
Libby F.
What a great find! Actually, I have my friend Mary Lou to thank for pointing me to this place. If you want to dine at place that's serene and classy, not a crab shack, then come here. First off, ask to sit in the covered patio area. You'll have a pleasant view of the waters off Kent Narrows. Secondly, order the Cream of Crab soup. It is a bit pricey at $6.95 for a cup, but oh sooo good! It is full of big, sweet chunks of crab meat. Plus, they offer you sherry to drizzle in. You'll never buy crab soup in a can again after experiencing this soup. I had the Crab Tart from the appetizer menu, but it is really more like a thin crusted pizza. It was bigger than I expected, and at $12.50, it is cheaper than some individual pizzas I've had at some other restaurants in DC. The Crab Tart consists of Feta, Provolone, spinach pieces, diced tomatoes and best of all, huge lumps of fresh white crab meat. Lots of it too! The fried oysters (today's were from Chincoteague) were very good too. On the lunch menu they are $15.50 and you get at least ten plump, tender pieces. The Narrows is a great place to dine. It's right on the way home to DC from your ocean getaway. It makes for a great break and a satisfied appetite.
(5)
Michael M.
I have only had one other meal front to back that went as well as this one did. When we came in I have to admit I was nervous despite how friendly the staff was as there was no one at the desk to seat us... BUT we were greeted and asked where we would like to sit inside or out on the covered porch over looking the bay... Where would you sit?! We chose the porch as it was a bright sunny day and the a nice breeze coming in. We started with the cream of crab soup.. which I like to describe as so creamy it was like eating crab pudding which is a good thing for this cream of crab! They give you a side of sherry to mix if you want the creamy texture but to cut the overly heavy feeling. AMAZING... Then we had the crab tart... this is more like a crab flat bread and it was INCREDIBLE. I could have ordered three more of these and had this as my entree but the menu looked so good... After starting out the meal like this we were unsure of how the rest would go but we were already happy. I ordered the Crab Risotto and my beautiful wife had the Shad Roe special... both were OUT OF THE WORLD! Perfectly presented and absolutely the right portion. If you come here and order the Risotto be prepared for the roasted red pepper sauce on the plate.. it's one of those things you could eat a bowl of by itself! Continuing our delightful road trip to flavor town (yes I stole that from Guy Fieri) we ordered the Bananas Foster made the real way with Goslings Dark Rum and brown sugar then accompanied with a perfectly made puff pastry and tons of banana and just the right amount of vanilla ice cream. This place is beyond worth the $2.50 toll to come across the bridge! If you are planning a nice drive out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and you DON'T stop here... you are missing a treasure among treasures let me promise that!!!
(5)
Donna H.
My husband and I stopped here for lunch on our way from Bethany Beach to Cumberland -- wow, we were very impressed -- first with the setting (on the covered patio overlooking the water) and then with the food. We started our meal with iced tea and a basket of warm ciabatta rolls. Next came a cup of their outstanding cream of crab soup -- velvety, rich, redolent of crab essence and nice chunks of lump crab -- I wish I had gotten a bowl instead of a cup. We both had crab cakes for our entree -- there is only one crab cake per entree, but it has virtually no filler and is not overly seasoned, so you really taste the crab. The cole slaw and tartar sauce accompanying the crab cake were also excellent. Being native Marylanders who now live in Southern California, we try to get our fill of blue crab dishes (steamed, soft shells, crab cakes, soup -- you name it) anytime we get back "home," and The Narrows came through for us with flying colors!!! We're already looking forward to our next meal there over the Christmas holidays.
(5)
Ashley N.
I can't say enough great things about this place. I've been here with family and I've been here with friends and their babies. They are accommodating to the max. Their cream of crab soup is the best in the entire world. I kid you not. Looking at it, it doesn't look as so but if you taste it, you will love it. We've had steak sandwiches, fried oysters, salads and more from this menu and it's all delicious. Fresh too. The views are spectacular, especially if you sit on the enclosed balcony. You're sitting on the water but with the perk of AC. The servers are accommodating and always are around to help. Love it here!
(5)
Haneen S.
I'm giving this place 4 stars for the atmosphere and location, but the food was mediocre and overpriced. My bf and I were driving to Ocean City for an off-season weekend getaway and decided to make a stop for dinner because we would be arriving late to our hotel. Again - the ambiance was great - upscale just on the verge of being stuffy. Could tell this was a place that a lot of locals enjoy. The service was good - but we did end up waiting a while between courses. The bread was nice and warm - we only tried the dark bread with walnuts and raisins but it was very tasty. We also ordered the mini crab cakes as a appetizer - which tasted fresh, but probably on par with most crab in the area. We each got salads with our entrees - I got the house salad with tomato vinaigrette and my boyfriend got the Caesar salad. Both salads were mediocre although the tomato vinaigrette was refreshing - a little on the sweet side though. My boyfriend ordered the mini filet and crabcake. The steak was actually very good and was served with a demi sauce and bernaise. Again - the crabcake was as expected. Entrees come with a side of potatoes and veggies but he opted for two veggies-coleslaw and green beans which were unremarkable. My entree on the other hand was pretty bad - the herb crusted flounder was the special of the day and the portion was small and the fish was bland - I didn't taste the herbs at all. It was served over a butternut squash risotto which was cold and overcooked and also bland. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes because I'm a southern girl at heart, but these were disappointing - the batter was flat and oddly flavored - competing with the fresh flavor of the tomatoes. Overall this place has a great ambiance and I bet if you sit on the patio during the summer, it's worth the price, but for an off-season seafood meal, the food was underwhelming and not worth the price.
(4)
Virginia B.
Five stars isn't enough! Their cream of crab soup is incredible. It's worth the long drive from Washington just for that one thing. My husband gets a cup of it and a crabcake (also delish) but I get a whole bowl of it and a small salad to pretend I'm being healthy. It seems to be nothing but cream, butter, crab meat, and sherry. I'm swooning, just thinking about it!
(5)
Bunny P.
We went to The Narrows after reading positive reviews from fellow Yelpers but we were completely unimpressed with our meals. Every dish we ordered was bland, very, very bland. The fried oysters, crab cakes, fried shrimp, oyster caesar, all tasteless. The stuffed clams were borderline terrible. On the positive side, the service was very good and the view is terrific.
(1)
Jenny C.
My family and I have eaten here for years. One of the best restaurants in Maryland. I've eaten nearly everything on the menu and everything is really good. Known for their crab cake and cream of crab soup easily the best in the country.
(5)
t m.
Cream of crab soup, mussels and crab cakes were fantastic. Steak, while cooked perfectly, had little taste. Stick with the seafood and dress cool as they keep it pretty warm. Great night with the wife.
(4)
Craig H.
My first sign this visit wasn't going to be great. We walked in to the entrance and stoop before the host stand. A server walked by completely oblivious to our standing there. Ben she walked by again. Then a server walked by. No acknowledgement. Eventually the host arrived and brought us to a table. This general disinterest continued through the meal. The server seemed uninterested. The food was good but hardly prepared with flair. And 70 bucks later we left. Harris crab house remains the place to beat.
(3)
Rob B.
So beautiful with a COMPLETE REMOEL!! Can it be, but everything even taste better. The CREAM OF CRAB SOUP cannot be out done. Get the sherry to thin it down to ultimate deliciousness. Wonderful hospitality, this gem has been re-shined, and deserves another look.
(4)
Nancy M.
The view from the enclosed porch is beautiful. We enjoyed a delicious meal and exceptional service. The menu offers a lot of different options, but the crab cakes and cream of crab soup are the stars!
(5)
Dave G.
My wife and I went here after reading all the glowing reviews. Maybe they were having an off night, but we weren't terribly impressed. The service was great, the ambiance was charming, the food was mediocre and the portions were small for the price. We were told that all of the tables in the enclosed porch were reserved, so we were seated in the main dining area. The porch was about 25% full when we arrived, and maybe 50% full when we left.
(3)
Jonathan C.
My friend George recommended this place and we hit it on the way back from Rehoboth to DC. This place is fantastic. Got a seat right on the water, and the food we got was delicious. My friend got a crab torte (basically a white pizza on thin crust with crab) and I got some seared ahi tuna in a salad. Both were great. Everything was fantastic. Only weird thing was that we waited at the front waiting for someone to notice us and seat us for a bit of a while, which was strange, but no big deal. Food came out quickly, too, which was nice.
(5)
Dwight S.
we would definitely come back. Pretty good. This is the nicest place that we tried for crab and seafood. A little pricier than the neighbors, but worth it.
(4)
Neoindie A.
We went to this restaurant on our way back from queenstown outlets. The reviews looked good so we wanted to try it. Ate the crab soup, and grilled tuna salad. My sister ate some cod special they had. The crab soup was average although they claimed they won an award for it. The other 2 entrees were dismal. Tuna was frozen and grilled with no flavor and for an $19 lunch the portion was less than 3 ounces. The cod was average but the noodles and broth it came with was tasteless. Also beware they dont use Chesapeake bay crabs. All in all a 75 dollar lunch for 2 was a rip off. Instead of going here, go to fishermans inn or the crab deck which might not have good ambience but the food always was top notch. Serves us for not being loyal to our previous patrons.
(1)
Grady M.
Excellent food and service. Nice marina view. More expensive than I was told. I ordered two crab cakes, but was told the price for only one. Be careful.
(4)
Danielle W.
My coworkers and I were in the area visiting venues for a work-related activity, and the local small-business owner suggested that we stop at The Narrows for lunch before heading back to DC. She said "the cream of clam soup is the best!" BOY, was she right! We all ordered a cup of it and it came out very quickly - hot and ready! Even though the cup looks a bit on the small side, the soup is so thick and creamy that it fills you right up! Especially when dipping the warm, freshly-baked bread loaf slices into it. The chunks of crab were HUGE and melt-in-your-mouth tasty. I'm convinced I should have just ordered 3 or 4 of them and made that my entire meal! For lunch, we ordered a few sandwiches and a few of the seafood pasta daily special. Both were delicious! The seafood was fresh and colorful, the sandwich was warm and came with a choice of a few sides. We were also served more warm tasty bread! Also, our water glasses were never empty (nor were our other refillable drinks!) Even though a bit of construction was going on in the main dining hall (I believe the construction workers were running late that AM), we were still seated in the heated porch area which overlooked the beautiful frozen lake area. While it would have been nice to have less hammering and power tools, I understand that the restaurant really has no 'down time' to make the upgrades. I'd love to come back and see the finished product!
(4)
Nicole O.
Great Restaurant! We were on vacation and it was easy to find, just off the highway. The Narrows is on the water with a lovely enclosed patio for up-front water views. Our waitress was delightful, she was clever, attentive and had a great sense of humor! We had the mini crab cakes appetizer and the crab cakes were fresh, hot and 98% large lump crabmeat. Our meals were served promptly and were very tasty. We requested speedy service as we were on our way to a holiday weekend and we were served very quickly. We truly enjoyed the view and the friendly, professional staff and the upscale atmosphere. If you are near the Bay Bridge and want to have a good meal in a beautiful restaurant where the staff is actually happy to be there, please stop at the Narrows. Also, they will ship those tasty crab cakes to you ...just in case you get a craving.
(4)
k c.
My wife and I took our elderly mother and our niece out to dinner at The Narrows. We've had bad meals before but are always willing to return to restaurants after some time has passed because there can be improvements depending on who is running things. To start, our mojitos had black mint ground up in them. An unforgivable, but common, sin in bars and restaurants. You let your mint sprigs wilt and turn black and then you actually use them in drinks that cost over eight dollars? What kind of business are you running? Our food was only mediocre. The server was polite. The deserts were terrible. If I get an ice cube sized chunk of ice in my freezer-burned ice cream, and the sundae costs almost seven dollars, again I ask, what kind of business are you running? Gorgeous view, but the restaurant needs to rethink its place in the world of quality food and drink.
(1)
Gullbritt M.
Staff very unfriendly and disinterested. And suprisingly few guests for a Saturday. We actually left after having waited for service. Give it another try? No!
(1)
Mara D.
Found it on Yelp. thought we'd check it out. Nice atmosphere, views of the Bay. Attentive service (Kudos to Elisa, our waitress). Food was scrumptious! Had a bunch of appetizers; Calamari, Tuna Tartar, Shrimp Tempura, Crab Torte. Each better than the previous! The bread is uniquely delicious. Would definitely go back...
(4)
Frank S.
This is the place in Kent Narrows if want good food, and if you get the right table a great view. Not just seafood either, interesting prep and always good.
(4)
Chris N.
The best the Eastern Shore has, food and service are impeccable. Highly recommend
(5)
Esther Z.
The food was good but not exceptional. I wish I had tried one of the specials for the day instead of a regular menu entree. Our plan was to go to anther nearby favorite but it was still closed, reopening in the spring. We were hungry so decided to try this place. In the same situation, I would make the same decision and select one of the daily specials. The view, on the other hand, is exceptional! The view from the bar area looks out toward the water also. There was 1 man eating at the bar with a full view of the bar. Hot Dang! He had a private dining room w/ bartender.
(3)
Darrell K.
As you drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into the Eastern Shore, the first thing you noticed is that all food places are your standard chain places. Disappointing. Until you drive across the Kent Narrows Bridge, then you realize, oh goody, a non-chain place, right on the Bay in the middle of the marina. Great location. Good food. Very friendly service. If I drive to the Eastern Shore again, I can see me coming back here.
(3)
Alan R.
We just love this restaurant. The staff is always friendly and the food reliably good. They have daily specials that are a great addition to the varied menu. Reasonably priced even though it is located right on the water. We love their crab cakes and their light supper menu is great before heading back to the city on Sunday.
First and foremost...fantastic service. Came in for an early dinner without a reservation and we were seated immediately with a great view. The waitstaff was exceptionally attentive and friendly. The food was great including my mushroom and crab risotto. The dessert was also yummy!
(5)
Jamie C.
We stopped in here after an exhausting morning of outlet shopping this Thanksgiving weekend. The staff were attentive and friendly. Our food was expertly prepared and the views of the water from nearly every table in the place were beautiful. Lunch was a little pricey but in my opinion worth it, we were looking for an sit-down experience where we could relax and visit with family in a comfortable unhurried place. I imagine this spot is excellent for a romantic evening or a party.
(4)
Mike A.
Beautiful view. Food was the very definition of meh. Perhaps I ordered wrong. The cream of crab was good. Not great. Worthy of 3*. The bread came with a dollop of butter in a PLASTIC CUP? Seriously? At a restaurant with cloth napkins? I'm not a snob, as I grew up in New England and love a good casual waterside seafood restaurant. My favorite lobster places have picnic tables covered in paper and they scoop the salt water for their boil out of the creek or ocean. So I ordered the three sliders. Kobe/Tuna/Crab Cake. The ingredients were pretty good and well prepared, but the rolls should have been thrown in the water a day ago. Literally fell apart because they were dried out. Ugh. I will try a different tourist trap next time.
(2)
John G. W.
We made a quick day trip last weekend from Silver Spring (a little less than an hour's drive) for a very nice lunch. I decided to move away from seafood, and try the 'Black & Blue Steak Sandwich', which was terrific. Tasty strips of steak, covered with melted blue cheese, on a half of a baguette. Very nice flavor. With the winter sun low in the southern sky, it was a little warm at our table on the porch, so we moved inside for an equally pleasant view.
(5)
Gwynedd D.
This is an excellent place for traditional fare such as crab cakes, a bit expensive but the food was served hot (which is my main complaint of many places today--cold food left on the hot lamps.) The food was more or less well-presented and the crab cakes were as good as they come in the Eastern Shore; full of fresh lump crabmeat. I was a bit surprised that the "sides" consist of the usual fish fry house coleslaw, french fries, but they did have mashed potatoes and green beans. The green beans were fresh, they were cooked properly (lightly blanched, not raw and covered in butter to pretend they were cooked.) The menu is a bit limited (steak, crab cake, fried oysters, crab imperial, chicken) the salads were pedestrian (bagged leathery lettuce, the new American standard) but it is a the place to go for a more upscale dinner and the crab did not disappoint. No espresso to end the meal but the coffee was superb, fresh, aromatic and just right. Nothing for vegetarians, beware. The enclosed porch was nice and warm, in fact a bit too warm on a fifty-five degree night but the view was lovely and you can watch the boats coming into the marina as you eat. Normally I shun a restaurant with a water view (because they don't have to try as hard) but this one is well worth it. The service was attentive, if a bit amateurish. (You don't grab across a diner to fill a water glass and our order was not correct, either. But we decided to keep it as it looked fantastic. There is a crabcake DINNER --2 large cakes, and a broiled crab cake lighter meal, make sure you are clear on which one you are ordering.) However, the waiter was cheerful and left us be when we had come to the coffee stage of the meal--good young man. As to the rest of the staff, nothing said as we exited, which I think shows a slight lack of attention to the clients. It would not do in Europe or a big US city but I suppose it passes on the Maryland Eastern Shore, I'd say the food is well-prepared but not culinarily complex, the atmosphere is classic and the ambiance is very pleasant and upscale. You can take your mom here on Mother's Day and it's a safe bet for clients who eat fish or steak. Good parking, easy to get to from Route 50. Summary; safe bet.
(4)
Victoria Z.
We had such a wonderful experience at The Narrows. The service was above and beyond friendly. Even though it was a rainy and dreary night we still managed to get a bit of the view of the water while eating in the heated patio area. My rosemary chicken was to die for!
(5)
Sheila C.
Food was good and for that area its hard to find good food. View is great. Not gourmet but good.
(4)
Michael R.
This is without question the finest restaurant on Maryland's Eastern Shore. A wide selection of top flight lunch & dinner selections. Any seafood item will be top quality but the crabcakes are the best you will find anywhere. Service is excellent and the waterfront views are as good as you will find in the Chesapeake Bay region.
(5)
George C.
The Narrows is a nice place to grab a bite if you are in the Kent Island area. The crab cakes are very good. The food in general is a little pricey but not over the top expensive. My server was nice and knew the menu inside and out. Friendly too! The view is amazing so that it why I'm giving an extra star.
(4)
Bill C.
One of our favorite restaurants on the entire East Coast. Two or three times a year we will drive from Pittsburgh to Kent Narrows and stay over night just to enjoy a couple of meals at The Narrows. Cream of Crab soup is to die for. ( We always bring home several quarts for the freezer. Everything on the menu is great; especially the crab cakes. Always several specials available. Beautiful waterfront setting.
(5)
Megan C.
Yum! Beautiful view! Delicious crab gazpacho and narrows sliders were great. We stopped in due to traffic on the bridge.
(4)
Josh L.
For the money in this area, food was very average. I had crab cakes and they were ok but nowhere near as good as hoped. Was disappointed that there was no baked potato but only French fries or mashed. Fried green tomatoes had little flavor. For almost $100 for two, we expect more.
(2)
Max F.
This was an oddly mixed experience. The highs: Nice space with good view of the water, seated quickly despite having 8 people for Sunday brunch. The breakfast breads were excellent, and consisted of a combo platter of banana and cranberry walnut bread served with honey butter. The crab cakes were also amazing. Also, they make good, big bloody marys. The Lows: This is where things went down hill. After putting in our order, we had to wait about 40 minutes before the food appeared. What was going on during those 40 minutes? My guess is they were cooking the eggs since every single egg served came out overcooked and hard. There were probably 16 eggs between all of us, I could understand wrecking one or two but 16?? The Bottom Line: Despite having a lot of positives, I simply can't give a restaurant that screws up eggs more than 3 stars.
(3)
Captain P.
Sadly this Kent Island institution is not what it used to be. Tired , bland food and bad drinks. Great location but could use an updated menu, clean dishes and a new modern chef. Skip this joint.
(1)
Kate M.
Used to be a great restaurant. Hostess was UNBELIEVABLY rude. The seared tuna in the seared tuna salad was bad. The tune on the sliders was bad! Must have a new chef - they didn't even offer to take the charges off the bill How does any chef not know that the fish s/he is serving is rotten?
(1)
ChaCha C.
I had read about the Narrows in Grasonville for a long time & always thought the accolades were too good to be true. When spending a long day on the eastern shore, it seemed a good time to finally try the Narrows Restaurant. It is very near the Bay Bridge & a convenient place - if you know where you are going. I did not & the GPS did not direct us right o it, but we still found it by simply looking around. The atmosphere was pretty basic - with the addition of a screened porch & many glass windows looking out onto the water. The bathrooms smelled like a locker room, which was a bad sign... The draft beer selection did not impress, so I ordered a soda- no free refills (lame). The crabcake was ordered by a few in my party. It did not impress. Someone else ordered a fish dish, which supposedly came with a salsa. The fish itself was tasteless and the salsa was 2 chopped vegetables. Someone else got sliders, which they were happy with. The fries were bad. Supposedly the crab soup is "award winning"-- but we did not get it, as it we had had a long HOT day in the sun...... All in all - this place was a wash. I would never go back, unless I just wanted to sit & look at the water while drinking a glass of water. There are many other places around it - I would hope at least one is better than this.
(2)
Jim And Christina D.
Great food and atmosphere. The waiters are great no real complaints. The salmon was very good.
(4)
Deborah N.
For my 300th review I would like to honor The Narrows. The Narrows has been a special occasion restaurant in my family for about 20 years. Most Mother's Days you will catch the entire Deb N. clan there. Mom, sis, nieces, nephews and assorted partners. They do a great brunch and also a wonderful lunch. The Narrows in located on Kent Narrows - how fun is that! Only about 15 minutes past Annapolis and you actually feel like you are halfway to the beach. Mmmmm vacation dining - the best. I recommend the crab cake and my more lactose-tolerant relatives dig the cream of crab soup. But really, everything's great, even the beef dishes. Not cheap, but you can do sandwiches for lunch which makes it affordable. Also open for dinner but I have never been there for dinner. The restaurant is located right by a dock so you can take an after meal stroll right onto the dock and pick which boat you will buy when you win the lottery! One note: Sadly they do not have any outdoor seating, per se. But they do have a nice porch with screens, I believe. Make sure you call for a reservation so you can get the seating you want!
(5)
Alex B.
I was very close to giving The Narrows 5 stars. I knocked off one star for price as I think the food should be a little less expensive. HOWEVER, the food (appetizers and entree's) were very good. We got the smoked salmon "wonton". I put wonton in quotes because it's not a traditional wonton. It's a like a fried wonton flattened. It was very delicious though with the dill sauce. My wife had the crab cakes and I had the petite filet and crabcake combo. It was all wonderful, as were the sides. The dining room was very open, which gave it an ordinary feel, but the lights were dimmed, giving the impression they were trying to be a fine dining restaurant. That's where the confusion comes in. This is a personal discrepancy as I equate fine dining to more private seating rather than an open dining room. Or at least spread the tables a little further apart. Even with the prices, we'd still go back. The service was excellent as was the food. With those two things, I can overlook the price of it. If you're planning a date night, I highly recommend it. As a side note, I also put this place at 4 stars due to the dirtiness of the men's restroom. I had to clean the seat before using it as it was covered in a substance I care not to mention. If you're trying to be fine dining, renovate the bathrooms and keep them clean. If you're not trying to be fine dining, lower the prices and just keep the bathroom clean.
(4)
David W.
Love it. Gazpacho with crab meat was the second best I've ever had, my mother's still rules. You test a seafood restaurant by the Oysters. On the half shell they should be plump, fresh and clean. If fried, the should squirt in your mouth. YES and YES. We've been there a few times and love it. It looks local and everyone that walked in the last time we were there seemed to know everyone else. Another good test of a seafood restaurant. It's worth the time, even after waiting to cross the bridge.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
I came here because I wanted to try a place that wasn't loud and obnoxious and this seemed to be the only nice restaurant in the area that had amazing reviews. When I walked in, I looked over the menu and noted they really had nothing vegetarian besides a salad, and I was in the mood for something a little more than a salad. I asked the host (who I think was either the manager or owner as well) if they had any vegetarian options that were not on the menu and, if not, would they be willing to prepare something for me. Ffwd: they were totally willing to prepare something for me and, actually, do have a vegetarian dish, however it is no longer on the menu. I attribute this to the fact that it's a heavy seafood area and the dish probably wasn't all that popular. The service was spectacular - very attentive, but not overly so. I asked if the Black Bean soup had meat in it and the waitress told me that it didn't but was made with chicken stock - they know their stuff here! They have a 'no cell phones' policy (which I always appreciate), however that's just for talking. I was eating alone so I spent the entire time doing emails and work stuff; they didn't say anything to me. They brought out some bread, however I wish they had brought out a little more than 2 tiny pieces as I was starving, and a salad with a tomato basil vinaigrette (which came as part of my entree). The dressing was delicious, the salad was standard. Then came the veggie plate - they truly put some thought into this. A fire roasted yellow bell pepper stuffed with sauteed spinach surrounded by steamed asparagus stalks, seasoned and sauteed green beans, and a veggie medley with yellow and red bell pepper and mushrooms. All of it was seasoned perfectly except for the asparagus, which were a little bland, so I asked for some more dressing for them, which they brought to me happily at no extra charge. So! They get 5 stars for their service and location, but they get docked one star for their lack of vegetarian options on the menu (at least some pasta?). However, after I add another star for their willingness to prepare something special for me, they end up at a solid 4.5 star round up to 5 :). Also, the veggie entree not on the menu was about $18.00, but a lot more filling than you would think veggies could ever be!
(5)
Mark E.
The Narrows is a nice seafood restaurant with a traditional menu and ambiance. It was surprisingly busy for lunch on a winter weekday, which was a good sign. Service was prompt and pleasant. The food, though unimaginative, was tasty if you like Maryland seafood. Lunch portions are not immense and the prices were not out of line - both nice touches in a weak economy.
(4)
Adam M.
Ate in the bar area at a table. Was in a hurry--told the hostess that I neeeded something quick. She recommended the crabcakes, which we both ordered. They came out within about 15 minutes and were delicious--mostly juicy crabmeat with very little filler. The side of green beans was tasty as was the side of fries my dad ordered. The price was about $40 with tip and drinks (can't remember exactly). Minus a star for smallish portions on the crabcakes--but maybe that's b/c crab is so expensive and the rest of the portion sizes are otherwise generous. Who knows? Would definitely return though.
(4)
Ashley S.
We found love...at this Restaurant! The Narrows had our back when we needed them most. They are the perfect mid-distance stop during a drive to the beaches in Delaware. We had been looking forward to our yearly outing to Bethany Beach, and we had just made it across the bay bridge when our car threatened to shut down. We pulled over, and to our dismay, decided it would be best to turn around. But first, we needed to get some dinner. We pulled over onto kent narrows, and our car literally shut itself off right in front of the narrows. Must have been fate. We walked in and were immediately greeted by warm, friendly hostesses. All seats look out at a gorgeous view of the bay, which was a lovely sight to see even if we couldn't make it all the way to our beach front destination. We started off with the classic first course of house salad. The onion to tomato ratio was perfect. The salads were quite heavily soaked in dressing (which tasted excellent), however, so you might wanna ask for it on the side. Our next course featured lemon and rosemary chicken, coated in a fresh layer of peas, which hit the spot. In addition, I ordered parmesan crusted salmon with mashed potatoes and spinach. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the mashed potatoes were unlike any I have ever seen. They were elegantly presented and tasted like fluffy, potato-y pieces of heaven. To end our surprisingly enjoyable evening, we splurged on a creamy, rich hot fudge sundae and white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, both of which were the perfect touch to our meal. The whole dining experience was well worth the $30/person price. They really turned our night around. Big bonus: freshly baked bread, free refills on soft drinks, and a very attractive busboy. Highly recommend to all who can spend the time.
(5)
Cyrus T.
Wow! Awesome find. Yelped this place at the last second while looking for a place to stop for lunch. Waterside open bright seafood restaurant with a very well-done homestyle menu of fresh seafood and some other things. Took the waitresses recommendation of cream of crab soup, which was exquisite. Rich and really special. They specialize in crab cakes but I wanted to get a bit more variety so I went with the slider (mini-burger) plate, which was delightful. The tuna slider was fresh, served medium rare, with a wasabi aioli and wakame salad (in place of lettuce on the actual slider). What a fantastic idea....this probably tipped them from a 4 star to a 5. The plate also had a nice mini-crabcake slider and a bison slider and was served with frizzled onions. Really just a refreshing, bright, homey place with a great, thoughtful menu and very fresh, high quality food. I spent $20 or so for everything before tip, which was well worth it. Enjoy!
(5)
Allan N.
My aunt and uncle were going back to California today so my dad wanted to take them and my grandparents out to dinner. My grandfather loves seafood, so let's go to The Narrows. Is there a problem? Only that it's one hour and fifteen minutes away Fairfax when there is no traffic. Of course it was 6PM on a Tuesday. No one else will be on 66, 495, or 50 right? So it took over an hour and a half to get here. The waitress was quick with our drink orders and brought out some fresh out of the oven bread. Our appetizers (crab dip and calamari) were great. I ordered the petite filet and crabcake entree. The filet was cooked perfectly. I'd have to say it was one of the best I've had in recent memory. It was so tender and tasty. The crabcake was superb as well. Thinking about the food I had makes me want to have it again. But until I can manage to teleport, I won't be able to come back that often. Oh, and today I did notice a lot of bird poo on my car. Damn seagulls!
(5)
DonRicardo H.
This place was GREAT, the service was excellent, the atmosphere is terrific, food was worth almost every penny. We were there during a crazy tsunami type storm, ducks floating around in the parking lot, if not for a hill & handicap parking we may have needed a canoe to get to the front door...Yet worth the drama indeed. I had a broiled seafood combo, Wife had stuffed trout...both excellent, even the bread was off the chain. A hot pumpernickel w dates & raisins & Cinnamon awesome. They are a tad pricey but it was worth it, just be prepared. Family Restaurant yet very romantic by the water seating. We'll be back !!!!
(5)
Judy U.
Great service, everything ordered was plate licking delicious. The desserts were out of this world. Will definitely return in the near future.
(5)
Rick S.
Four stars for location, three and a half for food. Sit on the porch at 7pm or so and watch the ducks and the sun set. Heaven.
(4)
Bob N.
Great food any time. Best in area.
(4)
David S.
We have never had any problems at The Narrows. Food and service are always great. Nice views as well.
(5)
Paul L.
The GREAT SERVICE is what stood out the most, the food was great but the service was even better. Started with a very good cream of crab soup and as soon as that was done our salads were there, a very good wedge of iceberg with blue cheese for me and my wife had the house salad with a vinaigrette dressing she really liked. When our salads were done our dinners were ready. I really enjoyed my lump crab cake and my wife liked her shrimp scampi. We would certainly go back. It was dark when we were there so we did not get to enjoy the water view, but had a very nice atmosphere.
(5)
Abraham B.
The food here is excellent. The wait time on carry out is mixed. Sometimes it is half n hour longer than they expect. If I have time and money to spare, I wouldn't hesitate to make a reservation.
(4)
Heidi B.
Always go here when visiting my sister in the area. I have always had a great meal here! Always! Love to sit on the enclosed patio which is glassed in. Also just tried eating in the bar area....it was great (try the Parmesan fries!) every meal including desserts yummy! All the servers very friendly. Highly recommend!
(5)
Elizabeth H.
Slow service and the worst cioppino I've ever had. The waitress promised us 6 each oysters Rockefeller and oyster imperial for our apps, but they came with 5 and 4, respectively. The lobster special cooked in a sherry cream sauce was far too rich. The cioppino broth tasted like watered down tomato soup. The tomatoes in it were canned. The shrimp were overlooked and tough. Absolutely disgusting.
(1)
Heather S.
This place is excellent. And if you are lucky you can grab the water front bar table, that is just a few seats that are at the window directly facing the water. Cream of crab was great, sweet and silky. Crab cake was excellent, event the next day for leftovers. They had a grilled oyster last night with tomatoes, white wine and Parmesan that was excellent. The Cioppino was pretty good the fish was great, and most of the seafood, but some of it was just good and other pieces were delicious. Great wine selection and bar. And the best was the service. Everyone was super kind. I think this place will be a frequent destination for a day trip. (note all of the food may have tasted even better bc it was just after a 30 mile bike loop through st. michaels.)
(4)
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Address :3023 Kent Narrow Way S
Grasonville, MD, 21638
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jules J.
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much based on the unassuming exterior and the proximity to so many mediocre restaurants. However, The Narrows is on a completely different level than the restaurants that surround it! I am very impressed with the food and service here. The staff was very friendly and professional. The interior is beautifully decorated and cozy with awesome water views. The bar has 2 big flat screen TVs and the bartender had no problem changing the station to the game we wanted to watch. Their brunch menu is excellent. I opted for the applewood bacon wrapped shrimp served with cheddar grits. Yum! I splurged and ordered dessert to top it all off. "Mousse in a Bag" was delicious and fun to eat! I can't wait to come back!
(5)Mike P.
Still our favorite. The food is always good, the crab soup is the best around and the service is always consistent (which is a big deal on the Eastern Shore). If you are looking for a reliable "good eating experience", this is the place. Others have their good days & bad days & good meals & bad deals. But The Narrows is solid.
(5)C B.
Good food but a bit expensive. Everything was fresh and tasty. Very nice viewfrom the screened in porch and good service. The crab cakes were tasty and the fried seafood was as well. The fish was very fresh. A good choice in an area that is convenient. Many other restaurants to choose from in same complex but much lower quality and atmosphere..
(4)Valerie S.
Great Food, Wonderful Staff, Mousse in a Box, oh yea! Definetly go there.
(5)Kelly K.
The atmosphere is is more upscale then other places in the area and the restaurant over looks the water...however, I was unimpressed with the food. The fried oysters were bland...really no flavor...and the braised pork shank didn't seem braised at all...and had a smokey flavor with a black pepper accent...didn't like it at all.
(2)Gayle S.
Two perfect visits. First was solo as I needed a spot to write--and the Maryland crab soup and chocolate dessert with coffee proved as luscious as the view of the sunset over the water and island as I sat near the bar. Second was with two colleagues--and we all ordered the Thai salmon salad. . . with salmon grilled to perfection over greens that could have been picked that morning; the tangy sweet dressing and crunchies added interest, flavor, and texture--and we all agreed it was fantastic, as was the sunny porch with its privileged water view. In both visits the staff were totally attentive and friendly. Now for the third visit!
(5)Michael D.
On October 28, 2011, my wife and I dined for the first time at the Narrows. We didn't have a reservation but were told by the host that that would not be a problem. We opted to have drinks at the bar and asked if we could get a table overlooking the water. The host said that he would accommodate us and to let him know when we were ready. We decided to be seated at our table before finishing our drinks, and the host seated us immediately. The remainder of our drinks was brought to our table. We then began our meal with the shrimp cocktail that was fresh and delicious. For our entrée we both ordered the crab cake dinner that was simply sensational. This restaurant is in a charming building in a picturesque setting. The food was first-rate and the mixed drinks were very well made, large, and very reasonably priced. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Julie K.
I had a day off work yesterday and went here after a day of shopping at Queenstown Outlets. I didn't think I was that hungry when I first arrived, but ended up ordering 5 appetizers: -seared ahi tuna- great texture combination with the softness of the ahi tuna, crunchy wonton noodles and seaweed salad. The flavors went well together too with a wasabi sauce and sweet soy. -lobster tempura- same sauces and seaweed salad as the seared tuna. I wasn't a fan, but purely on my preference. I learned yesterday that I don't like my lobster cheapened by being fried and prostituted out on a plate Just give me a steamed lobster and possibly a butter sauce. -oysters rockefeller- Also a preference thing, I prefer my oysters raw with some horseradish, hot sauce and cocktail sauce. This wasn't bad, just not a preference. -mini crab cakes- perfect example of what baltimore's missing: good crab cakes. These mini crab cakes were packed with lump crab meat, no breaded fillers. This is what's hard to find in Baltimore, but commonplace in Annapolis and just over the bridge. -green curry seafood stew- look like a Thai style curry dish. It seemed like there may have been butter in it, and while I thought it was ok, I wouldn't order it again. I'll stick to getting green curry at a Thai restuarant. My dad got the cream of crab soup and said that it was the best cream of crab soup ever with big chunks of crab meat. At the end we somehow managed to stuff down some pumpkin brownie a la mode. It was more spiced dessert bread/cake than brownie. I wish there was more ice cream, since I like a 2:1 ice cream to brownie/cake ratio. The service was great and the quality of the food was good. I would order the seared tuna and mini crab cakes again. Was it my favorite place? No, but I would go again if I was in the area.
(4)Chris R.
The Narrows Is by far the best Restaurant In Queen Annes County and the best crab cake in MD. It is fine dinning and they use local seasonal food when they can. This is a safe bet for any special dinner or lunch. Its not cheap but you pay for what you get and that is a great meal and great service.
(5)Adam M.
Damn, I was really expecting to be blown away but I wasn't. Came here with family that has been coming for years and they told me that my portion was way smaller than normal. Great view and friendly service but I had higher expectations. I would give it another try
(3)Virginia B.
Five stars isn't enough! Their cream of crab soup is incredible. It's worth the long drive from Washington just for that one thing. My husband gets a cup of it and a crabcake (also delish) but I get a whole bowl of it and a small salad to pretend I'm being healthy. It seems to be nothing but cream, butter, crab meat, and sherry. I'm swooning, just thinking about it!
(5)Paul L.
The GREAT SERVICE is what stood out the most, the food was great but the service was even better. Started with a very good cream of crab soup and as soon as that was done our salads were there, a very good wedge of iceberg with blue cheese for me and my wife had the house salad with a vinaigrette dressing she really liked. When our salads were done our dinners were ready. I really enjoyed my lump crab cake and my wife liked her shrimp scampi. We would certainly go back. It was dark when we were there so we did not get to enjoy the water view, but had a very nice atmosphere.
(5)Abraham B.
The food here is excellent. The wait time on carry out is mixed. Sometimes it is half n hour longer than they expect. If I have time and money to spare, I wouldn't hesitate to make a reservation.
(4)k c.
My wife and I took our elderly mother and our niece out to dinner at The Narrows. We've had bad meals before but are always willing to return to restaurants after some time has passed because there can be improvements depending on who is running things. To start, our mojitos had black mint ground up in them. An unforgivable, but common, sin in bars and restaurants. You let your mint sprigs wilt and turn black and then you actually use them in drinks that cost over eight dollars? What kind of business are you running? Our food was only mediocre. The server was polite. The deserts were terrible. If I get an ice cube sized chunk of ice in my freezer-burned ice cream, and the sundae costs almost seven dollars, again I ask, what kind of business are you running? Gorgeous view, but the restaurant needs to rethink its place in the world of quality food and drink.
(1)Haneen S.
I'm giving this place 4 stars for the atmosphere and location, but the food was mediocre and overpriced. My bf and I were driving to Ocean City for an off-season weekend getaway and decided to make a stop for dinner because we would be arriving late to our hotel. Again - the ambiance was great - upscale just on the verge of being stuffy. Could tell this was a place that a lot of locals enjoy. The service was good - but we did end up waiting a while between courses. The bread was nice and warm - we only tried the dark bread with walnuts and raisins but it was very tasty. We also ordered the mini crab cakes as a appetizer - which tasted fresh, but probably on par with most crab in the area. We each got salads with our entrees - I got the house salad with tomato vinaigrette and my boyfriend got the Caesar salad. Both salads were mediocre although the tomato vinaigrette was refreshing - a little on the sweet side though. My boyfriend ordered the mini filet and crabcake. The steak was actually very good and was served with a demi sauce and bernaise. Again - the crabcake was as expected. Entrees come with a side of potatoes and veggies but he opted for two veggies-coleslaw and green beans which were unremarkable. My entree on the other hand was pretty bad - the herb crusted flounder was the special of the day and the portion was small and the fish was bland - I didn't taste the herbs at all. It was served over a butternut squash risotto which was cold and overcooked and also bland. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes because I'm a southern girl at heart, but these were disappointing - the batter was flat and oddly flavored - competing with the fresh flavor of the tomatoes. Overall this place has a great ambiance and I bet if you sit on the patio during the summer, it's worth the price, but for an off-season seafood meal, the food was underwhelming and not worth the price.
(4)Bunny P.
We went to The Narrows after reading positive reviews from fellow Yelpers but we were completely unimpressed with our meals. Every dish we ordered was bland, very, very bland. The fried oysters, crab cakes, fried shrimp, oyster caesar, all tasteless. The stuffed clams were borderline terrible. On the positive side, the service was very good and the view is terrific.
(1)Ashley N.
I can't say enough great things about this place. I've been here with family and I've been here with friends and their babies. They are accommodating to the max. Their cream of crab soup is the best in the entire world. I kid you not. Looking at it, it doesn't look as so but if you taste it, you will love it. We've had steak sandwiches, fried oysters, salads and more from this menu and it's all delicious. Fresh too. The views are spectacular, especially if you sit on the enclosed balcony. You're sitting on the water but with the perk of AC. The servers are accommodating and always are around to help. Love it here!
(5)Donna H.
My husband and I stopped here for lunch on our way from Bethany Beach to Cumberland -- wow, we were very impressed -- first with the setting (on the covered patio overlooking the water) and then with the food. We started our meal with iced tea and a basket of warm ciabatta rolls. Next came a cup of their outstanding cream of crab soup -- velvety, rich, redolent of crab essence and nice chunks of lump crab -- I wish I had gotten a bowl instead of a cup. We both had crab cakes for our entree -- there is only one crab cake per entree, but it has virtually no filler and is not overly seasoned, so you really taste the crab. The cole slaw and tartar sauce accompanying the crab cake were also excellent. Being native Marylanders who now live in Southern California, we try to get our fill of blue crab dishes (steamed, soft shells, crab cakes, soup -- you name it) anytime we get back "home," and The Narrows came through for us with flying colors!!! We're already looking forward to our next meal there over the Christmas holidays.
(5)Alan R.
We just love this restaurant. The staff is always friendly and the food reliably good. They have daily specials that are a great addition to the varied menu. Reasonably priced even though it is located right on the water. We love their crab cakes and their light supper menu is great before heading back to the city on Sunday.
(4)Jenny C.
My family and I have eaten here for years. One of the best restaurants in Maryland. I've eaten nearly everything on the menu and everything is really good. Known for their crab cake and cream of crab soup easily the best in the country.
(5)Craig H.
My first sign this visit wasn't going to be great. We walked in to the entrance and stoop before the host stand. A server walked by completely oblivious to our standing there. Ben she walked by again. Then a server walked by. No acknowledgement. Eventually the host arrived and brought us to a table. This general disinterest continued through the meal. The server seemed uninterested. The food was good but hardly prepared with flair. And 70 bucks later we left. Harris crab house remains the place to beat.
(3)Rob B.
So beautiful with a COMPLETE REMOEL!! Can it be, but everything even taste better. The CREAM OF CRAB SOUP cannot be out done. Get the sherry to thin it down to ultimate deliciousness. Wonderful hospitality, this gem has been re-shined, and deserves another look.
(4)Nancy M.
The view from the enclosed porch is beautiful. We enjoyed a delicious meal and exceptional service. The menu offers a lot of different options, but the crab cakes and cream of crab soup are the stars!
(5)Dave G.
My wife and I went here after reading all the glowing reviews. Maybe they were having an off night, but we weren't terribly impressed. The service was great, the ambiance was charming, the food was mediocre and the portions were small for the price. We were told that all of the tables in the enclosed porch were reserved, so we were seated in the main dining area. The porch was about 25% full when we arrived, and maybe 50% full when we left.
(3)Chris N.
The best the Eastern Shore has, food and service are impeccable. Highly recommend
(5)Esther Z.
The food was good but not exceptional. I wish I had tried one of the specials for the day instead of a regular menu entree. Our plan was to go to anther nearby favorite but it was still closed, reopening in the spring. We were hungry so decided to try this place. In the same situation, I would make the same decision and select one of the daily specials. The view, on the other hand, is exceptional! The view from the bar area looks out toward the water also. There was 1 man eating at the bar with a full view of the bar. Hot Dang! He had a private dining room w/ bartender.
(3)Darrell K.
As you drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into the Eastern Shore, the first thing you noticed is that all food places are your standard chain places. Disappointing. Until you drive across the Kent Narrows Bridge, then you realize, oh goody, a non-chain place, right on the Bay in the middle of the marina. Great location. Good food. Very friendly service. If I drive to the Eastern Shore again, I can see me coming back here.
(3)t m.
Cream of crab soup, mussels and crab cakes were fantastic. Steak, while cooked perfectly, had little taste. Stick with the seafood and dress cool as they keep it pretty warm. Great night with the wife.
(4)Jonathan C.
My friend George recommended this place and we hit it on the way back from Rehoboth to DC. This place is fantastic. Got a seat right on the water, and the food we got was delicious. My friend got a crab torte (basically a white pizza on thin crust with crab) and I got some seared ahi tuna in a salad. Both were great. Everything was fantastic. Only weird thing was that we waited at the front waiting for someone to notice us and seat us for a bit of a while, which was strange, but no big deal. Food came out quickly, too, which was nice.
(5)Dwight S.
we would definitely come back. Pretty good. This is the nicest place that we tried for crab and seafood. A little pricier than the neighbors, but worth it.
(4)Victoria Z.
We had such a wonderful experience at The Narrows. The service was above and beyond friendly. Even though it was a rainy and dreary night we still managed to get a bit of the view of the water while eating in the heated patio area. My rosemary chicken was to die for!
(5)Adam M.
Ate in the bar area at a table. Was in a hurry--told the hostess that I neeeded something quick. She recommended the crabcakes, which we both ordered. They came out within about 15 minutes and were delicious--mostly juicy crabmeat with very little filler. The side of green beans was tasty as was the side of fries my dad ordered. The price was about $40 with tip and drinks (can't remember exactly). Minus a star for smallish portions on the crabcakes--but maybe that's b/c crab is so expensive and the rest of the portion sizes are otherwise generous. Who knows? Would definitely return though.
(4)John G. W.
We made a quick day trip last weekend from Silver Spring (a little less than an hour's drive) for a very nice lunch. I decided to move away from seafood, and try the 'Black & Blue Steak Sandwich', which was terrific. Tasty strips of steak, covered with melted blue cheese, on a half of a baguette. Very nice flavor. With the winter sun low in the southern sky, it was a little warm at our table on the porch, so we moved inside for an equally pleasant view.
(5)Ashley S.
We found love...at this Restaurant! The Narrows had our back when we needed them most. They are the perfect mid-distance stop during a drive to the beaches in Delaware. We had been looking forward to our yearly outing to Bethany Beach, and we had just made it across the bay bridge when our car threatened to shut down. We pulled over, and to our dismay, decided it would be best to turn around. But first, we needed to get some dinner. We pulled over onto kent narrows, and our car literally shut itself off right in front of the narrows. Must have been fate. We walked in and were immediately greeted by warm, friendly hostesses. All seats look out at a gorgeous view of the bay, which was a lovely sight to see even if we couldn't make it all the way to our beach front destination. We started off with the classic first course of house salad. The onion to tomato ratio was perfect. The salads were quite heavily soaked in dressing (which tasted excellent), however, so you might wanna ask for it on the side. Our next course featured lemon and rosemary chicken, coated in a fresh layer of peas, which hit the spot. In addition, I ordered parmesan crusted salmon with mashed potatoes and spinach. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the mashed potatoes were unlike any I have ever seen. They were elegantly presented and tasted like fluffy, potato-y pieces of heaven. To end our surprisingly enjoyable evening, we splurged on a creamy, rich hot fudge sundae and white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, both of which were the perfect touch to our meal. The whole dining experience was well worth the $30/person price. They really turned our night around. Big bonus: freshly baked bread, free refills on soft drinks, and a very attractive busboy. Highly recommend to all who can spend the time.
(5)Sheila C.
Food was good and for that area its hard to find good food. View is great. Not gourmet but good.
(4)Cyrus T.
Wow! Awesome find. Yelped this place at the last second while looking for a place to stop for lunch. Waterside open bright seafood restaurant with a very well-done homestyle menu of fresh seafood and some other things. Took the waitresses recommendation of cream of crab soup, which was exquisite. Rich and really special. They specialize in crab cakes but I wanted to get a bit more variety so I went with the slider (mini-burger) plate, which was delightful. The tuna slider was fresh, served medium rare, with a wasabi aioli and wakame salad (in place of lettuce on the actual slider). What a fantastic idea....this probably tipped them from a 4 star to a 5. The plate also had a nice mini-crabcake slider and a bison slider and was served with frizzled onions. Really just a refreshing, bright, homey place with a great, thoughtful menu and very fresh, high quality food. I spent $20 or so for everything before tip, which was well worth it. Enjoy!
(5)David W.
Love it. Gazpacho with crab meat was the second best I've ever had, my mother's still rules. You test a seafood restaurant by the Oysters. On the half shell they should be plump, fresh and clean. If fried, the should squirt in your mouth. YES and YES. We've been there a few times and love it. It looks local and everyone that walked in the last time we were there seemed to know everyone else. Another good test of a seafood restaurant. It's worth the time, even after waiting to cross the bridge.
(4)Heather S.
This place is excellent. And if you are lucky you can grab the water front bar table, that is just a few seats that are at the window directly facing the water. Cream of crab was great, sweet and silky. Crab cake was excellent, event the next day for leftovers. They had a grilled oyster last night with tomatoes, white wine and Parmesan that was excellent. The Cioppino was pretty good the fish was great, and most of the seafood, but some of it was just good and other pieces were delicious. Great wine selection and bar. And the best was the service. Everyone was super kind. I think this place will be a frequent destination for a day trip. (note all of the food may have tasted even better bc it was just after a 30 mile bike loop through st. michaels.)
(4)Elizabeth S.
I came here because I wanted to try a place that wasn't loud and obnoxious and this seemed to be the only nice restaurant in the area that had amazing reviews. When I walked in, I looked over the menu and noted they really had nothing vegetarian besides a salad, and I was in the mood for something a little more than a salad. I asked the host (who I think was either the manager or owner as well) if they had any vegetarian options that were not on the menu and, if not, would they be willing to prepare something for me. Ffwd: they were totally willing to prepare something for me and, actually, do have a vegetarian dish, however it is no longer on the menu. I attribute this to the fact that it's a heavy seafood area and the dish probably wasn't all that popular. The service was spectacular - very attentive, but not overly so. I asked if the Black Bean soup had meat in it and the waitress told me that it didn't but was made with chicken stock - they know their stuff here! They have a 'no cell phones' policy (which I always appreciate), however that's just for talking. I was eating alone so I spent the entire time doing emails and work stuff; they didn't say anything to me. They brought out some bread, however I wish they had brought out a little more than 2 tiny pieces as I was starving, and a salad with a tomato basil vinaigrette (which came as part of my entree). The dressing was delicious, the salad was standard. Then came the veggie plate - they truly put some thought into this. A fire roasted yellow bell pepper stuffed with sauteed spinach surrounded by steamed asparagus stalks, seasoned and sauteed green beans, and a veggie medley with yellow and red bell pepper and mushrooms. All of it was seasoned perfectly except for the asparagus, which were a little bland, so I asked for some more dressing for them, which they brought to me happily at no extra charge. So! They get 5 stars for their service and location, but they get docked one star for their lack of vegetarian options on the menu (at least some pasta?). However, after I add another star for their willingness to prepare something special for me, they end up at a solid 4.5 star round up to 5 :). Also, the veggie entree not on the menu was about $18.00, but a lot more filling than you would think veggies could ever be!
(5)Mark E.
The Narrows is a nice seafood restaurant with a traditional menu and ambiance. It was surprisingly busy for lunch on a winter weekday, which was a good sign. Service was prompt and pleasant. The food, though unimaginative, was tasty if you like Maryland seafood. Lunch portions are not immense and the prices were not out of line - both nice touches in a weak economy.
(4)Jules J.
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much based on the unassuming exterior and the proximity to so many mediocre restaurants. However, The Narrows is on a completely different level than the restaurants that surround it! I am very impressed with the food and service here. The staff was very friendly and professional. The interior is beautifully decorated and cozy with awesome water views. The bar has 2 big flat screen TVs and the bartender had no problem changing the station to the game we wanted to watch. Their brunch menu is excellent. I opted for the applewood bacon wrapped shrimp served with cheddar grits. Yum! I splurged and ordered dessert to top it all off. "Mousse in a Bag" was delicious and fun to eat! I can't wait to come back!
(5)Mike P.
Still our favorite. The food is always good, the crab soup is the best around and the service is always consistent (which is a big deal on the Eastern Shore). If you are looking for a reliable "good eating experience", this is the place. Others have their good days & bad days & good meals & bad deals. But The Narrows is solid.
(5)C B.
Good food but a bit expensive. Everything was fresh and tasty. Very nice viewfrom the screened in porch and good service. The crab cakes were tasty and the fried seafood was as well. The fish was very fresh. A good choice in an area that is convenient. Many other restaurants to choose from in same complex but much lower quality and atmosphere..
(4)Valerie S.
Great Food, Wonderful Staff, Mousse in a Box, oh yea! Definetly go there.
(5)Kelly K.
The atmosphere is is more upscale then other places in the area and the restaurant over looks the water...however, I was unimpressed with the food. The fried oysters were bland...really no flavor...and the braised pork shank didn't seem braised at all...and had a smokey flavor with a black pepper accent...didn't like it at all.
(2)Gayle S.
Two perfect visits. First was solo as I needed a spot to write--and the Maryland crab soup and chocolate dessert with coffee proved as luscious as the view of the sunset over the water and island as I sat near the bar. Second was with two colleagues--and we all ordered the Thai salmon salad. . . with salmon grilled to perfection over greens that could have been picked that morning; the tangy sweet dressing and crunchies added interest, flavor, and texture--and we all agreed it was fantastic, as was the sunny porch with its privileged water view. In both visits the staff were totally attentive and friendly. Now for the third visit!
(5)Michael D.
On October 28, 2011, my wife and I dined for the first time at the Narrows. We didn't have a reservation but were told by the host that that would not be a problem. We opted to have drinks at the bar and asked if we could get a table overlooking the water. The host said that he would accommodate us and to let him know when we were ready. We decided to be seated at our table before finishing our drinks, and the host seated us immediately. The remainder of our drinks was brought to our table. We then began our meal with the shrimp cocktail that was fresh and delicious. For our entrée we both ordered the crab cake dinner that was simply sensational. This restaurant is in a charming building in a picturesque setting. The food was first-rate and the mixed drinks were very well made, large, and very reasonably priced. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Julie K.
I had a day off work yesterday and went here after a day of shopping at Queenstown Outlets. I didn't think I was that hungry when I first arrived, but ended up ordering 5 appetizers: -seared ahi tuna- great texture combination with the softness of the ahi tuna, crunchy wonton noodles and seaweed salad. The flavors went well together too with a wasabi sauce and sweet soy. -lobster tempura- same sauces and seaweed salad as the seared tuna. I wasn't a fan, but purely on my preference. I learned yesterday that I don't like my lobster cheapened by being fried and prostituted out on a plate Just give me a steamed lobster and possibly a butter sauce. -oysters rockefeller- Also a preference thing, I prefer my oysters raw with some horseradish, hot sauce and cocktail sauce. This wasn't bad, just not a preference. -mini crab cakes- perfect example of what baltimore's missing: good crab cakes. These mini crab cakes were packed with lump crab meat, no breaded fillers. This is what's hard to find in Baltimore, but commonplace in Annapolis and just over the bridge. -green curry seafood stew- look like a Thai style curry dish. It seemed like there may have been butter in it, and while I thought it was ok, I wouldn't order it again. I'll stick to getting green curry at a Thai restuarant. My dad got the cream of crab soup and said that it was the best cream of crab soup ever with big chunks of crab meat. At the end we somehow managed to stuff down some pumpkin brownie a la mode. It was more spiced dessert bread/cake than brownie. I wish there was more ice cream, since I like a 2:1 ice cream to brownie/cake ratio. The service was great and the quality of the food was good. I would order the seared tuna and mini crab cakes again. Was it my favorite place? No, but I would go again if I was in the area.
(4)Chris R.
The Narrows Is by far the best Restaurant In Queen Annes County and the best crab cake in MD. It is fine dinning and they use local seasonal food when they can. This is a safe bet for any special dinner or lunch. Its not cheap but you pay for what you get and that is a great meal and great service.
(5)Adam M.
Damn, I was really expecting to be blown away but I wasn't. Came here with family that has been coming for years and they told me that my portion was way smaller than normal. Great view and friendly service but I had higher expectations. I would give it another try
(3)Michael M.
I have only had one other meal front to back that went as well as this one did. When we came in I have to admit I was nervous despite how friendly the staff was as there was no one at the desk to seat us... BUT we were greeted and asked where we would like to sit inside or out on the covered porch over looking the bay... Where would you sit?! We chose the porch as it was a bright sunny day and the a nice breeze coming in. We started with the cream of crab soup.. which I like to describe as so creamy it was like eating crab pudding which is a good thing for this cream of crab! They give you a side of sherry to mix if you want the creamy texture but to cut the overly heavy feeling. AMAZING... Then we had the crab tart... this is more like a crab flat bread and it was INCREDIBLE. I could have ordered three more of these and had this as my entree but the menu looked so good... After starting out the meal like this we were unsure of how the rest would go but we were already happy. I ordered the Crab Risotto and my beautiful wife had the Shad Roe special... both were OUT OF THE WORLD! Perfectly presented and absolutely the right portion. If you come here and order the Risotto be prepared for the roasted red pepper sauce on the plate.. it's one of those things you could eat a bowl of by itself! Continuing our delightful road trip to flavor town (yes I stole that from Guy Fieri) we ordered the Bananas Foster made the real way with Goslings Dark Rum and brown sugar then accompanied with a perfectly made puff pastry and tons of banana and just the right amount of vanilla ice cream. This place is beyond worth the $2.50 toll to come across the bridge! If you are planning a nice drive out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and you DON'T stop here... you are missing a treasure among treasures let me promise that!!!
(5)Heidi B.
Always go here when visiting my sister in the area. I have always had a great meal here! Always! Love to sit on the enclosed patio which is glassed in. Also just tried eating in the bar area....it was great (try the Parmesan fries!) every meal including desserts yummy! All the servers very friendly. Highly recommend!
(5)Elizabeth H.
Slow service and the worst cioppino I've ever had. The waitress promised us 6 each oysters Rockefeller and oyster imperial for our apps, but they came with 5 and 4, respectively. The lobster special cooked in a sherry cream sauce was far too rich. The cioppino broth tasted like watered down tomato soup. The tomatoes in it were canned. The shrimp were overlooked and tough. Absolutely disgusting.
(1)David S.
We have never had any problems at The Narrows. Food and service are always great. Nice views as well.
(5)Allan N.
My aunt and uncle were going back to California today so my dad wanted to take them and my grandparents out to dinner. My grandfather loves seafood, so let's go to The Narrows. Is there a problem? Only that it's one hour and fifteen minutes away Fairfax when there is no traffic. Of course it was 6PM on a Tuesday. No one else will be on 66, 495, or 50 right? So it took over an hour and a half to get here. The waitress was quick with our drink orders and brought out some fresh out of the oven bread. Our appetizers (crab dip and calamari) were great. I ordered the petite filet and crabcake entree. The filet was cooked perfectly. I'd have to say it was one of the best I've had in recent memory. It was so tender and tasty. The crabcake was superb as well. Thinking about the food I had makes me want to have it again. But until I can manage to teleport, I won't be able to come back that often. Oh, and today I did notice a lot of bird poo on my car. Damn seagulls!
(5)DonRicardo H.
This place was GREAT, the service was excellent, the atmosphere is terrific, food was worth almost every penny. We were there during a crazy tsunami type storm, ducks floating around in the parking lot, if not for a hill & handicap parking we may have needed a canoe to get to the front door...Yet worth the drama indeed. I had a broiled seafood combo, Wife had stuffed trout...both excellent, even the bread was off the chain. A hot pumpernickel w dates & raisins & Cinnamon awesome. They are a tad pricey but it was worth it, just be prepared. Family Restaurant yet very romantic by the water seating. We'll be back !!!!
(5)Judy U.
Great service, everything ordered was plate licking delicious. The desserts were out of this world. Will definitely return in the near future.
(5)Rick S.
Four stars for location, three and a half for food. Sit on the porch at 7pm or so and watch the ducks and the sun set. Heaven.
(4)Bob N.
Great food any time. Best in area.
(4)Gullbritt M.
Staff very unfriendly and disinterested. And suprisingly few guests for a Saturday. We actually left after having waited for service. Give it another try? No!
(1)Mara D.
Found it on Yelp. thought we'd check it out. Nice atmosphere, views of the Bay. Attentive service (Kudos to Elisa, our waitress). Food was scrumptious! Had a bunch of appetizers; Calamari, Tuna Tartar, Shrimp Tempura, Crab Torte. Each better than the previous! The bread is uniquely delicious. Would definitely go back...
(4)Frank S.
This is the place in Kent Narrows if want good food, and if you get the right table a great view. Not just seafood either, interesting prep and always good.
(4)Neoindie A.
We went to this restaurant on our way back from queenstown outlets. The reviews looked good so we wanted to try it. Ate the crab soup, and grilled tuna salad. My sister ate some cod special they had. The crab soup was average although they claimed they won an award for it. The other 2 entrees were dismal. Tuna was frozen and grilled with no flavor and for an $19 lunch the portion was less than 3 ounces. The cod was average but the noodles and broth it came with was tasteless. Also beware they dont use Chesapeake bay crabs. All in all a 75 dollar lunch for 2 was a rip off. Instead of going here, go to fishermans inn or the crab deck which might not have good ambience but the food always was top notch. Serves us for not being loyal to our previous patrons.
(1)Grady M.
Excellent food and service. Nice marina view. More expensive than I was told. I ordered two crab cakes, but was told the price for only one. Be careful.
(4)Danielle W.
My coworkers and I were in the area visiting venues for a work-related activity, and the local small-business owner suggested that we stop at The Narrows for lunch before heading back to DC. She said "the cream of clam soup is the best!" BOY, was she right! We all ordered a cup of it and it came out very quickly - hot and ready! Even though the cup looks a bit on the small side, the soup is so thick and creamy that it fills you right up! Especially when dipping the warm, freshly-baked bread loaf slices into it. The chunks of crab were HUGE and melt-in-your-mouth tasty. I'm convinced I should have just ordered 3 or 4 of them and made that my entire meal! For lunch, we ordered a few sandwiches and a few of the seafood pasta daily special. Both were delicious! The seafood was fresh and colorful, the sandwich was warm and came with a choice of a few sides. We were also served more warm tasty bread! Also, our water glasses were never empty (nor were our other refillable drinks!) Even though a bit of construction was going on in the main dining hall (I believe the construction workers were running late that AM), we were still seated in the heated porch area which overlooked the beautiful frozen lake area. While it would have been nice to have less hammering and power tools, I understand that the restaurant really has no 'down time' to make the upgrades. I'd love to come back and see the finished product!
(4)Janée N.
First and foremost...fantastic service. Came in for an early dinner without a reservation and we were seated immediately with a great view. The waitstaff was exceptionally attentive and friendly. The food was great including my mushroom and crab risotto. The dessert was also yummy!
(5)Josh L.
For the money in this area, food was very average. I had crab cakes and they were ok but nowhere near as good as hoped. Was disappointed that there was no baked potato but only French fries or mashed. Fried green tomatoes had little flavor. For almost $100 for two, we expect more.
(2)Jamie C.
We stopped in here after an exhausting morning of outlet shopping this Thanksgiving weekend. The staff were attentive and friendly. Our food was expertly prepared and the views of the water from nearly every table in the place were beautiful. Lunch was a little pricey but in my opinion worth it, we were looking for an sit-down experience where we could relax and visit with family in a comfortable unhurried place. I imagine this spot is excellent for a romantic evening or a party.
(4)Mike A.
Beautiful view. Food was the very definition of meh. Perhaps I ordered wrong. The cream of crab was good. Not great. Worthy of 3*. The bread came with a dollop of butter in a PLASTIC CUP? Seriously? At a restaurant with cloth napkins? I'm not a snob, as I grew up in New England and love a good casual waterside seafood restaurant. My favorite lobster places have picnic tables covered in paper and they scoop the salt water for their boil out of the creek or ocean. So I ordered the three sliders. Kobe/Tuna/Crab Cake. The ingredients were pretty good and well prepared, but the rolls should have been thrown in the water a day ago. Literally fell apart because they were dried out. Ugh. I will try a different tourist trap next time.
(2)Nicole O.
Great Restaurant! We were on vacation and it was easy to find, just off the highway. The Narrows is on the water with a lovely enclosed patio for up-front water views. Our waitress was delightful, she was clever, attentive and had a great sense of humor! We had the mini crab cakes appetizer and the crab cakes were fresh, hot and 98% large lump crabmeat. Our meals were served promptly and were very tasty. We requested speedy service as we were on our way to a holiday weekend and we were served very quickly. We truly enjoyed the view and the friendly, professional staff and the upscale atmosphere. If you are near the Bay Bridge and want to have a good meal in a beautiful restaurant where the staff is actually happy to be there, please stop at the Narrows. Also, they will ship those tasty crab cakes to you ...just in case you get a craving.
(4)Michael R.
This is without question the finest restaurant on Maryland's Eastern Shore. A wide selection of top flight lunch & dinner selections. Any seafood item will be top quality but the crabcakes are the best you will find anywhere. Service is excellent and the waterfront views are as good as you will find in the Chesapeake Bay region.
(5)George C.
The Narrows is a nice place to grab a bite if you are in the Kent Island area. The crab cakes are very good. The food in general is a little pricey but not over the top expensive. My server was nice and knew the menu inside and out. Friendly too! The view is amazing so that it why I'm giving an extra star.
(4)Bill C.
One of our favorite restaurants on the entire East Coast. Two or three times a year we will drive from Pittsburgh to Kent Narrows and stay over night just to enjoy a couple of meals at The Narrows. Cream of Crab soup is to die for. ( We always bring home several quarts for the freezer. Everything on the menu is great; especially the crab cakes. Always several specials available. Beautiful waterfront setting.
(5)Megan C.
Yum! Beautiful view! Delicious crab gazpacho and narrows sliders were great. We stopped in due to traffic on the bridge.
(4)Max F.
This was an oddly mixed experience. The highs: Nice space with good view of the water, seated quickly despite having 8 people for Sunday brunch. The breakfast breads were excellent, and consisted of a combo platter of banana and cranberry walnut bread served with honey butter. The crab cakes were also amazing. Also, they make good, big bloody marys. The Lows: This is where things went down hill. After putting in our order, we had to wait about 40 minutes before the food appeared. What was going on during those 40 minutes? My guess is they were cooking the eggs since every single egg served came out overcooked and hard. There were probably 16 eggs between all of us, I could understand wrecking one or two but 16?? The Bottom Line: Despite having a lot of positives, I simply can't give a restaurant that screws up eggs more than 3 stars.
(3)Captain P.
Sadly this Kent Island institution is not what it used to be. Tired , bland food and bad drinks. Great location but could use an updated menu, clean dishes and a new modern chef. Skip this joint.
(1)Kate M.
Used to be a great restaurant. Hostess was UNBELIEVABLY rude. The seared tuna in the seared tuna salad was bad. The tune on the sliders was bad! Must have a new chef - they didn't even offer to take the charges off the bill How does any chef not know that the fish s/he is serving is rotten?
(1)ChaCha C.
I had read about the Narrows in Grasonville for a long time & always thought the accolades were too good to be true. When spending a long day on the eastern shore, it seemed a good time to finally try the Narrows Restaurant. It is very near the Bay Bridge & a convenient place - if you know where you are going. I did not & the GPS did not direct us right o it, but we still found it by simply looking around. The atmosphere was pretty basic - with the addition of a screened porch & many glass windows looking out onto the water. The bathrooms smelled like a locker room, which was a bad sign... The draft beer selection did not impress, so I ordered a soda- no free refills (lame). The crabcake was ordered by a few in my party. It did not impress. Someone else ordered a fish dish, which supposedly came with a salsa. The fish itself was tasteless and the salsa was 2 chopped vegetables. Someone else got sliders, which they were happy with. The fries were bad. Supposedly the crab soup is "award winning"-- but we did not get it, as it we had had a long HOT day in the sun...... All in all - this place was a wash. I would never go back, unless I just wanted to sit & look at the water while drinking a glass of water. There are many other places around it - I would hope at least one is better than this.
(2)Jim And Christina D.
Great food and atmosphere. The waiters are great no real complaints. The salmon was very good.
(4)Deborah N.
For my 300th review I would like to honor The Narrows. The Narrows has been a special occasion restaurant in my family for about 20 years. Most Mother's Days you will catch the entire Deb N. clan there. Mom, sis, nieces, nephews and assorted partners. They do a great brunch and also a wonderful lunch. The Narrows in located on Kent Narrows - how fun is that! Only about 15 minutes past Annapolis and you actually feel like you are halfway to the beach. Mmmmm vacation dining - the best. I recommend the crab cake and my more lactose-tolerant relatives dig the cream of crab soup. But really, everything's great, even the beef dishes. Not cheap, but you can do sandwiches for lunch which makes it affordable. Also open for dinner but I have never been there for dinner. The restaurant is located right by a dock so you can take an after meal stroll right onto the dock and pick which boat you will buy when you win the lottery! One note: Sadly they do not have any outdoor seating, per se. But they do have a nice porch with screens, I believe. Make sure you call for a reservation so you can get the seating you want!
(5)Alex B.
I was very close to giving The Narrows 5 stars. I knocked off one star for price as I think the food should be a little less expensive. HOWEVER, the food (appetizers and entree's) were very good. We got the smoked salmon "wonton". I put wonton in quotes because it's not a traditional wonton. It's a like a fried wonton flattened. It was very delicious though with the dill sauce. My wife had the crab cakes and I had the petite filet and crabcake combo. It was all wonderful, as were the sides. The dining room was very open, which gave it an ordinary feel, but the lights were dimmed, giving the impression they were trying to be a fine dining restaurant. That's where the confusion comes in. This is a personal discrepancy as I equate fine dining to more private seating rather than an open dining room. Or at least spread the tables a little further apart. Even with the prices, we'd still go back. The service was excellent as was the food. With those two things, I can overlook the price of it. If you're planning a date night, I highly recommend it. As a side note, I also put this place at 4 stars due to the dirtiness of the men's restroom. I had to clean the seat before using it as it was covered in a substance I care not to mention. If you're trying to be fine dining, renovate the bathrooms and keep them clean. If you're not trying to be fine dining, lower the prices and just keep the bathroom clean.
(4)Shanan M.
The food was very good, the setting was amazing and the wine selection was good. The fish was fresh and the steaks were very juicy. This place is worth the trip
(5)Judy F.
We stopped on the way home from OC. Excellent restaurant. My salmon was perfectly cooked, Dave loved his beef medallion. Potsticker spicy edamame appetizer also great
(5)Libby F.
What a great find! Actually, I have my friend Mary Lou to thank for pointing me to this place. If you want to dine at place that's serene and classy, not a crab shack, then come here. First off, ask to sit in the covered patio area. You'll have a pleasant view of the waters off Kent Narrows. Secondly, order the Cream of Crab soup. It is a bit pricey at $6.95 for a cup, but oh sooo good! It is full of big, sweet chunks of crab meat. Plus, they offer you sherry to drizzle in. You'll never buy crab soup in a can again after experiencing this soup. I had the Crab Tart from the appetizer menu, but it is really more like a thin crusted pizza. It was bigger than I expected, and at $12.50, it is cheaper than some individual pizzas I've had at some other restaurants in DC. The Crab Tart consists of Feta, Provolone, spinach pieces, diced tomatoes and best of all, huge lumps of fresh white crab meat. Lots of it too! The fried oysters (today's were from Chincoteague) were very good too. On the lunch menu they are $15.50 and you get at least ten plump, tender pieces. The Narrows is a great place to dine. It's right on the way home to DC from your ocean getaway. It makes for a great break and a satisfied appetite.
(5)Gwynedd D.
This is an excellent place for traditional fare such as crab cakes, a bit expensive but the food was served hot (which is my main complaint of many places today--cold food left on the hot lamps.) The food was more or less well-presented and the crab cakes were as good as they come in the Eastern Shore; full of fresh lump crabmeat. I was a bit surprised that the "sides" consist of the usual fish fry house coleslaw, french fries, but they did have mashed potatoes and green beans. The green beans were fresh, they were cooked properly (lightly blanched, not raw and covered in butter to pretend they were cooked.) The menu is a bit limited (steak, crab cake, fried oysters, crab imperial, chicken) the salads were pedestrian (bagged leathery lettuce, the new American standard) but it is a the place to go for a more upscale dinner and the crab did not disappoint. No espresso to end the meal but the coffee was superb, fresh, aromatic and just right. Nothing for vegetarians, beware. The enclosed porch was nice and warm, in fact a bit too warm on a fifty-five degree night but the view was lovely and you can watch the boats coming into the marina as you eat. Normally I shun a restaurant with a water view (because they don't have to try as hard) but this one is well worth it. The service was attentive, if a bit amateurish. (You don't grab across a diner to fill a water glass and our order was not correct, either. But we decided to keep it as it looked fantastic. There is a crabcake DINNER --2 large cakes, and a broiled crab cake lighter meal, make sure you are clear on which one you are ordering.) However, the waiter was cheerful and left us be when we had come to the coffee stage of the meal--good young man. As to the rest of the staff, nothing said as we exited, which I think shows a slight lack of attention to the clients. It would not do in Europe or a big US city but I suppose it passes on the Maryland Eastern Shore, I'd say the food is well-prepared but not culinarily complex, the atmosphere is classic and the ambiance is very pleasant and upscale. You can take your mom here on Mother's Day and it's a safe bet for clients who eat fish or steak. Good parking, easy to get to from Route 50. Summary; safe bet.
(4)Shanan M.
The food was very good, the setting was amazing and the wine selection was good. The fish was fresh and the steaks were very juicy. This place is worth the trip
(5)Judy F.
We stopped on the way home from OC. Excellent restaurant. My salmon was perfectly cooked, Dave loved his beef medallion. Potsticker spicy edamame appetizer also great
(5)Libby F.
What a great find! Actually, I have my friend Mary Lou to thank for pointing me to this place. If you want to dine at place that's serene and classy, not a crab shack, then come here. First off, ask to sit in the covered patio area. You'll have a pleasant view of the waters off Kent Narrows. Secondly, order the Cream of Crab soup. It is a bit pricey at $6.95 for a cup, but oh sooo good! It is full of big, sweet chunks of crab meat. Plus, they offer you sherry to drizzle in. You'll never buy crab soup in a can again after experiencing this soup. I had the Crab Tart from the appetizer menu, but it is really more like a thin crusted pizza. It was bigger than I expected, and at $12.50, it is cheaper than some individual pizzas I've had at some other restaurants in DC. The Crab Tart consists of Feta, Provolone, spinach pieces, diced tomatoes and best of all, huge lumps of fresh white crab meat. Lots of it too! The fried oysters (today's were from Chincoteague) were very good too. On the lunch menu they are $15.50 and you get at least ten plump, tender pieces. The Narrows is a great place to dine. It's right on the way home to DC from your ocean getaway. It makes for a great break and a satisfied appetite.
(5)Michael M.
I have only had one other meal front to back that went as well as this one did. When we came in I have to admit I was nervous despite how friendly the staff was as there was no one at the desk to seat us... BUT we were greeted and asked where we would like to sit inside or out on the covered porch over looking the bay... Where would you sit?! We chose the porch as it was a bright sunny day and the a nice breeze coming in. We started with the cream of crab soup.. which I like to describe as so creamy it was like eating crab pudding which is a good thing for this cream of crab! They give you a side of sherry to mix if you want the creamy texture but to cut the overly heavy feeling. AMAZING... Then we had the crab tart... this is more like a crab flat bread and it was INCREDIBLE. I could have ordered three more of these and had this as my entree but the menu looked so good... After starting out the meal like this we were unsure of how the rest would go but we were already happy. I ordered the Crab Risotto and my beautiful wife had the Shad Roe special... both were OUT OF THE WORLD! Perfectly presented and absolutely the right portion. If you come here and order the Risotto be prepared for the roasted red pepper sauce on the plate.. it's one of those things you could eat a bowl of by itself! Continuing our delightful road trip to flavor town (yes I stole that from Guy Fieri) we ordered the Bananas Foster made the real way with Goslings Dark Rum and brown sugar then accompanied with a perfectly made puff pastry and tons of banana and just the right amount of vanilla ice cream. This place is beyond worth the $2.50 toll to come across the bridge! If you are planning a nice drive out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and you DON'T stop here... you are missing a treasure among treasures let me promise that!!!
(5)Donna H.
My husband and I stopped here for lunch on our way from Bethany Beach to Cumberland -- wow, we were very impressed -- first with the setting (on the covered patio overlooking the water) and then with the food. We started our meal with iced tea and a basket of warm ciabatta rolls. Next came a cup of their outstanding cream of crab soup -- velvety, rich, redolent of crab essence and nice chunks of lump crab -- I wish I had gotten a bowl instead of a cup. We both had crab cakes for our entree -- there is only one crab cake per entree, but it has virtually no filler and is not overly seasoned, so you really taste the crab. The cole slaw and tartar sauce accompanying the crab cake were also excellent. Being native Marylanders who now live in Southern California, we try to get our fill of blue crab dishes (steamed, soft shells, crab cakes, soup -- you name it) anytime we get back "home," and The Narrows came through for us with flying colors!!! We're already looking forward to our next meal there over the Christmas holidays.
(5)Ashley N.
I can't say enough great things about this place. I've been here with family and I've been here with friends and their babies. They are accommodating to the max. Their cream of crab soup is the best in the entire world. I kid you not. Looking at it, it doesn't look as so but if you taste it, you will love it. We've had steak sandwiches, fried oysters, salads and more from this menu and it's all delicious. Fresh too. The views are spectacular, especially if you sit on the enclosed balcony. You're sitting on the water but with the perk of AC. The servers are accommodating and always are around to help. Love it here!
(5)Haneen S.
I'm giving this place 4 stars for the atmosphere and location, but the food was mediocre and overpriced. My bf and I were driving to Ocean City for an off-season weekend getaway and decided to make a stop for dinner because we would be arriving late to our hotel. Again - the ambiance was great - upscale just on the verge of being stuffy. Could tell this was a place that a lot of locals enjoy. The service was good - but we did end up waiting a while between courses. The bread was nice and warm - we only tried the dark bread with walnuts and raisins but it was very tasty. We also ordered the mini crab cakes as a appetizer - which tasted fresh, but probably on par with most crab in the area. We each got salads with our entrees - I got the house salad with tomato vinaigrette and my boyfriend got the Caesar salad. Both salads were mediocre although the tomato vinaigrette was refreshing - a little on the sweet side though. My boyfriend ordered the mini filet and crabcake. The steak was actually very good and was served with a demi sauce and bernaise. Again - the crabcake was as expected. Entrees come with a side of potatoes and veggies but he opted for two veggies-coleslaw and green beans which were unremarkable. My entree on the other hand was pretty bad - the herb crusted flounder was the special of the day and the portion was small and the fish was bland - I didn't taste the herbs at all. It was served over a butternut squash risotto which was cold and overcooked and also bland. We also ordered the fried green tomatoes because I'm a southern girl at heart, but these were disappointing - the batter was flat and oddly flavored - competing with the fresh flavor of the tomatoes. Overall this place has a great ambiance and I bet if you sit on the patio during the summer, it's worth the price, but for an off-season seafood meal, the food was underwhelming and not worth the price.
(4)Virginia B.
Five stars isn't enough! Their cream of crab soup is incredible. It's worth the long drive from Washington just for that one thing. My husband gets a cup of it and a crabcake (also delish) but I get a whole bowl of it and a small salad to pretend I'm being healthy. It seems to be nothing but cream, butter, crab meat, and sherry. I'm swooning, just thinking about it!
(5)Bunny P.
We went to The Narrows after reading positive reviews from fellow Yelpers but we were completely unimpressed with our meals. Every dish we ordered was bland, very, very bland. The fried oysters, crab cakes, fried shrimp, oyster caesar, all tasteless. The stuffed clams were borderline terrible. On the positive side, the service was very good and the view is terrific.
(1)Jenny C.
My family and I have eaten here for years. One of the best restaurants in Maryland. I've eaten nearly everything on the menu and everything is really good. Known for their crab cake and cream of crab soup easily the best in the country.
(5)t m.
Cream of crab soup, mussels and crab cakes were fantastic. Steak, while cooked perfectly, had little taste. Stick with the seafood and dress cool as they keep it pretty warm. Great night with the wife.
(4)Craig H.
My first sign this visit wasn't going to be great. We walked in to the entrance and stoop before the host stand. A server walked by completely oblivious to our standing there. Ben she walked by again. Then a server walked by. No acknowledgement. Eventually the host arrived and brought us to a table. This general disinterest continued through the meal. The server seemed uninterested. The food was good but hardly prepared with flair. And 70 bucks later we left. Harris crab house remains the place to beat.
(3)Rob B.
So beautiful with a COMPLETE REMOEL!! Can it be, but everything even taste better. The CREAM OF CRAB SOUP cannot be out done. Get the sherry to thin it down to ultimate deliciousness. Wonderful hospitality, this gem has been re-shined, and deserves another look.
(4)Nancy M.
The view from the enclosed porch is beautiful. We enjoyed a delicious meal and exceptional service. The menu offers a lot of different options, but the crab cakes and cream of crab soup are the stars!
(5)Dave G.
My wife and I went here after reading all the glowing reviews. Maybe they were having an off night, but we weren't terribly impressed. The service was great, the ambiance was charming, the food was mediocre and the portions were small for the price. We were told that all of the tables in the enclosed porch were reserved, so we were seated in the main dining area. The porch was about 25% full when we arrived, and maybe 50% full when we left.
(3)Jonathan C.
My friend George recommended this place and we hit it on the way back from Rehoboth to DC. This place is fantastic. Got a seat right on the water, and the food we got was delicious. My friend got a crab torte (basically a white pizza on thin crust with crab) and I got some seared ahi tuna in a salad. Both were great. Everything was fantastic. Only weird thing was that we waited at the front waiting for someone to notice us and seat us for a bit of a while, which was strange, but no big deal. Food came out quickly, too, which was nice.
(5)Dwight S.
we would definitely come back. Pretty good. This is the nicest place that we tried for crab and seafood. A little pricier than the neighbors, but worth it.
(4)Neoindie A.
We went to this restaurant on our way back from queenstown outlets. The reviews looked good so we wanted to try it. Ate the crab soup, and grilled tuna salad. My sister ate some cod special they had. The crab soup was average although they claimed they won an award for it. The other 2 entrees were dismal. Tuna was frozen and grilled with no flavor and for an $19 lunch the portion was less than 3 ounces. The cod was average but the noodles and broth it came with was tasteless. Also beware they dont use Chesapeake bay crabs. All in all a 75 dollar lunch for 2 was a rip off. Instead of going here, go to fishermans inn or the crab deck which might not have good ambience but the food always was top notch. Serves us for not being loyal to our previous patrons.
(1)Grady M.
Excellent food and service. Nice marina view. More expensive than I was told. I ordered two crab cakes, but was told the price for only one. Be careful.
(4)Danielle W.
My coworkers and I were in the area visiting venues for a work-related activity, and the local small-business owner suggested that we stop at The Narrows for lunch before heading back to DC. She said "the cream of clam soup is the best!" BOY, was she right! We all ordered a cup of it and it came out very quickly - hot and ready! Even though the cup looks a bit on the small side, the soup is so thick and creamy that it fills you right up! Especially when dipping the warm, freshly-baked bread loaf slices into it. The chunks of crab were HUGE and melt-in-your-mouth tasty. I'm convinced I should have just ordered 3 or 4 of them and made that my entire meal! For lunch, we ordered a few sandwiches and a few of the seafood pasta daily special. Both were delicious! The seafood was fresh and colorful, the sandwich was warm and came with a choice of a few sides. We were also served more warm tasty bread! Also, our water glasses were never empty (nor were our other refillable drinks!) Even though a bit of construction was going on in the main dining hall (I believe the construction workers were running late that AM), we were still seated in the heated porch area which overlooked the beautiful frozen lake area. While it would have been nice to have less hammering and power tools, I understand that the restaurant really has no 'down time' to make the upgrades. I'd love to come back and see the finished product!
(4)Nicole O.
Great Restaurant! We were on vacation and it was easy to find, just off the highway. The Narrows is on the water with a lovely enclosed patio for up-front water views. Our waitress was delightful, she was clever, attentive and had a great sense of humor! We had the mini crab cakes appetizer and the crab cakes were fresh, hot and 98% large lump crabmeat. Our meals were served promptly and were very tasty. We requested speedy service as we were on our way to a holiday weekend and we were served very quickly. We truly enjoyed the view and the friendly, professional staff and the upscale atmosphere. If you are near the Bay Bridge and want to have a good meal in a beautiful restaurant where the staff is actually happy to be there, please stop at the Narrows. Also, they will ship those tasty crab cakes to you ...just in case you get a craving.
(4)k c.
My wife and I took our elderly mother and our niece out to dinner at The Narrows. We've had bad meals before but are always willing to return to restaurants after some time has passed because there can be improvements depending on who is running things. To start, our mojitos had black mint ground up in them. An unforgivable, but common, sin in bars and restaurants. You let your mint sprigs wilt and turn black and then you actually use them in drinks that cost over eight dollars? What kind of business are you running? Our food was only mediocre. The server was polite. The deserts were terrible. If I get an ice cube sized chunk of ice in my freezer-burned ice cream, and the sundae costs almost seven dollars, again I ask, what kind of business are you running? Gorgeous view, but the restaurant needs to rethink its place in the world of quality food and drink.
(1)Gullbritt M.
Staff very unfriendly and disinterested. And suprisingly few guests for a Saturday. We actually left after having waited for service. Give it another try? No!
(1)Mara D.
Found it on Yelp. thought we'd check it out. Nice atmosphere, views of the Bay. Attentive service (Kudos to Elisa, our waitress). Food was scrumptious! Had a bunch of appetizers; Calamari, Tuna Tartar, Shrimp Tempura, Crab Torte. Each better than the previous! The bread is uniquely delicious. Would definitely go back...
(4)Frank S.
This is the place in Kent Narrows if want good food, and if you get the right table a great view. Not just seafood either, interesting prep and always good.
(4)Chris N.
The best the Eastern Shore has, food and service are impeccable. Highly recommend
(5)Esther Z.
The food was good but not exceptional. I wish I had tried one of the specials for the day instead of a regular menu entree. Our plan was to go to anther nearby favorite but it was still closed, reopening in the spring. We were hungry so decided to try this place. In the same situation, I would make the same decision and select one of the daily specials. The view, on the other hand, is exceptional! The view from the bar area looks out toward the water also. There was 1 man eating at the bar with a full view of the bar. Hot Dang! He had a private dining room w/ bartender.
(3)Darrell K.
As you drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into the Eastern Shore, the first thing you noticed is that all food places are your standard chain places. Disappointing. Until you drive across the Kent Narrows Bridge, then you realize, oh goody, a non-chain place, right on the Bay in the middle of the marina. Great location. Good food. Very friendly service. If I drive to the Eastern Shore again, I can see me coming back here.
(3)Alan R.
We just love this restaurant. The staff is always friendly and the food reliably good. They have daily specials that are a great addition to the varied menu. Reasonably priced even though it is located right on the water. We love their crab cakes and their light supper menu is great before heading back to the city on Sunday.
(4)Janée N.
First and foremost...fantastic service. Came in for an early dinner without a reservation and we were seated immediately with a great view. The waitstaff was exceptionally attentive and friendly. The food was great including my mushroom and crab risotto. The dessert was also yummy!
(5)Jamie C.
We stopped in here after an exhausting morning of outlet shopping this Thanksgiving weekend. The staff were attentive and friendly. Our food was expertly prepared and the views of the water from nearly every table in the place were beautiful. Lunch was a little pricey but in my opinion worth it, we were looking for an sit-down experience where we could relax and visit with family in a comfortable unhurried place. I imagine this spot is excellent for a romantic evening or a party.
(4)Mike A.
Beautiful view. Food was the very definition of meh. Perhaps I ordered wrong. The cream of crab was good. Not great. Worthy of 3*. The bread came with a dollop of butter in a PLASTIC CUP? Seriously? At a restaurant with cloth napkins? I'm not a snob, as I grew up in New England and love a good casual waterside seafood restaurant. My favorite lobster places have picnic tables covered in paper and they scoop the salt water for their boil out of the creek or ocean. So I ordered the three sliders. Kobe/Tuna/Crab Cake. The ingredients were pretty good and well prepared, but the rolls should have been thrown in the water a day ago. Literally fell apart because they were dried out. Ugh. I will try a different tourist trap next time.
(2)John G. W.
We made a quick day trip last weekend from Silver Spring (a little less than an hour's drive) for a very nice lunch. I decided to move away from seafood, and try the 'Black & Blue Steak Sandwich', which was terrific. Tasty strips of steak, covered with melted blue cheese, on a half of a baguette. Very nice flavor. With the winter sun low in the southern sky, it was a little warm at our table on the porch, so we moved inside for an equally pleasant view.
(5)Gwynedd D.
This is an excellent place for traditional fare such as crab cakes, a bit expensive but the food was served hot (which is my main complaint of many places today--cold food left on the hot lamps.) The food was more or less well-presented and the crab cakes were as good as they come in the Eastern Shore; full of fresh lump crabmeat. I was a bit surprised that the "sides" consist of the usual fish fry house coleslaw, french fries, but they did have mashed potatoes and green beans. The green beans were fresh, they were cooked properly (lightly blanched, not raw and covered in butter to pretend they were cooked.) The menu is a bit limited (steak, crab cake, fried oysters, crab imperial, chicken) the salads were pedestrian (bagged leathery lettuce, the new American standard) but it is a the place to go for a more upscale dinner and the crab did not disappoint. No espresso to end the meal but the coffee was superb, fresh, aromatic and just right. Nothing for vegetarians, beware. The enclosed porch was nice and warm, in fact a bit too warm on a fifty-five degree night but the view was lovely and you can watch the boats coming into the marina as you eat. Normally I shun a restaurant with a water view (because they don't have to try as hard) but this one is well worth it. The service was attentive, if a bit amateurish. (You don't grab across a diner to fill a water glass and our order was not correct, either. But we decided to keep it as it looked fantastic. There is a crabcake DINNER --2 large cakes, and a broiled crab cake lighter meal, make sure you are clear on which one you are ordering.) However, the waiter was cheerful and left us be when we had come to the coffee stage of the meal--good young man. As to the rest of the staff, nothing said as we exited, which I think shows a slight lack of attention to the clients. It would not do in Europe or a big US city but I suppose it passes on the Maryland Eastern Shore, I'd say the food is well-prepared but not culinarily complex, the atmosphere is classic and the ambiance is very pleasant and upscale. You can take your mom here on Mother's Day and it's a safe bet for clients who eat fish or steak. Good parking, easy to get to from Route 50. Summary; safe bet.
(4)Victoria Z.
We had such a wonderful experience at The Narrows. The service was above and beyond friendly. Even though it was a rainy and dreary night we still managed to get a bit of the view of the water while eating in the heated patio area. My rosemary chicken was to die for!
(5)Sheila C.
Food was good and for that area its hard to find good food. View is great. Not gourmet but good.
(4)Michael R.
This is without question the finest restaurant on Maryland's Eastern Shore. A wide selection of top flight lunch & dinner selections. Any seafood item will be top quality but the crabcakes are the best you will find anywhere. Service is excellent and the waterfront views are as good as you will find in the Chesapeake Bay region.
(5)George C.
The Narrows is a nice place to grab a bite if you are in the Kent Island area. The crab cakes are very good. The food in general is a little pricey but not over the top expensive. My server was nice and knew the menu inside and out. Friendly too! The view is amazing so that it why I'm giving an extra star.
(4)Bill C.
One of our favorite restaurants on the entire East Coast. Two or three times a year we will drive from Pittsburgh to Kent Narrows and stay over night just to enjoy a couple of meals at The Narrows. Cream of Crab soup is to die for. ( We always bring home several quarts for the freezer. Everything on the menu is great; especially the crab cakes. Always several specials available. Beautiful waterfront setting.
(5)Megan C.
Yum! Beautiful view! Delicious crab gazpacho and narrows sliders were great. We stopped in due to traffic on the bridge.
(4)Josh L.
For the money in this area, food was very average. I had crab cakes and they were ok but nowhere near as good as hoped. Was disappointed that there was no baked potato but only French fries or mashed. Fried green tomatoes had little flavor. For almost $100 for two, we expect more.
(2)Max F.
This was an oddly mixed experience. The highs: Nice space with good view of the water, seated quickly despite having 8 people for Sunday brunch. The breakfast breads were excellent, and consisted of a combo platter of banana and cranberry walnut bread served with honey butter. The crab cakes were also amazing. Also, they make good, big bloody marys. The Lows: This is where things went down hill. After putting in our order, we had to wait about 40 minutes before the food appeared. What was going on during those 40 minutes? My guess is they were cooking the eggs since every single egg served came out overcooked and hard. There were probably 16 eggs between all of us, I could understand wrecking one or two but 16?? The Bottom Line: Despite having a lot of positives, I simply can't give a restaurant that screws up eggs more than 3 stars.
(3)Captain P.
Sadly this Kent Island institution is not what it used to be. Tired , bland food and bad drinks. Great location but could use an updated menu, clean dishes and a new modern chef. Skip this joint.
(1)Kate M.
Used to be a great restaurant. Hostess was UNBELIEVABLY rude. The seared tuna in the seared tuna salad was bad. The tune on the sliders was bad! Must have a new chef - they didn't even offer to take the charges off the bill How does any chef not know that the fish s/he is serving is rotten?
(1)ChaCha C.
I had read about the Narrows in Grasonville for a long time & always thought the accolades were too good to be true. When spending a long day on the eastern shore, it seemed a good time to finally try the Narrows Restaurant. It is very near the Bay Bridge & a convenient place - if you know where you are going. I did not & the GPS did not direct us right o it, but we still found it by simply looking around. The atmosphere was pretty basic - with the addition of a screened porch & many glass windows looking out onto the water. The bathrooms smelled like a locker room, which was a bad sign... The draft beer selection did not impress, so I ordered a soda- no free refills (lame). The crabcake was ordered by a few in my party. It did not impress. Someone else ordered a fish dish, which supposedly came with a salsa. The fish itself was tasteless and the salsa was 2 chopped vegetables. Someone else got sliders, which they were happy with. The fries were bad. Supposedly the crab soup is "award winning"-- but we did not get it, as it we had had a long HOT day in the sun...... All in all - this place was a wash. I would never go back, unless I just wanted to sit & look at the water while drinking a glass of water. There are many other places around it - I would hope at least one is better than this.
(2)Jim And Christina D.
Great food and atmosphere. The waiters are great no real complaints. The salmon was very good.
(4)Deborah N.
For my 300th review I would like to honor The Narrows. The Narrows has been a special occasion restaurant in my family for about 20 years. Most Mother's Days you will catch the entire Deb N. clan there. Mom, sis, nieces, nephews and assorted partners. They do a great brunch and also a wonderful lunch. The Narrows in located on Kent Narrows - how fun is that! Only about 15 minutes past Annapolis and you actually feel like you are halfway to the beach. Mmmmm vacation dining - the best. I recommend the crab cake and my more lactose-tolerant relatives dig the cream of crab soup. But really, everything's great, even the beef dishes. Not cheap, but you can do sandwiches for lunch which makes it affordable. Also open for dinner but I have never been there for dinner. The restaurant is located right by a dock so you can take an after meal stroll right onto the dock and pick which boat you will buy when you win the lottery! One note: Sadly they do not have any outdoor seating, per se. But they do have a nice porch with screens, I believe. Make sure you call for a reservation so you can get the seating you want!
(5)Alex B.
I was very close to giving The Narrows 5 stars. I knocked off one star for price as I think the food should be a little less expensive. HOWEVER, the food (appetizers and entree's) were very good. We got the smoked salmon "wonton". I put wonton in quotes because it's not a traditional wonton. It's a like a fried wonton flattened. It was very delicious though with the dill sauce. My wife had the crab cakes and I had the petite filet and crabcake combo. It was all wonderful, as were the sides. The dining room was very open, which gave it an ordinary feel, but the lights were dimmed, giving the impression they were trying to be a fine dining restaurant. That's where the confusion comes in. This is a personal discrepancy as I equate fine dining to more private seating rather than an open dining room. Or at least spread the tables a little further apart. Even with the prices, we'd still go back. The service was excellent as was the food. With those two things, I can overlook the price of it. If you're planning a date night, I highly recommend it. As a side note, I also put this place at 4 stars due to the dirtiness of the men's restroom. I had to clean the seat before using it as it was covered in a substance I care not to mention. If you're trying to be fine dining, renovate the bathrooms and keep them clean. If you're not trying to be fine dining, lower the prices and just keep the bathroom clean.
(4)David W.
Love it. Gazpacho with crab meat was the second best I've ever had, my mother's still rules. You test a seafood restaurant by the Oysters. On the half shell they should be plump, fresh and clean. If fried, the should squirt in your mouth. YES and YES. We've been there a few times and love it. It looks local and everyone that walked in the last time we were there seemed to know everyone else. Another good test of a seafood restaurant. It's worth the time, even after waiting to cross the bridge.
(4)Elizabeth S.
I came here because I wanted to try a place that wasn't loud and obnoxious and this seemed to be the only nice restaurant in the area that had amazing reviews. When I walked in, I looked over the menu and noted they really had nothing vegetarian besides a salad, and I was in the mood for something a little more than a salad. I asked the host (who I think was either the manager or owner as well) if they had any vegetarian options that were not on the menu and, if not, would they be willing to prepare something for me. Ffwd: they were totally willing to prepare something for me and, actually, do have a vegetarian dish, however it is no longer on the menu. I attribute this to the fact that it's a heavy seafood area and the dish probably wasn't all that popular. The service was spectacular - very attentive, but not overly so. I asked if the Black Bean soup had meat in it and the waitress told me that it didn't but was made with chicken stock - they know their stuff here! They have a 'no cell phones' policy (which I always appreciate), however that's just for talking. I was eating alone so I spent the entire time doing emails and work stuff; they didn't say anything to me. They brought out some bread, however I wish they had brought out a little more than 2 tiny pieces as I was starving, and a salad with a tomato basil vinaigrette (which came as part of my entree). The dressing was delicious, the salad was standard. Then came the veggie plate - they truly put some thought into this. A fire roasted yellow bell pepper stuffed with sauteed spinach surrounded by steamed asparagus stalks, seasoned and sauteed green beans, and a veggie medley with yellow and red bell pepper and mushrooms. All of it was seasoned perfectly except for the asparagus, which were a little bland, so I asked for some more dressing for them, which they brought to me happily at no extra charge. So! They get 5 stars for their service and location, but they get docked one star for their lack of vegetarian options on the menu (at least some pasta?). However, after I add another star for their willingness to prepare something special for me, they end up at a solid 4.5 star round up to 5 :). Also, the veggie entree not on the menu was about $18.00, but a lot more filling than you would think veggies could ever be!
(5)Mark E.
The Narrows is a nice seafood restaurant with a traditional menu and ambiance. It was surprisingly busy for lunch on a winter weekday, which was a good sign. Service was prompt and pleasant. The food, though unimaginative, was tasty if you like Maryland seafood. Lunch portions are not immense and the prices were not out of line - both nice touches in a weak economy.
(4)Adam M.
Ate in the bar area at a table. Was in a hurry--told the hostess that I neeeded something quick. She recommended the crabcakes, which we both ordered. They came out within about 15 minutes and were delicious--mostly juicy crabmeat with very little filler. The side of green beans was tasty as was the side of fries my dad ordered. The price was about $40 with tip and drinks (can't remember exactly). Minus a star for smallish portions on the crabcakes--but maybe that's b/c crab is so expensive and the rest of the portion sizes are otherwise generous. Who knows? Would definitely return though.
(4)Ashley S.
We found love...at this Restaurant! The Narrows had our back when we needed them most. They are the perfect mid-distance stop during a drive to the beaches in Delaware. We had been looking forward to our yearly outing to Bethany Beach, and we had just made it across the bay bridge when our car threatened to shut down. We pulled over, and to our dismay, decided it would be best to turn around. But first, we needed to get some dinner. We pulled over onto kent narrows, and our car literally shut itself off right in front of the narrows. Must have been fate. We walked in and were immediately greeted by warm, friendly hostesses. All seats look out at a gorgeous view of the bay, which was a lovely sight to see even if we couldn't make it all the way to our beach front destination. We started off with the classic first course of house salad. The onion to tomato ratio was perfect. The salads were quite heavily soaked in dressing (which tasted excellent), however, so you might wanna ask for it on the side. Our next course featured lemon and rosemary chicken, coated in a fresh layer of peas, which hit the spot. In addition, I ordered parmesan crusted salmon with mashed potatoes and spinach. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the mashed potatoes were unlike any I have ever seen. They were elegantly presented and tasted like fluffy, potato-y pieces of heaven. To end our surprisingly enjoyable evening, we splurged on a creamy, rich hot fudge sundae and white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, both of which were the perfect touch to our meal. The whole dining experience was well worth the $30/person price. They really turned our night around. Big bonus: freshly baked bread, free refills on soft drinks, and a very attractive busboy. Highly recommend to all who can spend the time.
(5)Cyrus T.
Wow! Awesome find. Yelped this place at the last second while looking for a place to stop for lunch. Waterside open bright seafood restaurant with a very well-done homestyle menu of fresh seafood and some other things. Took the waitresses recommendation of cream of crab soup, which was exquisite. Rich and really special. They specialize in crab cakes but I wanted to get a bit more variety so I went with the slider (mini-burger) plate, which was delightful. The tuna slider was fresh, served medium rare, with a wasabi aioli and wakame salad (in place of lettuce on the actual slider). What a fantastic idea....this probably tipped them from a 4 star to a 5. The plate also had a nice mini-crabcake slider and a bison slider and was served with frizzled onions. Really just a refreshing, bright, homey place with a great, thoughtful menu and very fresh, high quality food. I spent $20 or so for everything before tip, which was well worth it. Enjoy!
(5)Allan N.
My aunt and uncle were going back to California today so my dad wanted to take them and my grandparents out to dinner. My grandfather loves seafood, so let's go to The Narrows. Is there a problem? Only that it's one hour and fifteen minutes away Fairfax when there is no traffic. Of course it was 6PM on a Tuesday. No one else will be on 66, 495, or 50 right? So it took over an hour and a half to get here. The waitress was quick with our drink orders and brought out some fresh out of the oven bread. Our appetizers (crab dip and calamari) were great. I ordered the petite filet and crabcake entree. The filet was cooked perfectly. I'd have to say it was one of the best I've had in recent memory. It was so tender and tasty. The crabcake was superb as well. Thinking about the food I had makes me want to have it again. But until I can manage to teleport, I won't be able to come back that often. Oh, and today I did notice a lot of bird poo on my car. Damn seagulls!
(5)DonRicardo H.
This place was GREAT, the service was excellent, the atmosphere is terrific, food was worth almost every penny. We were there during a crazy tsunami type storm, ducks floating around in the parking lot, if not for a hill & handicap parking we may have needed a canoe to get to the front door...Yet worth the drama indeed. I had a broiled seafood combo, Wife had stuffed trout...both excellent, even the bread was off the chain. A hot pumpernickel w dates & raisins & Cinnamon awesome. They are a tad pricey but it was worth it, just be prepared. Family Restaurant yet very romantic by the water seating. We'll be back !!!!
(5)Judy U.
Great service, everything ordered was plate licking delicious. The desserts were out of this world. Will definitely return in the near future.
(5)Rick S.
Four stars for location, three and a half for food. Sit on the porch at 7pm or so and watch the ducks and the sun set. Heaven.
(4)Bob N.
Great food any time. Best in area.
(4)David S.
We have never had any problems at The Narrows. Food and service are always great. Nice views as well.
(5)Paul L.
The GREAT SERVICE is what stood out the most, the food was great but the service was even better. Started with a very good cream of crab soup and as soon as that was done our salads were there, a very good wedge of iceberg with blue cheese for me and my wife had the house salad with a vinaigrette dressing she really liked. When our salads were done our dinners were ready. I really enjoyed my lump crab cake and my wife liked her shrimp scampi. We would certainly go back. It was dark when we were there so we did not get to enjoy the water view, but had a very nice atmosphere.
(5)Abraham B.
The food here is excellent. The wait time on carry out is mixed. Sometimes it is half n hour longer than they expect. If I have time and money to spare, I wouldn't hesitate to make a reservation.
(4)Heidi B.
Always go here when visiting my sister in the area. I have always had a great meal here! Always! Love to sit on the enclosed patio which is glassed in. Also just tried eating in the bar area....it was great (try the Parmesan fries!) every meal including desserts yummy! All the servers very friendly. Highly recommend!
(5)Elizabeth H.
Slow service and the worst cioppino I've ever had. The waitress promised us 6 each oysters Rockefeller and oyster imperial for our apps, but they came with 5 and 4, respectively. The lobster special cooked in a sherry cream sauce was far too rich. The cioppino broth tasted like watered down tomato soup. The tomatoes in it were canned. The shrimp were overlooked and tough. Absolutely disgusting.
(1)Heather S.
This place is excellent. And if you are lucky you can grab the water front bar table, that is just a few seats that are at the window directly facing the water. Cream of crab was great, sweet and silky. Crab cake was excellent, event the next day for leftovers. They had a grilled oyster last night with tomatoes, white wine and Parmesan that was excellent. The Cioppino was pretty good the fish was great, and most of the seafood, but some of it was just good and other pieces were delicious. Great wine selection and bar. And the best was the service. Everyone was super kind. I think this place will be a frequent destination for a day trip. (note all of the food may have tasted even better bc it was just after a 30 mile bike loop through st. michaels.)
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