You’re walking down Ferry Street in New Hope, the sun is starting to dip behind the Pennsylvania hills, and you see it. A bright yellow house perched right on the edge of the Delaware River. That’s Martine’s. Most people just see the view, snap a photo of the river, and keep walking. They're missing the point.
Honestly, the "tourist trap" label gets thrown around a lot in Bucks County. It’s easy to assume any place with a deck and a river view is just coasting on its location. But Martine’s Riverhouse New Hope PA isn't some new-money pop-up trying to capitalize on the weekend crowds from Philly and New York. It’s been there since 1980. That’s forty-six years of surviving floods, economic shifts, and the literal changing tides of the Delaware.
The Story Behind the Yellow House
Martine Landry is the heart of the operation. She took this place over when she was just 25 years old. Think about that for a second. While most of us were still figuring out how to balance a checkbook, she was restoring a building that dates back to 1752. This isn't just a restaurant; it’s a piece of 18th-century architecture that used to be a boathouse.
You can feel the history when you walk in. It’s got those "old bones" that only a building from the 1700s can have, but without the musty smell. Martine actually did a massive renovation back in 2004 to keep the place from falling into the river, and it shows. The bar is classic wood, cozy, and feels like someone’s actual living room—if that someone had an incredible liquor license and a professional chef.
Why the Location is Actually a Big Deal
Look, New Hope has a lot of "riverfront" spots, but many of them are separated from the water by a road or a parking lot. At Martine’s, you are on the water. The two-tier patio is the prime real estate here. If you’re coming for lunch, you get that sparkling, wide-open view of the bridge connecting to Lambertville. If you’re here for dinner, the reflection of the lights on the water is basically a free therapy session.
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What You’re Actually Eating
The menu is "New American," which basically means they do a bit of everything but with a French-Canadian influence (thanks to Martine’s heritage).
People rave about the Thai Mussels. It’s a bit of a curveball for a historic PA riverside spot, but the coconut, ginger, and lemongrass combo is a staple for a reason. Then there’s the seafood linguini. It’s packed with lobster, shrimp, and scallops. It’s the kind of dish that makes you regret ordering a side of fries because you want to finish every last drop of the marinara and wine sauce.
Meagan Loos has been the chef for a while now, and she’s leaned heavily into the farm-to-table thing. In 2026, everyone says they’re "local," but here you can actually taste the difference in the seasonal stuff.
- The Mussels: Thai style, lots of herbs, very fragrant.
- The Crab Cake Sandwich: Often cited as the best in town. No filler.
- The Drinks: They do these pear and jalapeno margaritas that sound weird but actually work.
The 2026 Restaurant Week Buzz
Right now, in mid-January 2026, the town is buzzing because the 2nd Annual New Hope and Lambertville Restaurant Week is in full swing. It’s running from January 12th through the 25th. If you’re smart, you’ve already booked a table. Martine’s is doing a $55 three-course dinner prix fixe. In a town where a single entree can easily push $40, that’s a steal for this level of cooking and that specific view.
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Addressing the "Service" Elephant in the Room
If you spend enough time reading Yelp or Google reviews, you’ll see some polarizing stuff. Some people say the service is the best they’ve ever had. Others complain about wait times or feeling ignored during the rush.
Here’s the reality: it’s a small, historic house. When it’s 7:00 PM on a Saturday and the Bucks County Playhouse just let out, the place gets slammed. It’s not a corporate chain with fifty servers on floor. It’s a local business. If you go in expecting a 10-minute turnaround, you’re in the wrong town. Martine’s is for the diner who wants to sit back, have a drink, and actually talk to the person across from them.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you want a quiet, romantic evening or a high-end lunch before catching a show at the Playhouse, yes. If you’re looking for a rowdy sports bar, go somewhere else. Martine’s thrives on its "homey" vibe.
It’s worth noting that they don’t have kid-specific cups (they use glass jars), so keep that in mind if you’re bringing toddlers. It’s pet-friendly on the deck, though, which is a huge plus for the "take my dog everywhere" crowd.
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How to Do Martine's Right
- Park at the Union Square lot. Parking in New Hope is a nightmare. Don't even try to find a spot on Ferry Street.
- Request the deck. Even if it’s a bit chilly, they usually have heaters, and the view is 70% of the experience.
- Check the specials. The kitchen rotates dishes based on what’s fresh in Bucks County that week.
- Walk to the bridge after. It’s a two-minute walk to the free bridge. Walk halfway across to stand on the state line between PA and NJ.
If you’re planning a visit this month, keep an eye on the weather. The Delaware can be temperamental in January, but there’s nothing quite like watching the ice floes drift by while you’re tucked inside a 270-year-old house with a bowl of "Cozy Autumn Soup."
Whether you call it a "stalwart" or just that yellow house by the water, Martine's is a cornerstone of the New Hope dining scene for a reason. It’s survived because it knows exactly what it is: a place for good food, better views, and a total lack of pretension.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the official Martine’s Riverhouse website to view the current Restaurant Week menu and secure a reservation via OpenTable or by calling (215) 862-2966. If you're visiting during the weekend, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure parking at the nearby public lots before your reservation time.