CAMDEN — Peter Ott’s Restaurant reopened April 18 amid great fanfare and patrons turning out to see its new location on Bay View Landing, complete with water views, a rich, warm, new interior and an expanded menu to reflect its upgraded location. But, some things never change. Like the attention to detail, the friendly staff and Peter Masin-Peters’ incredible understanding of what makes food work.

Masin-Peters purchased Peter Ott’s in 2006, located at 16 Bay View St. where it had been for 40 years. In February, Masin-Peters announced the restaurant would close on March 29, and reopen in mid-April at its new waterfront location on Bay View Landing. True to his word, the restaurant opened after renovations to both the inside and the menu.

Peter Ott’s will offer dinners for now and a Sunday Brunch. They will be closed on Mondays and have plans to open for lunch, as well as dinner in the summertime.

Gone is the familiar salad bar, but it’s been replaced by specialty salads on the menu. Peter Ott’s continues its tradition of savory steaks with several to choose from. A selection of seafood will compliment the new menu, more as a lunch item, but available for dinner as well.

Bob and Cathy Maynes just moved back to Camden and decided to revisit Peter Ott’s. Bob was enjoying an order of chicken wings and Cathy had oysters on the half-shell when we interrupted them for a comment: “We’ve been living in Wiscasset for the last eight years and we just moved back to Camden. We lived in Camden 15 years ago. I ordered fried clams, my favorite, and Bob ordered seared scallops. This is just excellent, everything is great.”

Tony Gonydavone was walking by and we took the opportunity to get a comment.

“The food was excellent,” he said. “It’s absolutely the best fried haddock I’ve ever had. I’ve had a lot of baked haddock and it’s the first time I’ve ever had it fried. Everything was excellent, the presentation, the food, all just absolutely a good, great meal.”

Janet Kooyenga and Nancy Lawson, of Camden, sat at the bar having a glass of wine. Janet owns Josephine’s in Camden and worked with Peter to create the warm atmosphere inside the restaurant.

“We came here because the food is outstanding and I decorated the restaurant for Peter,” said Janet. “Peter was awesome to work with. He was open to ideas and most things I suggested.”

The atmosphere inside Peter Ott’s is warm and inviting, decorated in rich tones that invite you to sit down and feel comfortable. The rustic and finished floors might stir memories of an 1800s farm in parts of the restaurant with lots of natural light, but if you sit in front of the fireplace in the main dining area, you're transported into rich surroundings as you sink into a comfortable seat with plush pillows.

Jim and Jenni Ruddy sat at a table with another couple, Douglas and Pat Cole.

“We’ve been coming to Peter Ott’s since 1978, and I think this is a nice change,” said Jim. “I think a lot of people wonder about changes like this and worry about it, but I think this is good.”

“We’re from Rockport and have been coming to Peter Ott’s since 1985,” said Douglas. “So far we’re very pleased. I think it’s a nice move.”

“It’s great to be back open,” said Masin-Peters about his new location. “We did two seating at 5 and 7 p.m. the last two nights and it went really well. Everyone was happy and we’re looking forward to a great season here.”

Peter Ott’s is chef-owned and operated. They pride themselves on offering fine food that’s fresh and local.

And we can’t leave out the proud parents. Herb Peters and Eleanor Masin-Peters sat at a table and tried to keep the big smiles to a minimum. Herb said he was really impressed that his son had accomplished so much in just three weeks.

“He is definitely his own man, and has worked hard all his life,” said Herb. “He has always been the best at whatever he did. This is quite an accomplishment, I’m very proud.”

Reservations are suggested, 236-4032, or email peterotts@gmail.com

Chris Wolf can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com.